$372 MILLION FOR HAWAII-RELATED PROJECTS IN OMNIBUS BILL

The state is expected to receive a total of $372 million as part of an Omnibus Appropriations Act that is awaiting the president’s signature.There’s a variety of Maui county projects included in the bill—among them, $1.8 million for the Upcountry Watershed on Maui. There’s also a $141,000 appropriation for Maui County’s Women in Technology program, $191,000 for navigation conditions at Maalaea Harbor and $200,000 for a water resource study on Molokai.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel K. Inouye and Senator Daniel K. Akaka made the announcement after final passage of the legislation last night.The earmarks, if passed, would include the following items:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

U.S. Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center (PBARC)

Construction$1,565,000

Research Funds$2,386,000

Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture Research$3,338,500

Hawaii and Florida evenly share $6,677,000 to continue agriculture research programs that are applicable to growers in tropical and subtropical regions.The program specializes in methods to prevent and control invasive alien species, with the ultimate goal of lowering quarantine requirements.This goal is a priority for Pacific and Caribbean farmers because quarantine is one of their most significant trade barriers.

Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations$3,175,000

This appropriation will be used on the following watershed projects: Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed ($1,169,000), Upcountry Maui Watershed ($1,815,000), and Wailuku-Alenaio ($191,000).

Agriculture Pre-clearance Quarantine Inspections$1,643,000

This appropriation funds a program, authorized by an amendment introduced by Senator Inouye to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, that relieves the State of Hawaii of the cost of agriculture inspections at Neighbor Island airports.Those inspections are federally mandated, and would otherwise cost the State approximately $3 million annually.

Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions$1,598,000

This funding is part of a $3,196,000 appropriation for the Alaska Native and Native

Hawaiian Serving Institutions grant program.The purpose of this program is to

strengthen educational activities, including applied research and community development projects, at universities and colleges with students of Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian ancestry.In the past, grants awarded to eligible Hawaii institutions focused on activities that lead to the development of value-added agricultural products, overseas markets, and Native Hawaiian-owned production and marketing businesses.

Tropical Aquaculture Research$1,438,000

The Oceanic Institute will use these funds to continue its Tropical Aquaculture Research program, which focuses on feeds, nutrition, and the global competitiveness of the domestic aquaculture industry.

Wildlife Services$1,033,000

These funds will be used to continue the operation of a State Wildlife Services Office in Hawaii, which provides on-site coordination of activities to control pests and diseases in Hawaii and the American Pacific.

Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC)

Diversified Agriculture Research$592,000

HARC focuses on improving the efficiency of sugarcane production, developing new products from sugarcane, and supporting the expansion of diversified agriculture in Hawaii.HARC’s ongoing projects include completing the genetic fingerprinting for coffee, pineapple, macadamia nuts, and papaya; identifying the genes responsible for fungal resistance in papaya; and supporting a sugarcane breeding program.

Fruit Fly Rearing Facility$469,000

This earmark would be used for the planning and design of a multi-species fruit fly breeding facility in Waimanalo.Fruit fly rearing is crucial to any long-term control strategy imperative for a thriving agricultural industry.

Varroa Mite Suppression$469,000

This initiative implements a varroa mite suppression program on Oahu, and begins work on eradication plans should the mites infest other islands in the state.

Agriculture Development and Resource Conservation$376,000

Funds would be used to continue this successful statewide agricultural development and resource conservation program.The program was initiated on Molokai and has been used to support agriculture development in the Molokai Hawaiian homestead community.It includes intensive training sessions to instill in new entrepreneurs the skills necessary for establishing and sustaining new agriculture-related businesses.This amount would be divided between the Counties of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii.

Agriculture Development in the American Pacific$349,000

This program addresses common Pacific island-based agriculture and community issues through cooperative research, extension, and instruction programs that are culturally appropriate, socially acceptable, economically viable, and environmentally compatible.The program’s objective is to help Pacific region residents live healthier and more productive lives by further developing their agricultural skills and knowledge.

