WASHINGTON — Hawai'i U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced today that the state will receive a federal grant of nearly $2.5 million to combat drunk driving.

"The deaths and injuries that result from drunk driving only bring sadness and pain to our community," Inouye said in a news release. "This grant will strengthen our ongoing efforts to curb alcohol-impaired driving. It is through the effectiveness of new or continuing programs – whether they focus on education or enforcement – that we can ease or prevent the sorrow caused by drunk driving," Inouye said.

Akaka said too many people in Hawai'i have been seriously injured or killed by drunk drivers.

"On the Big Island alone, police said 15 people were killed last year in drunk driving accidents and more than 1,400 drivers under the influence were arrested, far too many," Akaka said. "This grant will help as we continue to work together to prevent the trauma and pain caused by drunk driving."

The grant of $2,491,330 for Hawai'i will be disbursed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of an existing nationwide program. The funds can only be used to deter drunk driving and promote alcohol traffic safety.