More than $6 million in stimulus funds will flow to Hawai'i to maintain or increase public safety while creating or retaining jobs within the law enforcement community, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds are part of more than $4 billion in Justice Department stimulus funds available to assist state, local and tribal law enforcement and for other criminal justice activities that help prevent crime, improve the criminal justice system in the United States, create jobs and support resources for states and local communities.

As noted in its application, Hawai'i's Department of the Attorney General plans to use the money to support efforts to address sex crimes, gang violence, property crimes and cyber crimes; and to aid court services, specialized courts (e.g., drug and mental health courts), offender treatment services, mental health treatment and case management, youth services, re-entry programs and services, substance abuse treatment; drug enforcement, and criminal justice information systems and technological needs. Hawai'i is required to give a portion of the $6.4 million to local jurisdictions.

"By addressing Hawaii's economic challenges while simultaneously meeting the state's public safety priorities, these funds represent the best of what the Recovery Act can do for our communities," Holder said in a statement. "This vital funding will help fight crime and build safer communities, and we look forward to continued work with Hawaii to address these criminal justice goals."