WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye announced that the Senate approved the Fiscal Year 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Bill which includes $20 million for Native Hawaiian education and $3.5 million for Native Hawaiian health programs in the budget for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. In addition, $3 million is included for a new community college based Title III Development Institution for Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians and $2 million for an educational initiative sponsored by Congressman Abercrombie. The Fiscal Year 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes funding for the: Department of Transportation; Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary, and Related Agencies; Department of the Interior and Related Agencies; Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies; Department of Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government; Department of Agriculture; District of Columbia; and Foreign Operations.

"I am extremely pleased that the Congress concurred with my request for an increase in funding for Native Hawaiian education over the Fiscal Year 1998 funding level. This funding is crucial to realizing the goal of raising the educational status and potential of Native Hawaiians," said Senator Inouye.

In 1988, Senator Inouye was instrumental in the passage of the Native Hawaiian Education Act, which sought to raise the educational status of Native Hawaiians through supplemental programs and services for curriculum development, pre-schools, gifted and talented, special education, and higher education. In 1994, the Act was amended and expanded to include a community-based learning centers component, a curriculum development, teacher training and recruitment component, and the establishment of a Native Hawaiian Education Council and individual Island Councils. Through Senator Inouye's efforts over the last five years, nearly $55.5 million has been provided for these Native Hawaiian education programs, which have served thousands of Native Hawaiian children and their families.

The Congress also approved $3.5 million to continue the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act including funding for Papa Ola Lokahi & Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to improve the health status of Native Hawaiians by making primary health care, health promotion, and disease prevention available to Native Hawaiians.

"The health indicators pertaining to the Native Hawaiian people are astonishing. With the rates of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease among the highest in our nation, it is imperative that health care programs targeted toward Native Hawaiians continue to receive funding to remedy this situation and are ensured a healthier future," stated Senator Inouye.

In 1988, Senator Inouye introduced and pursued passage of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act, which established Papa Ola Lokahi (POL), an umbrella health service organization, and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems (NHHCS). POL is mandated to address the poor health status of Native Hawaiians through the coordination, training and provision of technical assistance to the NHHCS and through research, demonstration projects, and other activities. The NHHCS provides direct services to Native Hawaiians in need of different aspects of health care related service. Over the last five years, Senator Inouye has secured $15.3 million in funding for POL and the NHHCS.

The Congress also approved $626,000,000 overall for the Impact Aid program, of which Hawaii is expected to receive approximately $28,000,000. The Impact Aid program provides support to school districts affected by federal activities. The 1999 budget request would place priority on children for whom the federal government has primary responsibility, namely children living on Indian lands and children who live on federal property and who have a parent on active duty in the uniformed services.

In addition, the Congress approved $2,045,000 for the medical care and treatment of persons with Hansen's Disease.

The Fiscal Year 1999 Omnibus Appropriations bill will now be transmitted to the White House.