The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation said Monday it will give $5 million to the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, the largest single donation in the hospital’s 58-year history.

The gift will help pay for the hospital’s renovation and kicks off a $17.2 million capital campaign.

"The generosity and aloha of the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation will be felt by generations to come," said Michael Perry, radio personality and REHAB Foundation chairman.

"We are honored that the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation has selected REHAB for this significant gift," said Stanford Carr, co-chairman of the capital campaign.

Founded in 1967, the foundation is a charitable organization established by developer Clarence Ching, who built housing subdivisions in Moanalua and Salt Lake and constructed the 857-unit Kukui Gardens housing project downtown.

During its first decades in business, the foundation quietly contributed to local nonprofits and educational institutions such as Saint Louis School, Chaminade University and St. Francis Medical Center. More recently the foundation has become a major player in the local philanthropic scene thanks to a $132 million cash infusion from the controversial sale of the Kukui Gardens complex in 2008. Since 2008 the foundation has committed more than $65 million to Hawaii organizations.

"This $5 million grant will continue to support the hospital’s mission, which is to provide the highest level of rehabilitative care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay," said Jack Tsui, foundation chairman.

The hospital’s renovation will include upgrading electrical, air conditioning, fire prevention and hurricane-resistant windows; improving the interior of the patient rooms, family rooms and transitional apartments; and adding family activity rooms and a healing garden.