Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced the grants, saying in a prepared statement that the money would "enhance the abilities of the first reponders to prevent, respond and recover from potential acts of terrorism."

State officials nationwide will be able to request money online through a new and more user-friendly process, Ridge said. He said it would help improve preparedness.

"State and local communication and coordination, after all, reflects the very nature of homeland security, the federal government working with the home towns of America to keep our country safe and free," Ridge said.

The largest amount of money — more than $16.9 million — is available from the federal government’s State Homeland Security Program. It would help law-enforcement agencies pay for planning, training, equipment and exercises.

About $5 million from the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program is to help fight terrorism with a focus on preventing the use of weapons of mass destruction.

The remaining $352,000 will be available to support Citizen Corps Councils with planning, outreach and management. Such councils, which are not yet organized in Hawai'i, bring together community volunteers who may have experience useful during a terrorist-related crisis or natural disaster.

Hawai'i authorities must apply for the money in December, said Maj. Charles Anthony, spokesman for the Hawai'i National Guard, which handles civil defense.