Hawai‘i to Receive More than $7.5 Million for Emergency Preparedness

Hawai‘i is set to receive $7,632,218 in federal funding to prevent and respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other emergencies, as well as increase security at Hilo Harbor, Sen. Brian Schatz has announced.

“Unfortunately, this past week the nation has seen how devastating natural disasters can be,” said Sen. Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This funding will help Hawai‘i take all possible measures to thwart potential emergencies, while ensuring that we are prepared to respond if and when disaster does strike.”

The funding will be awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Hawai‘i will receive $3,542,668 to help prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies, and $3,752,000 to help fund the state’s homeland security strategy, allowing emergency planners to prepare for, mitigate, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophes.

In addition, the Hawai‘i Department of Defense will receive $337,550 through the DHS Port Security Grant Program to increase security measures at Hilo Harbor.