WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced today that the State of Hawaii will receive a federal grant of nearly $2.5 million to combat drunk driving.

Senator Inouye said: "The deaths and injuries that result from drunk driving only bring sadness and pain to our community.  This grant will strengthen our ongoing efforts to curb alcohol-impaired driving.  It is through the effectiveness of new or continuing programs - whether they focus on education or enforcement - that we can ease or prevent the sorrow caused by drunk driving."

Senator Akaka added:  "Too many people in Hawaii have been seriously injured or killed by drunk drivers.  On the Big Island alone, police said 15 people were killed last year in drunk driving accidents and more than 1,400 drivers under the influence were arrested, far too many.  This grant will help as we continue to work together to prevent the trauma and pain caused by drunk driving."

The grant of $2,491,330 for Hawaii will be disbursed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of an existing nationwide program.  The funds can only be used to deter drunk driving and promote alcohol traffic safety. 

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