MEDIA RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye announced that Hawaii will receive more than $13.9 million in preparedness grants distributed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2011.

“As we approach the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we should reflect on the tremendous toll that terrorism and natural disasters can exact, as well as the significant steps our nation has taken to strengthen our homeland defenses. DHS preparedness grants are critical to advancing our nation’s resilience. Although I am disappointed with this year’s reductions in funding, I will continue fighting to ensure that Hawaii receives the funding needed to protect our communities from acts of terrorism and major disasters,” said Senator Akaka, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

“I am very pleased that these much needed funds have been made available to Hawaii. With the APEC conference a few months away our law enforcement officials and first responders should not be worried about how to fund their activities. This money will help our police, fire fighters, and paramedics and keep our community safe,” said Senator Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Hawaii will receive funding from the following grant programs:

• State Homeland Security Program – the State will receive $5,137,205 to support its homeland security strategies in planning, equipment, and training activities;
• Emergency Management Performance Grant Program – the State will receive $3,287,765 to enhance its emergency management capabilities;
• Port Security Grant Program – the State will receive $2,763,021 to protect critical port infrastructure in the Honolulu port area;
• Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program – the State will receive $1,281,976 to enhance regional and community planning for emergency situations;
• Driver’s License Security Grant Program – the State will receive $829,473 to improve the reliability of State issued personal identification documents;
• Metropolitan Medical Response System – the City and County of Honolulu will receive $281,693 to enhance local response efforts to mass casualty incidents;
• Transit Security Grant Program – the City and County of Honolulu will receive $254,000 to enhance security at critical transit infrastructure; and
• Citizen Corps Program – the State will receive $99,702 to coordinate involvement of community members and organizations in emergency management.

For additional information, visit www.fema.gov/grants