Op-ed:  'Hawaii deserves a world-class, independent cancer center'

This op-ed written by UH Center Center supporters appeared in The Honolulu Star-Advertiser on June 5, 2025.

June 10, 2025

A group of community supporters of the University of University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center wrote an op-ed in the June 5 issue of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser arguing that maintaining the center’s independence is crucial for its all-important National Cancer Institute designation, a seal of high quality. The opinion piece in The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, written by Mari Martin, Peter Hirano and Dr. Claire Ku‘uleilani Hughes, and co-signed by Adelia Dung, reads in part:

“... In its most recent federal review, the UH Cancer Center received the highest score in its 50-year history. It was celebrated for its research excellence, community engagement and vision. That achievement was made possible because of its independent leadership and singular focus on cancer.

A restructuring that weakens that independence, no matter how it is defined, would risk losing our NCI designation, our funding and our ability to run critical clinical trials. It would divert attention from the center’s core mission.

We urge the UH leadership and Board of Regents to protect the autonomy of the UH Cancer Center. Ensure its independence. Strengthen its foundation so that it can continue to grow and serve future generations. …”

Read the full op-ed in The Honolulu Star-Advertiser