Correction to: Native Hawaiian Views on Biobanking.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The name of "Maile Taualii" is now corrected in the author group of this article.

Native Hawaiian views on biobanking.

Genomic science represents a new frontier for health research and will provide important tools for personalizing health care. Biospecimen-based research is an important mechanism for expanding the genomic research capacity, and indigenous peoples are a target of biospecimen-based research due to their relative isolation and the potential to discover rare or unique genotypes. This study explored Native Hawaiian perceptions of and expectations for biobanking. Ten discussion groups were conducted with Native Hawaiians (N = 92), who first heard a presentation on biobanking. Six themes emerged: (1) biobank governance by the Native Hawaiian community, (2) research transparency, (3) priority of Native Hawaiian health concerns, (4) leadership by Native Hawaiian scientists accountable to community, (5) re-consenting each time specimen is used, and (6) education of Native Hawaiian communities. Considered together, these findings suggest that biobanking should be guided by six principles that comprise "G.R.E.A.T. Research" (Governance, Re-consent, Education, Accountability, Transparency, Research priorities). These recommendations are being shared with biobanking facilities in Hawai'i as they develop protocols for biobanking participation, governance, and education. These findings also inform researchers and indigenous peoples throughout the world who are working on biobanking and genomic research initiatives in their nations.

Cardiovascular disease disparities in native Hawaiians.

Although Hawaii boasts relatively low rates of death from heart disease and stroke, past data suggest that Native Hawaiians bear a disproportionate burden of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examined 2005-2006 data on CVD mortality and risk factors to see if disparities experienced historically by Native Hawaiians have continued, increased, or been reduced. Existing data were reviewed related to CVD and risk factors for Native Hawaiians in Hawaii and compared with statewide and US rates. These data show that Native Hawaiians are experiencing continuing and perhaps growing disparities in CVD mortality rates and risk factor prevalence. Nevertheless, increased support for enlightened social policy and community-directed problem solving can help reduce CVD health disparities experienced by Native Hawaiians. Future research should be directed at better delineation of the various components of cardiometabolic risk and culturally sensitive, and educationally appropriate approaches to CVD risk reduction.

Cancer in the US Associated Pacific Islands (UASPI): history and participatory development.

The US-associated Pacific Island jurisdictions (USAPI) have great disparities in health care and comprehensive cancer care compared to the United States. Cancer mortality ranks first or second among the leading causes of death in most of these island nations. The USAPI has formed the Cancer Council of the Pacific Islands (CCPI), an indigenous council to identify and address the cancer health disparities of the region. The CCPI efforts were formally launched in 2002 with the support of the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities, a Center of the National Cancer Institute (CRCHD-NCI) and the National Center for Minority Health Disparities, a Center of the National Institutes of Health (NCMHD-NIH). Facilitating partners are the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Hawai'i and 'Imi Hale - Native Hawaiian Cancer Network, a program of Papa Ola Lokahi. The objectives of this initiative are to describe and address the cancer health disparities in the USAPI. Over the past 2 years there has been considerable progress in identifying and prioritizing cancer prevention and control needs; launching cancer prevention and control efforts in each of the jurisdictions; and leveraging additional funding to support ongoing activities. The support from the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities in fostering a participatory model of development has been landmark in the establishment and implementation of this initiative. This manuscript provides a historical background on cancer in the USAPI and prefaces 9 cancer assessments in this journal from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Belau, and the four states (Yap, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Chuuk) of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Na Liko Noelo: a program to develop Native Hawaiian researchers.

Native Hawaiians are underrepresented in health research. They also have expressed dissatisfaction with the way in which many non-native researchers have formulated research questions, conducted research, and disseminated findings about Native Hawaiians. 'Imi Hale - Native Hawaiian Cancer Network was funded by the National Cancer Institute to increase research training and mentorship opportunities for Native Hawaiians. To this end, 'Imi Hale has followed principles of community-based participatory research to engage community members in identifying research priorities and assuring that research is beneficial, and not harmful, to Native Hawaiians. Developing indigenous researchers is a cornerstone of the program and, in its first 4 years 'Imi Hale enrolled 78 Native Hawaiian "budding researchers (called Na Liko Noelo in Hawaiian), of which 40 (68%) have participated in at least one training and 28 (36%) have served as investigators, 40 (51%) as research assistants, and 10 (13%) as mentors on cancer prevention and control studies. The major challenge for Na Liko Noelo is finding the time needed to devote to research and writing scientific papers, as most have competing professional and personal obligations. Program evaluation efforts suggest, however, that 'Imi Hale and its Na Liko Noelo program are well accepted and are helping develop a cadre of community-sensitive indigenous Hawaiian researchers.