Posted on: Saturday, September 18, 2004

Hawai'i may get $229M from feds

Associated Press

Hawai'i stands to receive $229 million in federal money to support several programs including the University of Hawai'i's new cancer center and initiatives to promote Native Hawaiian health and education.

The money for the Hawai'i programs is contained in federal spending bills for Fiscal Year 2005 approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week, according to Sen. Dan Inouye, D-Hawai'i.

The measures now advance to the full Senate for consideration.

"These programs provide vital services and exciting opportunities for the people of Hawai'i," Inouye said.

Among the projects are:

• $46 million in impact aid to support school districts with students who are dependents of military and government families.

• $36 million for educating Native Hawaiians and repairing public schools with high percentage of Native Hawaiian students.

• $20.3 million to continue emergency medical service for children, including money for Hana Community Health Center.

• $19.5 million for the East-West Center.

• $15 million to establish a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's regional facility in Hawaii.

• $10 million for the planning and design of the UH cancer center.

A combined $10 million appropriation would go to fight Hawaii's crystal methamphetamine problem, including $1 million for the Honolulu Police Department drug lab.