Papaya Ringspot and Pineapple Nematode$282,000

This appropriation will be used to monitor and refine control of the papaya ringspot virus, and to expand the techniques and knowledge obtained from this program to other diseases and pests.It will also be used to genetically engineer nematode and virus resistance in Hawaii’s best varieties of pineapples.

Minor Crop Pest Control$265,000

The funds will be used by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to develop environmentally compatible methods to control pests and diseases in tropical and subtropical agricultural systems.

Floriculture Industry$243,000

These funds will be used to support industry-directed research projects to develop new varieties of tropical flowers with unique appearances that are disease resistant,

and have longer shelf lives.These characteristics are critical to the floriculture industry’s ability to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

Nontoxic Fruit Fly Control$200,000

These funds will continue the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ collaborative work on developing effective and nontoxic methods to control Tephritid fruit flies and to expand efforts to control and eradicate multiple pests that limit the exporting of Hawaii produce.

Subterranean Termites$188,000

Termites continue to be the most economically destructive insect pests in Hawaii and the American Pacific.These funds will be used to continue research to understand termite biology and ecology in Hawaii, develop environmentally friendly control methods that stop termites from destroying structures, and prevent new termite infestations from spreading throughout the Pacific.

Rodent Control$162,000

The National Wildlife Research Center, Hilo Field Station, will use these funds to support efforts to control rodents in agricultural areas.

Agriculture Diversification$153,000

This initiative assists the College ofTropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association in finding ways to remove barriers to the development and expansion of the tropical fruit industry in Hawaii.

Women in Technology$141,000

This is a technical assistance and workforce training project designed to assist small businesses on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai in the recruitment of women and minorities, groups that are under represented in technology-related careers.

Hawaii Plant Materials Center$106,000

These funds will enable the Hawaii Plant Materials Center to expand its seed production, continue seed production training in the community, and increase seed deliveries to the Island of Kahoolawe.The Center propagates native plants with the dual objective of supporting the federal cleanup and re-vegetation of Kahoolawe, and establishing economically competitive native plant nurseries.The Center’s achievements include developing a 20-acre nursery on Molokai.

Molokai Agriculture Development$67,000

This program features training, business coaching, and cost-share assistance to new agricultural enterprises that engage in sustainable agricultural development in this predominantly Native Hawaiian community.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NOAA Pacific Regional Facility$60,250,000

These funds are for the construction of a regional facility for NOAA on Ford Island in Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor. NOAA has completed construction on the piers and the ship operations building, and initiated construction for adaptive re-use and renovation of Building 130 for small boat storage, marine mammal care, and central utility plant for the complex. Collocation of Hawaii’s NOAA programs at a single facility will lead to substantial cost avoidance savings of $112 million over a 30-year life-cycle.

Hawaiian Sea Turtles$7,800,000

Funding safeguards against the extinction of endangered turtle populations and decreases the risk of interactions with longline fishing fleets. Any real progress made to conserve Pacific sea turtles has come from the Hawaii Sea Turtle Program.

Pacific Islands Regional Office/Pacific Islands

Fisheries Science Center$5,000,000

These funds are necessary for the basic costs of administration and operation of the NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) and Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC).PIRO and PIFSC were established in April 2003 with the intent of employing regional expertise to provide improved customer service and stewardship of living marine resources within the Western Pacific. The offices play a critical role in managing diverse issues while minimizing the effects of fishing on marine mammals and endangered and threatened species.

Pacific Coastal Services Center$4,500,000

The Pacific Service Center’s primary goal is to promote resilient and sustainable island communities through projects that integrate global, science-based approaches with local knowledge of the resources.Initiatives include promotion of effective safe navigation, and mitigation of impacts from catastrophic and chronic natural hazards.

Hawaiian Monk Seals$2,600,000

Funding will be provided for conservation and recovery of marine mammals in the central and western Pacific, including the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal.Recovery activities for the Hawaiian monk seal will reduce the risk of extinction of the only marine mammal which lives entirely in U.S. waters.

