$3.8M federal grant will aid cancer fight
The University of Hawaii Cancer Center and the Queen’s Medical Center have been awarded a National Cancer Institute grant worth more than $3.8 million over five years to conduct cancer clinical trials for minority and underserved populations in Hawaii.
Queen’s will lead the cancer care delivery research component of the grant.
The grant, offered under the auspices of NCI’s Community Oncology Research Program, is part of a national effort to increase access to NCI research for minority, rural and underserved patient populations.
"This grant allows us to look at recent advances in cancer research and bring the new knowledge into clinical trials conducted in the community, where most patients receive their care," Dr. Jeff Berenberg — an oncologist at Tripler Army Medical Center, a Cancer Center faculty member and co-principal investigator on the grant — said in a news release. "It also allows us to identify those things that reduce cancer risk (and) enhance patient quality of life."
The program will encompass clinical oncology research with all community hospitals and private practice physicians affiliated with the UH Cancer Center.
Rock star Tyler speaks to group at Drug Court
WAILUKU » Although he performed before a crowd of 20,000 a few nights before, rock star Steven Tyler admitted to a touch of nerves as he addressed 11 Maui Drug Court graduates and their families Thursday afternoon in Circuit Court.
"I’m nervous here because I’m telling you all my truth," the Aerosmith co-founder and lead singer said. "I am also a drug addict and alcoholic and fighting it every day."
As a guest speaker at the 49th Maui/Molokai Drug Court program graduation, Tyler encouraged graduates to continue in their recovery, in part by attending Alcoholics Anonymous and other support group meetings, as he does.
The Drug Court marked a milestone Thursday with the 500th graduate of the program, which began on Maui in August 2000.
Kauai shuttles will serve riders starting Nov. 1
A shuttle service that recently launched on Kauai’s North Shore will offer full service for Nov. 1 as part of a six-month pilot project to reduce traffic congestion.
For the next two weeks, the shuttle will operate on a limited basis, with only hotel concierges and other resort staff members aboard to familiarize themselves with the routes.
A company called Experience Kauai will operate a 14-passenger van and a 15-passenger shuttle seven days a week. Each will accommodate coolers, body boards, beach chairs and umbrellas for beachgoers.
The shuttle service is scheduled to operate between 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Fares initially will be $2 each way for visitors and $1 for residents.
