The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee announced it has approved a $24 million budget item for the East-West Center at the University of Hawai'i for next year.

The budget item still must be approved by the full Senate. The date of the vote is unknown.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai'i, said in a news release the appropriation is necessary because the center serves as an "invaluable education center and meeting ground for representatives of the Asia-Pacific community wishing to work toward a peaceful Pacific Rim.

"Through cooperative research, education and public diplomacy, the center has provided a critical understanding of the region's dynamic issues for global leaders involved in moving their countries together into the future."