International Pacific Research Center$2,500,000

The International Pacific Research Center is one of the only institutions conducting systematic and reliable climatographic research over the entire Pacific region. Funding is used to increase understanding of climate variability in the Asia-Pacific region by developing the computational, data management, and networking infrastructure necessary to make data resources readily accessible and usable by researchers and by undertaking data-intensive research activities

NOAA Integrated Data and Environmental Applications Center$2,500,000

The IDEA Center is considered a vital component of the National Climatic Data Center and lessons learned through the work of the IDEA Center are being incorporated into the development of NOAA climate services.

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Coral Research$2,000,000

This funding allows the Institute to continue research support for NOAA on coral and Hawaiian Archipelago research topics. The primary goal of the partnership is to develop best practices for the maintenance of healthy coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii and globally. This effort has produced considerable new scientific knowledge, helping resource managers make critical management decisions.

B-WET Hawaii$1,500,000

The B-WET Program strives to create a population knowledgeable about the environment by supporting organizations that use the outdoors as the context for learning. All funded projects are intended to provide meaningful educational experiences for students, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers in the area of environmental education.B-WET programs provide the foundation for the next generation of marine scientists and coastal managers.

Hawaii Education Program$1,500,000

The funding will support NOAA’s efforts to continue the creation and implementation of an integrated system-wide science education program pilot for Hawaii’s schools that is being designed to be applied nationwide.The education program’s goal is to reach into all Hawaii schools and use the oceans and beaches as a classroom to teach science to children. The program has completed curriculum units for grades 3-5 and has begun development of a grade 8 curriculum

Hawaii Seafood Safety and Sustainability$1,500,000

This program is a continuing effort to support the sustainable use of Pacific pelagic fishery resources and the production of healthy, safe domestic seafood.With previous years funding, the program completed a Responsible Fisheries Assessment, completed the world’s first assessment of the selenium to mercury ratio for 15 pelagic fish, and completed a collaborative study on suitable controls for histamine on fishing vessels, among other projects.

Remote Infrasonic Monitoring of Natural Hazards$1,500,000

This funding will continue a collaborative research project between the University of Hawaii and the University of Mississippi on applying infrasonic monitoring technology toward natural hazards.This project leverages an investment through the Department of Defense in the development of infrasonic monitoring technology, by applying to the problem of detecting, monitoring, and assessing natural hazards.The specific natural hazards in this proposed effort are volcanic eruptions, extreme weather, large ocean swells, and tsunami.

Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research$1,250,000

The Pelagic Fisheries Research Program conducted by the Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research is a wide-ranging primary and applied research program funded by a grant to the Joint Institute on Marine and Atmospheric Research.It supports the study of basic life history and biology of a number of target and incidental catch pelagic species important to Hawaii, as well as a broad range of socio-economic studies, through a competitive peer reviewed process. The results of the research are used by NOAA develop and implement strategies for the conservation and management of pelagic species in the Western Pacific.

Hawaii Fisheries Development$750,000

The primary objective of this Oceanic Institute project is to make marine finfish culture technologies economically viable for commercial application.Research is conducted to develop core technologies in broodstock, live feeds, larviculture, and grow-out systems for warm water marine fish species. This research has led to improved hatchery production of red snapper and omilu for enhancement activities in the Gulf of Mexico and Hawaii

Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative$700,000

The Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative supports scientific research and monitoring to enhance Hawaii’s capacity to manage its coral reef ecosystem.Funding will continue to support monitoring and research activities that focus primarily on alien species, water quality, population structure, and recruitment of keystone species in the main Hawaiian Islands.The funds will also continue public education and awareness activities

Ordnance Reef UXO$500,000

Ordnance Reef is a site off Waianae, where military munitions were disposed, presumably in the 1940s.To determine if the local community would be affected by a chemical release from the munitions, NOAA will deploy two oceanographic buoys to collect bottom, mid-water, and surface ocean current data over a one-year period.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Hawaii Integrated Justice Information Sharing$1,500,000

This project builds on the cooperative foundational agreement among state and local law enforcement officials to integrate their databases to provide integrated access to records at all levels of the justice system.The funding will enable the State to expand its pilot project to other jurisdictions, and automate additional information exchanges.

