Hawaii Kidney Shortage: Locally Donated Kidneys Often Sent to Mainland, Leaving Residents Waiting

HAWAII: A staggering disparity exists in Hawaii’s organ donation system, especially concerning kidney transplants. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), from 2017 to 2024, Hawaii only received one kidney for every 46 sent out of state. This imbalance leaves hundreds of Hawaii residents in desperation, with approximately 300 individuals stuck on a waiting list without the life-saving organs they need.

Frank Lucero, a 59-year-old suffering from chronic kidney disease, embodies the struggle faced by many. His life now revolves around dialysis sessions that consume his mornings and leave him exhausted. Despite having a daughter who matched as a living donor, her kidney donation was rejected due to potential health risks flagged during testing. Lucero’s hopes were dashed once more when potential kidneys slipped away to mainland patients.

The issue gained the attention of State Senator Joyce San Buenaventura, who was unaware of the scale of kidney distribution outside Hawaii. She stresses the tremendous need for local patients who face significant barriers in accessing dialysis centers. Despite efforts to contact UNOS for clarity, a federal halt on communications stalled explanations, raising questions about how kidneys are allocated.

Dr. Linda Wong of Queen’s Medical Center Punchbowl, Hawaii’s sole transplant facility, points to a complex national scoring system influencing organ distribution. Factors like age, match difficulty, and distance from the donor impact who receives a kidney. Dr. Wong emphasizes the urgency in transplant timing, as any delay decreases the likelihood of a successful operation.

Efforts are underway to advocate for policy reviews and increased transparency from UNOS to possibly adjust allocation criteria and prioritize Hawaii’s unique geographical challenges. Meanwhile, Dr. Wong urges the community to participate in organ donation, highlighting that a single donor can save multiple lives, a critical call to action in light of the dire needs across the islands.

First published 2025-01-30 00:02:22


Transplant News
Transplant News

Transplant News brings you the news and content that matters to the transplant community. From patient stories, to the latest in transplant innovation, Transplant News is your window into the world of transplantation.