RELEASED BY THE OFFICE OF SEN. AKAKA: 

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced today that the University of Hawaii at Manoa is one of two universities selected as co-leaders in the establishment of a new homeland security Center of Excellence for Maritime, Island, and Port Security.

The University of Hawaii and Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, will each receive a multiyear grant of as much as $2 million per year over a four- to six-year period.  UH-Manoa will take the lead in providing the Department of Homeland Security with problem-solving research into maritime and island security issues.  Stevens Institute of Technology will be responsible for research into port security.

"The University of Hawaii's location and its research and intellectual expertise make it the ideal institution to conduct the multidisciplinary research to develop the programs vital to securing Hawaii and remote coastal areas from terrorist threats and natural disasters, such as tsunamis and earthquakes," said Senator Inouye.  "UH will provide the security tools we need, as well as recovery blueprints from natural disasters."

Senator Inouye is a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over homeland security issues involving the nation's transportation infrastructure and telecommunications.

Senator Akaka, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, added:  "The University of Hawaii was selected by Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate after a highly competitive selection process.  That demonstrates UH has the intellectual muscle to be on the front lines in helping to secure our country.  It also shows that Department of Homeland Security officials are confident that the University of Hawaii has a vital leadership role in securing and protecting our nation."

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