UH Cancer Center opening

The University of Hawai‘i realized a long-awaited dream on February 23, when the UH Cancer Center held its grand opening. The event marked the culmination of a project that began in October 2010. We are proud to say that the UH Cancer Center was completed four months ahead of schedule and $16 million under budget.

More than 300 people attended the ceremony, which included the untying of the maile lei. Irene Hirano Inouye and I did the honors while others looked on, including UH Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple, Ken Inouye, UH Cancer Center Director Michele Carbone, former UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Others in attendance included UH ‘ohana, the community, state lawmakers and other special guests that included scientist and Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn and Chief Executive Officer at the American Association for Cancer Research, Margaret Foti.

This is a critical time for cancer research in Hawai‘i and this state-of-the-art facility will attract top tier researchers and visiting scholars.

The six-story, 150-thousand square foot facility brings all of the center’s programs and researchers under one roof. The center employs more than 300 people, including 40 primary faculty members. Researchers are conducting more than 100 cancer research projects, with the goal of finding cures for cancer, or at least improving prevention and treatment for Hawai‘i residents.

Watch a video from the opening.