MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Department of Defense will receive a grant worth $872,075 from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) program to support the planning, education and outreach activities in preparation for building the first nationwide public safety broadband network.

“Our police, firefighters and emergency service professionals deserve a compatible and suitable communication network so that they can respond quickly when action is needed most,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “These resources will help Hawaii implement the first nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network. I am glad that Hawaii is beginning the process of planning for this wireless network.”

The creation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for first responders was one of the recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.

The need for improved emergency communications was again evident during network failures resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and, most recently, with communications hindrances following Superstorm Sandy.

The State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) is a formula-based, matching grant program to assist states, in collaboration with regional, tribal, and local jurisdictions, to perform activities related to planning for the establishment of a nationwide public safety broadband network.