U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) announces the award of a $2.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to Papa Ola Lokahi. The award will support Imi Hale, the Native Hawaiian Cancer Research and Training Network. The initiative is aimed at reducing cancer incidence among Native Hawaiians and initiating cancer research, training, and control activities.

"Papa Ola Lokahi's project is innovative because of its pairing of Hawaiian traditions and culture with first-class science to guide research, training and control activities," Akaka noted. "The collaboration between community, state, and national partners to provide support systems and expertise is an important feature of the proposal. This comprehensive network will benefit Native Hawaiians, who have the highest cancer mortality rates in Hawaii."

The five-year, $2.5 million grant will enable Papa Ola Lokahi to initiate a statewide program to promote cancer awareness and begin cancer research, training, and control activities in partnership with local and national health organizations.