Hawaii Rural Youth Outreach Program$1,000,000

The Rural Youth Crime Prevention Program, a collaborative effort between the YMCA of Honolulu and the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, targets rural youths statewide aged 10 through 17.Hawaii’s rural communities lack the resources to provide positive out-of-school alternatives for most of their youth populations, and this project will help at-risk kids and teens to make better choices.

SCIENCE AGENCIES

Advanced Technology Solar Telescope$9,500,000

The Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) represents a collaboration of 22 institutions, reflecting a broad segment of the solar physics community that proposes to build the next generation ground-based solar telescope.With its unprecedented 4-meter aperture, integrated adaptive optics, low scattered light, infrared coverage, and state-of-the-art post-focus instrumentation, the ATST will be the largest and most capable solar telescope in the world.

Imiloa Astronomy Center$2,000,000

Imiloa links Hawaiian culture and Mauna Kea astronomy, and provides an example of science and culture united to advance knowledge, understanding and opportunity.Its strategic imperatives include bringing astronomy and Hawaiian culture to an increasing numbers of teachers, students and their families, and having a vital role in maintaining public support for astronomical research.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Renewable Energy Development Venture$3,799,205

This appropriation will be used for the evaluation, testing and/or demonstration of potential renewable energy resources in Hawaii.

Hawaii-New Mexico Sustainable Energy Security Partnership$3,116,202

This appropriation will be used to increase electricity reliability and critical infrastructure protection for the nation’s benefit with efforts focused on technology development, validation, grid integration, and biofuels.

Development of High Yield Feedstock and Biomass Conversion Technology

for Renewable Energy Production and Economic Development$1,427,250

This initiative is for the development of high-yield tropical feedstocks for bioenergy.As the most geographically isolated part of the United States, Hawaii is particularly vulnerable to energy storages.This project would lessen Hawaii’s dependence on fossil fuels.

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Hurricane Evacuation Studies$1,000,000

This appropriation will be used to continue hurricane evacuation studies in the U.S. Pacific and the Caribbean.

Pacific Island Land Ocean Typhoon Experiment$1,000,000

This project continues data collection in Hawaii and Guam that will lead to deeper understandings of wave run-up over island reef environments.

Surge and Wave Island Modeling Studies$1,000,000

This project continues the development of the next generation of island storm surge models in conjunction with the University of Hawaii and other universities.

Wailupe Stream, Oahu$382,000

The funds will be used to continue the preconstruction, engineering and design phase of the project and to include ecosystem restoration to minimize damage caused by increased sediments from stream channelization and to protect homes affected by potential floods.

Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor Modifications $335,000

Kahuku Watershed Project$329,000

The Kahuku area has historically been subject to flooding and drainage problems.The project is focused on flood control improvements to Ohia Stream and Hospital Ditch.

Hydroelectric Power Assessment $287,000

Hawaii ranks first in the nation when it comes to dependence on fossil fuels to provide for energy needs.Hawaii possesses great potential for fully entering the renewable energy field, with resources such as agriculture, wind, sun, wave, geothermal, and water (including pump-hydro) that remain largely undeveloped.A current assessment is necessary to facilitate Hawaii’s renewable energy development in an environmentally responsible, sustainable, and comprehensive manner.

Molokai Water Resources Study$200,000

Several existing production wells on the Island of Molokai have experienced rising salinity, perhaps as a result of the declining water levels and rising brackish-water transition zone caused by the cumulative effect of withdrawals.The objective of the study is to estimate the hydrologic effects of additional ground-water withdrawal scenarios on salinity and water levels near existing wells and coastal discharge.

Maalaea Harbor $191,000

Navigation conditions in the entrance channel and turning basin of the existing harbor are hazardous.The interior berthing area is vulnerable to surges resulting in damages to boats.The existing harbor’s 93-vessel berthing capacity is inadequate.Funds will be used to complete the preconstruction, engineering, and design phase for the harbor.

Ala Wai Canal Project $167,000

Funding will continue the expanded scope of the project’s feasibility study to include the Manoa, Palolo, and Makiki streams in addition to ecosystem improvement projects.The Manoa Stream flooding in 2004, which caused more than $100 million in damage, highlighted the need to mitigate future floods.

