Hawaii social programs
could benefit from $125M

Hawaii is set to receive about $125 million for health, education and social services, including $63 million for native Hawaiians, according to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's office.

The money is part of $145.7 billion the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved Thursday to fund the Labor and Health and Human Services departments. The spending bill goes to the full Senate for a vote.

"Federal programs, particularly in the fields of education and health, have provided a firm foundation for the well-being of Hawaii's native people," said Inouye, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.

He said $34.5 million for native Hawaiian education will help fund teacher training and recruitment, scholarships and the repair and renovation of public schools that have large numbers of native Hawaiian students.

"These programs that serve Hawaii's native Hawaiian population deserve to flourish, and they deserve our continued support," he said.

The funding includes $20 million for emergency medical services for children, to continue a national program Hawaii's senior senator created 20 years ago, his office said.

Another $14.1 million would help fund Papa Ola Lohaki Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, which helps to improve native Hawaiians' health with primary care, health education and disease prevention services, Inouye's office said.

The money would also fund programs and partnerships at federally qualified health centers, such as the ones in Waimanalo, Waianae, Kalihi, Hilo, Kauai, Maui and Molokai.

Hawaii would share $11.9 million with Alaska under the Strengthening Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Service Institutions program for college students. The University of Hawaii campuses and Chaminade University will receive Hawaii's share of $5.95 million. Another $3.3 million will support native Hawaiian vocational education.

The bill also includes money for museums and libraries. For example, Bishop Museum would receive $1.7 million to support its cultural and educational programs, as well as internships and exchanges between Alaska and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass.