WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the office of Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercrombie:
Hawaii will receive nearly $10 million in federal grants for 28 different health research projects funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and $738,000 for more Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants through the Department of Energy. Both grants programs provide stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, approved by Congress earlier this year.
'These Recovery Act grants demonstrate President Obama's continuing commitment to use federal funds to create and save jobs in Hawaii, and for further advances in medical research and energy efficiency, both essential elements in our quality of life,' said Rep. Neil Abercrombie.
The National Institutes of Health are awarding $7.9 million to the University of Hawaii at Manoa for 21 different medical research initiatives into cures for cancer and other diseases. Papa Ola Lokahi, a non-profit consortium established in 1988 to address the healthcare needs of the Native Hawaiian people, is receiving $696,000 for its Native Hawaiian Cancer Network, a Community Network Program to promote research into cancer prevention and control. And, Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu is being awarded $1.1 million in NIH grants to support its research into the causes of dementia and help identify preventive strategies.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) also announced another $738,000 in funding for Hawaii Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. The DOE grants help communities improve energy efficiency, reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs. Activities eligible for funding include energy audits, residential and commercial building retrofits, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and creation of financial incentives for energy efficiency improvements.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a new initiative, funded through the Recovery Act, to promote prevention and wellness programs for states and territories. $120 million in cooperative agreements will be awarded for three components: statewide policy and environmental change, tobacco cessation, and special initiatives to create health-promoting policies and environments.
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