Kekeha Flood Study$100,000

Funds are to conduct a flood study of the Kekaha area, which is prone to flooding.The flood study is to assist the Kauai County with options in addressing the flooding problem.

Hilo Harbor Modifications$96,000

Funds will be used for a study that will identify and evaluate alternatives for modifying navigational features at Hilo Harbor.The harbor’s channel and turning basin are outdated and not designed to accommodate the large vessel sizes required to maximize cargo transportation efficiency to the Big Island.Attempts to maneuver such vessels within the harbor would be done at a significant risk to both the vessels and harbor facilities. Additionally, adverse wave conditions during the winter months impact operations at the harbor by creating delays, cancellation of calls, and inflicting costly damage to vessels and pier facilities.

Continuing Authorities Program

>> Although dollar amounts are not listed under this program, the Corps is directed to give first priority to those projects listed in the program report, including the following projects for Hawaii:

Mokuhinia/Mokuula Ecosystem Restoration

This project develops tidal wetlands that provide habitat for endangered and native waterfowl species at a site which remains historically significant as the prior home of Hawaii’s royalty and Alii.

Keopu-Hienaloli Streams Flood Damage Reduction

Funds would initiate the design phase of the project, which is critical to the overall implementation of a flood mitigation plan for the growing Kailua-Kona area.Flooding problems within the Keopu and Hienaloli basins are attributed to inadequately defined channels, accumulation of debris and vegetation, steep slopes, and inadequate channel and culvert capacities.

Kuliouou Stream Flood Damage Reduction Modifications

An upstream development has created high and unstable flows to enter into the channel.During heavy rainfall, the Kuliouou Stream floodwaters reach very high velocities that have caused damage to the flood control channel, and to private and public property in the residential community.The proposed modifications are intended to correct the situation.

Palai Stream Flood Damage Reduction

Funds are for the preparation, negotiation, and execution of the Project Cooperation Agreement for the Palai Stream Flood Damage Reduction project.Significant damage to roads, residences, bridges, drainage systems, and personal property has occurred over the years due to flooding of the Palai Stream.

Wailele Stream, Oahu

Kahoolawe Small Boat Harbor

Funds for this initiative continue the feasibility phase for the Kahoolawe Small Boat Harbor.The Island of Kahoolawe is of great significance to Native Hawaiians and others who consider it a significant symbol of cultural survival and regeneration.

North Kohala Navigation Improvements

Funds for this initiative are to continue the feasibility phase for the North Kohala Navigational Improvements.The project involves an investigation of navigational improvements in the North Kohala area, which has been devoid of improved boat launching facilities for commercial and recreational boat use for many years.

Kahana Pond

Kaunakakai Stream

This initiative will restore habitat for the native endangered Hawaiian Stilt bird by creating 2.75 acres of shallow ponds and wetlands within the Kaunakakai Stream.

Operations and Maintenance

Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor$1,000,000

Funds for this project are to eliminate hazards at the Haleiwa Boat Harbor so as to ensure safe passage for boaters.Hazardous conditions at the head of the breakwater and within the entrance channel of the harbor have made it difficult for boaters to maneuver through the channel.

Inspection of Completed Works$659,000

This initiative is for inspection of 14 Flood Damage Reduction and 22 Coastal Damage Reduction projects.

Barbers Point Harbor $548,000

Funds are for the daily operation and maintenance and facility upgrades to public use facilities.

Project Condition Surveys$537,000

This initiative funds the management of the dredging program and inspection of 25 navigation projects of federal breakwater structures for the Honolulu District.

Southeast Oahu Regional Sediment Management Demonstration$500,000

Funds for this project are to continue the technical investigations for this demonstration project.Shoreline erosion threatens upland development and coastal habitat along much of the southeast coast of Oahu.The community of Lanikai has lost most, if not all, of the dry beach width that historically provided a buffer to the impacts of storm waves and offered unique recreation opportunities.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

SEQ CHAPTER

Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area$2,000,000

Hawaii’s HIDTA designation was received in 1999.Because Hawaii’s geographic location links it to Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific, the work conducted in Hawaii by is key to preventing new drugs from abroad from gaining at foothold in the United States.

