WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye announced today that the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu will receive more than $7.8 million in grants from the Department of Homeland Security in FY 2008, an increase of more than $2.5 million over last year.

The largest - $4,528,068 to the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation - is for port security, they said.

The State of Hawaii will receive $2,918,592 in funds for its emergency management programs and will also receive $398,000 from Homeland Security's Buffer Zone Protection Program. This program aims to protect and secure critical infrastructure, such as power plants and other high-risk facilities.

"Homeland Security grant funding is a critical part of ensuring that Hawaii is prepared for both man-made and natural disasters. Our distance from the mainland means we have to be better prepared than other states to cope with the aftermath of any catastrophic event," said Senator Akaka, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Senator Inouye, the No. 2 Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, added: "The grants are vital for our islands' security preparations and emergency management. Senator Akaka and I will continue to work as a team to ensure that Hawaii's security needs are met."

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