WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye announced that the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved funding requests for Hawaii energy and water projects, including $1 million to begin planning and design for the marine mammal research and education center to be located at the Natural Energy Laboratory in Keahole on the Island of Hawaii."I am quite pleased that the Committee approved funding for this most important project for the Island of Hawaii. The Center will utilize and integrate various energy technologies developed at the Natural Energy Laboratory, resulting in applications of energy, biological, and marine mammal research. It will also be an excellent opportunity for the children of Hawaii to have hands-on experience in science and technology," said Senator Inouye.
In addition, $200,000 was provided for the Bureau of Reclamation to work with the appropriate federal, state and local government agencies in Hawaii to develop a plan to increase the delivery efficiency of water and irrigation systems once operated and maintained by sugarcane plantations.
The Committee also approved $200,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a reconnaissance study to develop navigation improvements in Hilo and Kahului Harbor, Hawaii.
Further, the Committee approved $1 million to begin planning and design for the Plant Biotechnology Center in light of Hawaii's biodiversity and the wealth that this genetic diversity offers for unique applications of biotechnologies ranging from enhanced food supplies, reduced reliance on pesticides and herbicides, and cost effective environmental remediation tools.
Other Inouye projects approved by the Committee include:
WATER PROJECTS:
- Honolulu Harbor
$1,580,000 - Nawiliwili Harbor
$962,000 - Barbers Point Harbor
$916,000 - Kahului Harbor
$910,000 - Project Condition Surveys
$416,000 - Maalaea Harbor
$400,000 - Wailupe Stream Flood Control Study
$358,000 - Port Allen Harbor
$292,000 - Iao Stream Flood Control
$270,000 - Inspection of Completed Works
$262,000 - Barbers Point Harbor Modification
$136,000 - Honolulu Harbor Modifications
$125,000 - Ala Wai Canal
$100,000 - Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor
$100,000 These initiatives will now go to the full Senate for consideration. It will then face a joint House-Senate Conference and final House and Senate vote before its transmittal to the White House.