U.S. Senate approves
funds for isle projects

---

Star-Bulletin staff

Funding for several Hawaii projects, including $4 million for the Mauna Kea Astronomy Education Center and $9.6 million for affordable-housing initiatives authorized by Hawaiian Home Lands, has passed the U.S. Senate.

"These monies will help jump-start ongoing efforts to place native Hawaiians in homes, as well as empower community development in homestead areas," said U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The Senate approved bills totaling $22.85 million in economic development, environmental and education projects in Hawaii that now go to the White House for final approval.

The funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2002 Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Bill.

A $3 million grant would go to the economic development initiative grant program for $750,000 to establish three new Boys and Girls Clubs of Hawaii in the Hawaiian homestead areas of Papakolea and Nanakuli on Oahu and Paukukalo on Maui.

Also, $1 million was allocated to upgrade the drinking-water system on the Big Island.