Native Hawaiian programs get $13 million

Hawaii will receive $13 million from the federal government to improve housing and education for native Hawaiians. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will get $9.7 million to upgrade homes, acquire properties and provide services, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's office said on Aug 27. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Eight vocational programs and Kapiolani Community College are also to get $3.4 million from the U.S. Department of Education to help native Hawaiians and more than $2.7 million will be divided among programs on Oahu and the Big Island, the U.S. Department of Education said.

The grants are awarded through the federal Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program, which helps native Hawaiians increase vocational enrollment and finish courses.

Kapiolani Community College also will receive $692,000 under the federal Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program, which increases the number of students completing associate degrees.

ARRA provides new funding for unemployed in Hawaii

Meanwhile, on Aug. 11, the U.S. Department of Labor released $20.4 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to Hawaii. The state qualified for the funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by including certain provisions in laws pertaining to unemployment.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the Legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.