Since breaking ground in October 2022, the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Early Phase Clinical Research Center (EPCRC), named Hoʻōla (healing), has been steadily advancing toward completion, expected in spring 2025.
This pioneering facility, a first in the state, will specialize in early-phase clinical trials. It will provide Hawaiʻi‘s patients with access to innovative Phase 1 clinical trials and treatments, including drugs pending FDA approval.
New renderings of the first floor and images of the pharmacy lab on the second floor of the new facility were recently released, offering a glimpse into its evolving structure.
“More than a physical structure, the EPCRC embodies a commitment to diverse and inclusive healthcare,” said Naoto Ueno, UH Cancer Center director. “By tailoring treatments for different racial and ethnic groups, the center seeks to address the unique needs of Hawaiʻi’s population and is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing cancer care in Hawaiʻi.”
Spanning 7,857 square feet, EPCRC is a collaborative effort involving RIM Architects, Coffman Engineers and The Whiting Turner Contracting Company, with a total project value of $13 million. It was funded by a $6,478,224 grant from the National Institutes of Health and an equal contribution from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature.
The facility encompasses a clinical blood lab, clinical trial infusion suites, a nursing station, and a research pharmacy, among other support areas. EPCRC has also earned Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for meeting environmentally responsible standards that reflect a high commitment to energy and resource efficiency for new buildings.
“By offering early access to innovative treatments and spearheading clinical trials, UH EPCRC aims to reduce the burden of cancer on families and contribute to the long-term growth of the state’s healthcare sector,” Ueno said. “It will soon become a hub for practical, inclusive, and innovative cancer care in Hawaiʻi.”
