Federal grants have been awarded to 12 native Hawaiian programs that are working to continue the preservation of indigenous ways of life and culture.
U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Kaneohe) and U.S. Rep. Kaialiʻi Kahele (D-Hawaii Island) announced that grants totaling more than $1 million, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, would go toward those programs, according to Case's website.
"Good news that our federal Institute of Museum and Library Services has awarded 12 native Hawaiian programs in Hawaii grants totaling $1,181,486 to help preserve the indigenous history, heritage and culture of Hawaii," Case wrote in a June 10 Facebook post.
The release said that the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency, will administer the funds through its Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services program.
According to Case's website, only 26 grants were awarded nationwide, with Hawaii receiving 12 awards. Hawaii represents more than 50% of the $2.2 million total grants given out this year.
“The awardees include the Hawaii state government, ʻIolani Palace, our country’s only royal palace, Kawaiaha'o Church and other organizations whose programs seek to preserve our island heritage through exhibitions, educational services and programming, professional development and the stewardship of invaluable and often endangered collections,” Case said.
Kahele agreed, stating that if the history of Hawaii is lost, native culture will cease to exist, and the grants awarded will help continue those efforts to preserve native Hawaiian culture and educate Hawaiian children.