(HTC), a clinical program of the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (JABSOM), is celebrating four decades of life-saving care in �鶹��ý. As the only 24/7 emergency hyperbaric facility in the Pacific, HTC has been a vital lifeline for divers, carbon monoxide poisoning victims, and patients with complex medical conditions requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

“The HTC is an essential emergency service and training site for future medical professionals,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “For 40 years, it has helped cancer survivors manage radiation therapy’s long-term effects, supported diabetic patients in avoiding amputations, and treated patients with decompression sickness, or “the bends.’ “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to expanding research, education, and access to hyperbaric medicine for the people of �鶹��ý.”

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, enhancing healing and improving patient outcomes. The increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more efficiently into the bloodstream, accelerating the recovery process.

Established in 1984 at Kewalo Basin, HTC relocated to Kuakini Medical Center in 1994. Today, HTC features state-of-the-art electronic systems that enhance treatment precision and streamline care.

“As we celebrate 40 years of hyperbaric medicine in �鶹��ý, we recognize HTC’s role in saving lives and advancing medical training,” said Steven Hankins, HTC medical director and JABSOM assistant professor. Hankins, named medical director in February, added, “Through JABSOM, we continue to train future doctors while providing 24/7 emergency care to our community.”

Advancing care and education

A $1.6 million state-funded renovation in 2021 modernized HTC with upgraded cameras, lighting, environmental controls, and a revamped control panel, improving efficiency and patient care.

HTC now treats 15 Medicare-approved conditions beyond decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning, including radiation therapy, diabetic foot wounds, gas embolisms, traumatic injuries and sudden hearing loss. With advancements in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the center has also become a crucial resource for complex cases such as failed surgical grafts and chronic wounds.

As part of JABSOM, it provides hands-on training for medical students, residents and fellows. “Hyperbaric medicine remains an under-recognized but essential therapy,” said Hankins. “By increasing training opportunities, HTC aims to raise awareness among future healthcare providers about the benefits of hyperbaric medicine and its role in patient care.”

In 2024 alone, HTC provided 2,132 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions to patients suffering from tissue damage due to radiation and other causes, highlighting the increasing demand for specialized care.

Future growth

For 40 years, it has been our kuleana to provide these critical services, and we are committed to continuing this mission.
—Steven Hankins

HTC operates under JABSOM in collaboration with University Health Partners of �鶹��ý, JABSOM‘s faculty practice. While clinical revenue supports operations, it does not fully cover costs.

Looking ahead, HTC aims to expand research—including participation in a national clinical outcomes database—and further integrate hyperbaric medicine into UH’s medical and nursing curricula. Hankins encourages community support through and advocacy for state funding.

“For 40 years, it has been our kuleana to provide these critical services, and we are committed to continuing this mission,” he said.

Renovations to the University of �鶹��ý (HTC) at the Kuakini Medical Center, originally scheduled for June 28 through August 13, have been delayed. Normal operations will resume throughout the summer. UH was notified by contractors on June 2, that renovations will not begin until mid-October 2021.

The HTC facility at Kuakini Medical Center will undergo a $1.6-million renovation funded by the �鶹��ý State Legislature. The renovation includes a complete overhaul of the hyperbaric chamber control station, patient monitoring and system upgrades to improve medical care.

When the renovations begin, the Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) has agreed to provide limited emergency hyperbaric services during the HTC renovations. Due to limited capacity, QMC will only be able to admit emergency patients who are stable and without need for other medical interventions. The University of California, San Diego multiplace hyperbaric chamber in San Diego, California will serve as a potential back-up for hyperbaric emergencies that cannot be accommodated at QMC.

The University of �鶹��ý (HTC), located at the Kuakini Medical Center, will temporarily suspend all operations from June 28 through August 13 to undergo renovations and is asking the �鶹��ý scuba diving community to plan accordingly.

The Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) has agreed to provide limited emergency hyperbaric services during the HTC renovations. Due to limited capacity, QMC will only be able to admit emergency patients who are stable and without need for other medical interventions. The University of California, San Diego multiplace hyperbaric chamber in San Diego, California will serve as a potential back-up for hyperbaric emergencies that cannot be accommodated at QMC.

HTC notified the scuba diving community in an April 28 letter asking that planned dive operations scheduled during the renovations be carefully reviewed and that recreational dive operators inform their clients of the situation.

“We regret the necessary disruption to hyperbaric services, but look forward to resuming full operations with a more modern and sustainable infrastructure in August. Thank you for your understanding and support,” said HTC Director Susan Steinemann and University Health Partners of �鶹��ý Chief Executive Officer Larry Shapiro in the letter to stakeholders.

The HTC facility at Kuakini Medical Center will undergo a $1.6-million renovation funded by the �鶹��ý State Legislature. The renovation includes a complete overhaul of the hyperbaric chamber control station, patient monitoring and system upgrades to improve medical care.

The center has treated civilian divers for decompression sickness or “the bends” in �鶹��ý since 1983 and maintains 24-hour/7-days-a-week emergency services. In 2020, HTC treated 18 emergency patients and provided more than 1,350 hyperbaric oxygen treatments for patients suffering from tissue damage due to infection, illness and radiation. In 2019, 29 emergency patients were treated and more than 1,300 hyperbaric oxygen treatments were provided.