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Extensive news coverage heralds Grand Opening of Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center

100+ news stories across TV, digital, print, radio cover launch of Hawaiʻi’s first dedicated center for early phase clinical trials for cancer

August 4, 2026

The Grand Opening of the Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center on July 6, 2026, generated extensive news coverage, with more than 100 news stories across TV, digital, print and radio media outlets. Some highlights:

  1. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser: “University of Hawaii Cancer Center launches clinical research facility,” July 5, 2026
  2. Hawaii News Now: seven segments on its “Sunrise” morning news show on July 7, including “Clinical research center opens for UH cancer patients.”
  3. KHON2 News: “New cancer center for clinical trials in Hawaii unveiled,” July 6, 2026
  4. Pacific Business News: “University of Hawaii opens first dedicated center for early-phase cancer trials,” July 6, 2026
  5. Aloha State Daily: “New cancer clinical research center unveiled in Honolulu,” July 6, 2026
  6. Hawaiʻi Public Radio: “A new hub for clinical trials aims to counteract 'financial toxicity,'” July 14, 2026
  7. News, Office of Gov. Josh Green: “UH Cancer Center launches Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center,” Aug. 3, 2026
  8. News stories about Ho‘ōla EPCRC also moved via Yahoo News and MSN, among other global digital outlets.

a collage of photos of reporting in progress

The media campaign also included the July 2 release of a new study from the UH Cancer Center that established the need for specialized cancer-care services locally such as those at Ho‘ōla EPCRC. The analysis found that Hawaiʻi patients spent at least $230 million on cancer care delivered outside Hawaiʻi between 2021 and 2023.

Researchers analyzed de-identified commercial insurance claims from the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA) for residents receiving cancer treatment, and found that geographic isolation has led many Hawaiʻi patients to seek advanced cancer therapeutics and clinical trials on the mainland.

When other news stories generated by the UH Cancer Center are included, the center generated a total of more than 300 news stories in July 2026.