Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is getting a serious boost in its cancer fight at Moanalua Medical Center, thanks to a $5 million philanthropic gift that will help power a major expansion of its oncology services. The new cancer center under construction is planned at 12,500 square feet, nearly three times the size of the current space, with more infusion bays, larger patient rooms and a lot more natural light. The opening is projected for late 2027.
In a May 19 press release, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust said the $5 million grant will specifically support infusion bays and other patient care areas inside a new hematology and medical oncology wing. “This grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust is a tremendous gift to the patients we serve,” Kaiser Hawaii market president Ed Chan said in the announcement.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii reports that the new cancer center will be about 12,500 square feet, nearly triple the size of the current oncology space, and is designed to bring seamless access to clinic, laboratory and pharmacy services in one place. The system also notes that roughly 1,400 Kaiser Hawaii members are diagnosed with cancer each year and that its members have higher survival rates for major cancers compared with national SEER benchmarks.
What the expansion will add
Local coverage says the new layout is built around patient comfort, with larger treatment rooms, more infusion bays, expanded natural light and views of a renovated healing courtyard garden. Construction at Moanalua is already underway, The Garden Island reported.
Why it matters for island patients
Officials say the center is being designed to serve Kaiser members statewide, including patients who travel from neighbor islands for specialized care. “Access to high-quality cancer care close to home is critically important,” Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, said in the trust’s announcement. Thoughtfully designed infusion and care spaces can make a meaningful difference for patients and families, the Helmsley Charitable Trust said…