Congresswoman Hirono Announces $686,000 in Federal Funding
for Economic Development Project on the Big Island
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) announced the awarding of a $686,000 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant for the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council’s (HCEOC) Community Economic Development Project.
The federal funding will be used to help develop a skilled workforce in the field of renewable energy on the Big Island. The Community Economic Development Project has been established in cooperation with Hawai‘i Community College for training Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) and low-income individuals in the Renewable Energy industry.
“The awarding of this federal grant couldn’t come at a better time,” said Hirono. “Hawai‘i is reportedly experiencing its highest unemployment rate in six years. But now, this new training program will develop skilled workers in a high-priority field in our state like renewable energy.”
According to George Yokoyama, Executive Director of HCEOC, the project will engineer various renewable energy devices, starting with a solar thermal/biomass hybrid generator that simultaneously generates electricity and hot water for household and commercial use.
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