Hirono Announces More Than $3.5 Million in Grants to Support Research at University of Hawaii

Press Release

Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced more than $3.5 million in grant awards to the University of Hawaii (UH) for the UH Sea Grant College Program and for Asia-Pacific research and scholarships. The UH Sea Grant College Program has received more than $1.6 million in federal support from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for research and programming to understand the effects of climate change on coral reefs and oceans, groundwater and other impacts on the Hawaiian Islands. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded nearly $1.9 million for UH research on activity throughout the Asia-Pacific region and to support language study and travel grants.

"Investments in the University of Hawaii's research and programming are integral to giving students more opportunities, gaining valuable insights into the challenges facing our communities and fostering better engagement in the broader world," said Senator Hirono. "It is important that we maintain healthy coral reefs and water sources, and gain as much insight as possible into the effects of climate change. With the U.S. government's ongoing rebalance to the Pacific, it is important that American students, diplomats and policy makers have a working understanding of Asia-Pacific countries and cultures. The awards announced today will help the University of Hawaii conduct research and provide programming to achieve these important goals."

The UH Sea Grant College Program has received funds from NOAA as a part of the broader Sea Grant Program. UH is one of only 33 universities in the United States that is a member of the Sea Grant Program. Through university and state partnerships, federal funding will support projects that help build resilient coastal communities and economies.

The U.S. Department of Education is providing funding to UH Manoa with the goal of enabling the university to teach foreign languages and international affairs more effectively. UH also received funding that will allow students to conduct research abroad in their areas of focus.

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