Major Grant Enhances Cancer Care and Research in Hawaiʻi

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has announced a significant investment of over $2.2 million to bolster medical education and cancer research initiatives in Hawaiʻi. This funding will be allocated to the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) to enhance clinical training equipment and support the start-up costs of the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center at the UH Cancer Center. These projects aim to improve local training opportunities and enable residents to participate in clinical research without the need to travel to the U.S. mainland.

The funding comprises two separate awards, each exceeding $1 million, reflecting the trust’s commitment to reducing barriers to healthcare access, especially in geographically isolated areas. Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges for communities that often face significant obstacles in receiving care.

New Clinical Research Center Aims to Keep Patients Close to Home

One of the key components of the funding will support the establishment of the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, set to open in March 2026 on the UH Kakaʻako campus. Once operational, the center will enable local patients to enroll in early-stage oncology trials in Hawaiʻi. This initiative is expected to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens associated with traveling to the mainland for treatment, making it easier for patients to access cutting-edge cancer care.

Naoto T. Ueno, the director of the UH Cancer Center, highlighted that the Helmsley funding will accelerate the center’s development and enhance Hawaiʻi’s capabilities in cancer research. By fostering local clinical trials, the initiative will contribute to more personalized health solutions tailored to the unique needs of the state’s diverse population.

Advancements in Medical Training for Future Healthcare Providers

In addition to supporting the cancer research center, the trust’s grant will also benefit the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) by funding the acquisition of advanced clinical training equipment. This includes Anatomage virtual dissection tables, portable ultrasound machines, and sophisticated procedural models aimed at improving hands-on instruction for students, residents, and practicing clinicians across Oʻahu and neighboring islands.

JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker stated that this investment is designed to align physician training with the healthcare needs of Hawaiʻi, ensuring that future medical professionals are well-equipped to serve the community effectively.

The Helmsley Charitable Trust has a history of supporting healthcare initiatives in remote and rural areas. Its Rural Healthcare Program has previously funded equipment, telehealth services, and workforce training across various states and Pacific islands, with a focus on expanding access to essential services in underserved regions. This latest funding round reflects its ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access in Hawaiʻi.

The UH Cancer Center serves as the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, catering to a wide-ranging patient demographic. The availability of early-phase clinical trials in Hawaiʻi stands to significantly reduce the need for patients to travel for treatment. The resources from the Helmsley awards are aimed at enhancing research that is relevant to local communities, while also strengthening the training of clinicians who serve rural and neighbor island populations.

This substantial investment from the Helmsley Charitable Trust marks a crucial step forward in ensuring that cancer patients in Hawaiʻi receive the care and support they need without the burden of distance and related costs. It reinforces the importance of local research capabilities and medical training, ultimately contributing to healthier outcomes for residents across the islands.