Hawaii Awarded $12.6 Million in Federal Homeland Security Grants

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June 16, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye announced today that Hawaii will receive more than $12.6 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to strengthen the State's preparation, prevention, and disaster response capabilities:

* State Homeland Security Grant Program - the State of Hawaii will receive over $6.5 million to further invest in homeland security planning, equipment, and training.
* Urban Areas Security Initiative - the City and County of Honolulu will receive more than $4.7 million to further develop urban homeland security capabilities.
* Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program - the City and County of Honolulu will receive over $1.4 million to support regional planning for emergency situations.

"Hawaii's location, thousands of miles from the mainland, means we need to have our own equipment, trained personnel, and well-coordinated plans on hand so we can respond quickly and effectively to natural or manmade disasters. This funding will help Hawaii remain vigilant," said Senator Akaka, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

"Receiving these funds means that when disaster strikes, Hawaii will stand strong and ready. This means we will be prepared to help both our own communities and friends throughout the Pacific," said Senator Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Our people are already leaders in emergency preparedness and response, but added funds will ensure rapid, efficient response to catastrophe."

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funding allocations announced today are in addition to $6.5 million FEMA allocated to Hawaii in April: LINK

The DHS released FY 2009 application guidance and target allocations in November 2008. For more information on DHS's grant program allocations, please visit: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/index.shtm

Source: Senator Daniel K. Akaka