WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) announced today that the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu will receive more than $13.1 million from three grant programs distributed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this year, an increase of more than $1 million (8 percent) over last year.  DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff made the grants public today.

$6,170,000 to the State of Hawaii for State and local homeland security capabilities.   These funds will support planning and exercising, among other activities.

$5,005,000 to the City and County of Honolulu to address the complexities of building homeland security capabilities in urban areas.

$2,000,000 to the City and County of Honolulu through the new Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program.  According to DHS, the goal of RCPGP is to support an integrated planning system that enables regional all-hazard planning for catastrophic events and the development of necessary plans, protocols, and procedures to manage a catastrophic event.

"With an additional one million dollars in grant funding over last year, Hawaii will be even better prepared and equipped to handle security challenges," said Senator Akaka, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Senator Inouye, a senior member the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, said: "Hawaii faces special challenges in preparing for disaster, whether natural or man-made.  As an island state, we are isolated both from the mainland United States, and even from one another.  Whether it is urban response for Honolulu, or response to one of our rural communities, the grant funding we receive today will help to raise the level of self sufficiency and preparedness for the safety of all our residents and visitors."

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