WASHINGTON – The University of Hawaii will receive $5,000,000 to provide homeland security training for state and county first responders, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.
The funding comes through a Homeland Security National Training Program to the Continuing Training Grant (HSNTP-CTG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to members of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which includes the University of Hawaii.
The National Training Program supports national preparedness goals by providing tailored and specialized training to enhance the capacity of emergency responders to prevent, protect, and recover from terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other major emergencies.
“As an isolated island chain in the middle of the Pacific, we must be prepare our first responders to protect our communities from any threat. It is imperative that we have the capacity to prevent and mitigate damage from a terrorist attack, natural disasters, or other emergencies. I am confident that the University of Hawaii will design, develop, and deliver training to support those responsible for the safety and security of our residents and visitors,” said Senator Inouye.
“This grant will support disaster management research at the University of Hawaii and help improve how our island communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters,” said Senator Akaka.
“As our nation plans and prepares for potential threats, we must always consider the unique challenges Hawaii faces as the only island state. That’s why today’s FEMA commitment to the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawaii is so important. The U.H. training center sharply focuses on natural hazards and disasters, particularly those that could strike island and coastal communities. Mahalo to these professionals as they work to keep communities prepared for worst case scenarios,” said Congresswoman Hirono.
“By funding these programs through the University of Hawaii, the Department of Homeland Security helps us ensure that the solutions we provide are appropriate for our state, and also that we develop and maintain the expertise we need to continually refine our security measures. I appreciate that through this type of grant, the Department supports local capabilities and local economies,” said Congresswoman Hanabusa.
For more information about the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, please visit: http://www.ndpc.us/