$2.2 Million Boost for Cancer Research and Training in Hawaiʻi

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has announced a significant investment of over $2.2 million for medical education and research initiatives in Hawaiʻi. This funding, allocated to the University of Hawaiʻi, aims to enhance local healthcare by upgrading clinical training equipment and supporting the establishment of the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center at the UH Cancer Center. The initiatives are designed to provide essential resources for cancer research and training within the state, thereby reducing the need for patients to travel to the U.S. mainland for participation in clinical trials.

Investment Targets Local Healthcare Improvement

The funding comprises two awards, each exceeding $1 million, as confirmed by the UH Foundation. Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Trust, emphasized the organization’s commitment to breaking down barriers to healthcare, particularly in geographically isolated areas. The investment includes support for the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, which is set to open in March 2026 on the UH Kakaʻako campus. This center will enable local patients to participate in early-stage oncology trials without the burden of traveling to the mainland, significantly alleviating travel-related costs and logistical challenges.

Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center, noted that this funding will expedite the center’s launch and bolster Hawaiʻi’s capacity for cancer research. The availability of local trials is expected to enhance patient access to cutting-edge treatments while fostering a research environment tailored to the unique needs of the local population.

Enhancing Clinical Training Across Hawaiʻi

In addition to the research center, the funding will also benefit the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). This portion of the grant focuses on upgrading clinical training facilities. The funds will be used to acquire advanced tools such as Anatomage virtual dissection tables, portable ultrasound machines, and sophisticated procedural models. These resources will facilitate hands-on training for students, residents, and practicing clinicians across Oʻahu and neighboring islands.

JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker stated that the investment is strategically aligned with the healthcare needs of Hawaiʻi. By enhancing training capabilities, the initiative aims to prepare a skilled workforce capable of addressing local health challenges.

The Helmsley Trust has a history of supporting healthcare initiatives in rural and underserved areas. Its Rural Healthcare Program has previously funded equipment, telehealth services, and workforce training across various states and Pacific islands, including investments in Hawaiʻi. This ongoing commitment to improving access to diagnostics and services underscores the significance of the latest funding.

The UH Cancer Center, recognized as the only National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center in the state, serves a diverse patient population. The establishment of local early-phase clinical trials may significantly reduce the necessity for patients to travel for care. The resources provided by the Helmsley awards are expected to enhance research and training efforts, ultimately benefiting both clinicians and patients in rural and neighbor island communities.