$229 million slated for
isle programs

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Hawaii stands to receive $229 million in federal money to support several programs, including the University of Hawaii's new cancer center and initiatives to promote native Hawaiian health and education.

The money for the Hawaii programs is contained in federal spending bills for fiscal year 2005 approved this week by the Senate Appropriations Committee, according to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye.

The measures advance to the full Senate for consideration.

"These programs provide vital services and exciting opportunities for the people of Hawaii," Inouye said.

Among the projects earmarked for funding are:

» $46 million in impact aid to support school districts with students who are dependents of military and government families.

» $36 million for educating native Hawaiians and repairing public schools with high percentages of native Hawaiian students.

» $20.3 million to continue funding emergency medical service for children, including funding for Hana Community Health Center.

» $19.5 million for the East-West Center.

» $15 million to establish a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regional facility in Hawaii.

» $10 million for planning and design of the UH cancer center.

A combined $10 million appropriation would go to fight Hawaii's crystal methamphetamine problem, including $1 million for the Honolulu Police Department drug lab.

"We are stressing enforcement and prosecution, treatment and rehabilitation, and education and prevention," Inouye said yesterday. "All three aspects are needed to fight this cancer."