Investigating health disparities in cardiopulmonary and metabolic conditions among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

The Pacific Ocean Native Observational (PONO) Health Legacy Study

NIH-funded research University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10899603

This study is looking at the health challenges faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, especially related to heart and metabolic issues, and it invites participants to help us learn how their lifestyle, genetics, and environment affect their health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Honolulu, United States)
Project IDNIH-10899603 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the health challenges faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Hawaii, particularly regarding cardiopulmonary and metabolic health issues. By establishing a multi-generational cohort, the study aims to gather comprehensive data on conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that disproportionately affect these populations. The research employs innovative methods to address previous challenges in studying these groups, ensuring a more accurate representation of their health needs. Participants will contribute to a better understanding of how lifestyle, genetics, and environment influence health outcomes in these communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans living in Hawaii, particularly those with or at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients outside of these ethnic groups or those not residing in Hawaii may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health interventions and policies tailored specifically for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, ultimately reducing health disparities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in addressing health disparities in similar populations, but this study aims to implement novel methodologies that have not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Honolulu, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.