SEQ CHAPTER

Native Hawaiian Organization Association$285,000

The purpose of this grant is to provide support for the ongoing effort to increase the overall competitiveness of Native Hawaiian organizations to secure government awards.The project’s goal is to establish a system for networking and mentoring to nurture the ability of Hawaii small businesses, Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, to develop the necessary infrastructure and support services to compete for federal contracting opportunities.The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will administer this award.

Oahu Technology and Innovation Park$237,500

Over the past decade, Hawaii has reached “critical mass” in the development of the dual-use technology sector.The goal now is to enhance working synergies, and to move toward self-sustainability.To achieve this goal, the development and construction of an Oahu Technology and Innovation Park is needed.Due to the Honolulu area’s lack of industrial and research lab space, companies are scattered in various areas without any meaningful networking and partnering opportunities.This grant will help plan for the high-tech park.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge Expansion$7,000,000

The acquisition of these additional lands would restore historical wetland habitat and form the largest managed freshwater wetland on Oahu. It would connect the two existing units and create a protected flyway between them to provide essential habitat for both the four endangered waterbird species and migratory waterbirds. Protecting this coastal dune ecosystem would also preserve native strand plants and protect coastal wildlife such as threatened sea turtles, seabirds, migratory shorebirds, and possibly even the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

Experimental Tropical Forest Field Station$2,500,000

The Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest serves as a center for long-term research and a focal point for developing knowledge and expertise for the management of tropical landscapes. Two experimental forests on the Big Island are among the largest and most biologically diverse experimental forests in the world. This appropriation will be used for planning and infrastructure needs.

Volcano Hazards Research $2,000,000

This funding will support the ongoing needs and monitoring of volcano research in active areas, such as Hawaii, Yellowstone, and the Cascades of Alaska.

Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant Project $1,000,000

This project upgrades or replaces various components of the Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant’s aging electrical and mechanical equipment, including the emergency generator, the centrifuge, the blowers and related mechanical equipment.

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Headquarters and Visitor Facility$750,000

The funds will be used to initiate planning and design of an administrative headquarters and visitor facility at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Kīhei, Maui, to replace the facility that was destroyed by fire more than two years ago, and again accommodate visitors and schoolchildren both indoors and outdoors.

Improved Stream Modeling and Well Monitoring $500,000

Since 1993, the U.S. Geological Survey has carried out an exploratory drilling program in Hawaii. During this period, approximately 30 monitoring wells across the state have been drilled. These wells have permitted a more detailed assessment of water resources in many areas. The data collected have been used to revise fundamental concepts regarding the movement of ground water in volcanic areas, and to help clarify issues relating to the effects of groundwater development on the preservation of stream flow and the protection of Native Hawaiian cultural practices

Native Hawaiian Culture and the Arts Program $500,000

This program focuses on assisting Hawaiians to be practitioners of their culture in a rapidly changing multicultural world.

Aid to the State of Hawaii for Invasive Species $350,000

With this funding, the Fish and Wildlife Service sharpens its ability to deal with invasive species issues within the State of Hawaii by providing federal matching funds for new state invasive species initiatives through the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, providing funding to continue support of collaborative, interagency, and community-based initiatives to control invasive species on a county level, and by providing funding for high priority projects that address the control of specific established or incipient invasive species in Hawaii.

The Royal Mausoleum/Mauna Ala Restoration Project $300,000

Since 1864, Mauna Ala has been the resting place for the Alii of Hawaii. Six of the eight monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom and nearly 50 of their family members are interred there— beginning with Kamehameha IV and his 4-year-old son, Albert Edward Kauikeaouli. After 142 years of exposure to the elements and welcoming thousands of visitors, Mauna Ala is in need of major repairs and maintenance.

SEQ CHAPTERDEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Maui Community College

Remote Rural Hawaii Job Training Project$2,093,000

This initiative supports job training and community development on all neighbor islands and rural Oahu.

