LIHUE — U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) announced Friday that state and county offices will receive $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). Schatz joined fellow U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and
LIHUE — U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) announced Friday that state and county offices will receive $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). Schatz joined fellow U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in sending a letter of support for the JAG Program.
The JAG program provides resources to states and local government for activities to prevent and control crime. Funding will support programs in law enforcement, prosecution, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement.
The County of Kauai’s Office of the Prosecuting Attorney will receive $43,381. Grant funds will be used to hire a process server and the Kauai Police Department will use the funds for officer training.
“We are very grateful to Senator Schatz and all our federal legislators for providing these vital funds,” said County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar. “In these times of shrinking county funds, we depend on our federal partners to ensure we are able to continue providing high levels of service to our community.”
JAG funding for the State Attorney General includes $908,157 to support programs that focus on evidence-based initiatives to prevent sexual assaults, elder abuse, drug crimes, property crimes, and juvenile delinquency. The funding will also support re-entry efforts, forensic science capabilities, and collaboration with other agencies.
“Our state and county law enforcement professionals work day in and day out to keep the people and visitors of Hawaii safe,” Schatz said in a press release.