Schatz Announces More Than $8 Million For Hawai‘i Security And Emergency Preparedness Activities

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that state and local preparedness programs in Hawai‘i will receive $8,902,185 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The grants will provide funding for various activities throughout the state for disaster management and preparedness, port security, and terrorism prevention planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment.

“As one of the most remote places in the world, Hawai‘i faces unique security challenges and vulnerabilities,” Senator Schatz said.  “In what is expected to be a very active hurricane season this year, we must remain vigilant and be ready for all hazards.  These FEMA grants will ensure programs in Hawai‘i have the resources to strengthen our resilience to natural disasters and improve security at our ports, in our communities, and throughout the state.”

FEMA program funding includes:

•           State Homeland Security Program –$3,733,000
•           Emergency Management Performance Grant –$3,546,080
•           Urban Areas Security Initiative –$1,000,000
•           Port Security Grant Program –$623,105

Senator Schatz requested more than $350 million for emergency preparedness programs in fiscal years 2014 and 2015, which were included in the Senate spending bills.

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