Training and Education Opportunities$1,903,000

This appropriation supports job training and education programs through the Samoan/Asian Pacific Job Training program.

Maui Economic Development Board Lanai Women’s Initiative$143,000

The Maui board and the Lanai Women’s Initiative are collaborating to build technology literacy and capacity with health care delivery from the Lanai Community Health Center, as well as provide computer training and career counseling.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Emergency Medical Services for Children$20,000,000

This appropriation continues funding for a nationwide program created by Senator Inouye two decades ago, when he was concerned that children were being treated like “little adults” when their needs were different.This program supports demonstration grants for the delivery of emergency medical services to acutely ill and seriously injured children.

Native Hawaiian Health Care (Papa Ola Lokahi)$14,200,000

These funds enable Papa Ola Lokahi/Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to continue their efforts to improve the health of Native Hawaiians by making available primary care, health education, and disease prevention services.This initiative also supports the Native Hawaiian Health Professionals Scholarship Program, which strives to increase the number of Native Hawaiians in healthcare professions.This healthcare program was established in 1988 under the Native Hawaiian Healthcare Improvement Act.

Hansen’s Disease Treatment $1,976,000

The initiative provides continuing support, including medical care and treatment, for people suffering from Hansen’s disease in hospitals and clinics at Kalaupapa and Honolulu.

Aging Grants to Native Hawaiian Organizations$1,900,000

These funds are awarded to eligible organizations based on their share of Native Hawaiians aged 60 and older.Eligible organizations must provide a broad range of supportive services, including nutrition and general assistance.

Telehealth and Community Outreach $1,047,000

The bulk of this appropriation will go to the Hawaii Primary Care Association to develop and support a telehealth network among community health centers across the state.

Molokai Community Health Center$238,000

This appropriation will be used to construct facilities.

University of Hawaii School of Law Health Policy Center$238,000

This funding is for the creation of a health policy center at the UH Law School.

Big Island Health Center Youth Anti-Drug Program $190,000

These funds will be used to continue anti-drug initiatives throughout the Big Island.Services include school-based outreach and counseling, and treatment.

Maui Community Health Center Expansion$190,000

These funds will be used to provide continued support for the expansion of the Maui Community Health Center.

Maui Medical Center Robotics Training Lab$190,000

Childhood Rural Asthma Project $167,000

Community health centers in Hawaii will use these funds to aid children in rural areas who suffer from asthma.

Maui Economic Development Board Health Center $143,000

The Maui Economic Development Board will use this appropriation to establish a health center that serves the needs of women and families in rural communities, where there are major gaps in health and education services.

Straub Hospital Burn Center $95,000

The Straub Hospital Burn Center is the only primary and tertiary burn treatment center for Hawaii, Alaska, and the Pacific regions.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Impact Aid$46,000,000

Hawaii’s Impact Aid funding is part of a larger amount recommended by the Congress for Impact Aid programs nationwide.Impact Aid provides support to school districts with students who are dependents of members of the armed forces and federal government employees.

Native Hawaiian Education$33,315,000

This initiative supports curriculum development, teacher training and recruitment programs, and the renovation of public schools with a high percentage of Native Hawaiians.Grants of $1.5 million each are directed for public-school renovation, and the University of Hawaii’s Native Hawaiian Law School Center of Excellence

$1.5 million each.

Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian Higher Education$5,789,500

Hawaii and Alaska evenly split $11,579,000.Hawaii’s share will support vocational education by providing Native Hawaiians with secondary and vocational training to enter, compete, and advance in the workplace.

Vocational Education for Native Hawaiians$2,902,000

This appropriation provides competitive grants to organizations primarily serving and representing Native Hawaiians for career and technical education.

Bishop Museum

Education Through Cultural

and Historical Organizations (ECHO)$1,400,000

These funds support the Bishop Museum’s cultural and educational programs involving community partners throughout Hawaii, including Imiloa Center and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Clinical Pharmacy Training Program$951,000

This appropriation will help to establish a clinical pharmacy training program and an applied rural science program.The funds will cover the start-up costs for the creation of a pharmacy education program to serve Hawaii and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific region.

Nursing Program$387,000

These funds are for the continued support of UH-Hilo’s nursing program.

Maui Economic Development Board

High Technology Training$452,000

Girls into Science Program$285,000

Rural Computer Utilization Training $285,000

These appropriations aim to increase the number of women and minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math through statewide initiatives.The computer-related initiative addresses the unique barriers that rural communities face in accessing technology education and training.

Kauai Economic Development Board

Math and Science Education$285,000

This appropriation will be used to strengthen the science, technology, engineering, and math training and career opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Henry Kuualoha Giugni Archives, University of Hawaii$238,000

This appropriation will enhance cultural education because the Giugni Archives will aid the development of curricula and instructional materials that are based on archives of oral histories that shed light on Native Hawaiian history and culture.

Leeward Community College$238,000

The mission of this community college program is to increase opportunities for college success for Filipinos.

Polynesian Voyaging Society$238,000

This initiative supports cultural and ocean education programs geared toward enhancing the leadership skills and scientific knowledge of students, particularly those at-risk, through deep-sea voyages organized by the Society.

Bishop Museum$190,000

This appropriation is for museum educational outreach programs.

Hawaii Community College$190,000

This appropriation is for Native Hawaiian cultural education programs.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

East‑West Center$21,000,000

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project$20,000,000

The appropriation will fund the continuing preliminary engineering phases of initial facility and transit system design, in addition to the refinement of capital cost estimates, as required by the Federal Transit Administration.

H-1 Improvements Kinau and Lusitana On-Ramps$5,700,000

Appropriated funds for improvements to the H-1 Kinau and Lusitana ramps will help to increase the number of access points to downtown Honolulu, and ease traffic congestion at the Pali Highway off-ramp.

Oahu Intra-Island Ferry Demonstration$4,000,000

Funds will be used for an on-going demonstration of an intra-island ferry boat service from West Oahu to Honolulu.

Federal Land Improvements$1,900,000

Federal property within Hawaii includes several extensive wildlife refuge and national parks located on four islands.These parks encompass rugged volcanic terrain, wetlands, tropical forests, coastline, and historical fishponds used in Native Hawaiian aquaculture.This appropriation will enable access to and within designated federal properties for proper park service maintenance and security.

Rural Bus Program$1,900,000

These funds will be used by Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai counties to purchase buses to expand routes and increase the frequency of service throughout the neighbor islands.The funds may also be used to provide bus shelters, transit benches, and upgrades to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants, Hawaii$10,000,000

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is working to increase the affordable housing inventory on Hawaiian homelands to meet the demand for housing for low-income Native Hawaiian families.DHHL is seeking to enhance the supply of affordable housing units through the construction of infrastructure improvements, single-family, multi-family, rent-to-own, and rental housing.

Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Program$1,500,000

This appropriation is half of the $3 million provided through the HUD Community Development Fund to support both Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions in their efforts to address community development needs in their localities, including neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for persons of low or moderate income.

Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program$1,044,000

These funds in credit subsidy will support loan-guarantee authority of $41,504,000.DHHL intends to utilize the loan program as an institutional borrower to construct houses for purchase by low-income borrowers by way of direct loans from DHHL.

Lanakila Homes and Kalihi Valley Homes Housing Project$855,000

Funds for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority will be used for the design and repair of 62 dilapidated and vacant housing units at Lanakila Homes in Hilo.A portion of the funds will be used for the renovation of 22 vacant low-income housing units in Kalihi Valley.

Kaloko Housing Renovation Project$475,000

Funding will be used to develop housing for senior citizens, homeless persons, and working families unable to afford housing in Hawaii County.

Laiopua 2020 Community Center, Kailua-Kona$475,000

These funds will be used for the planning, design, and construction of this community center.

Pacific Gateway Center Business Incubator Project$285,000

The Center will construct a retail business incubator to support immigrants, refugees, and low to moderate income entrepreneurs who seek to establish their own small business as a means of escaping poverty and developing economic self-sufficiency.

(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009; placeholder image by Wendy OSHER © 2009)