Law enforcement officials want to upgrade Hawai'i's 911 system but say the process is slowed by lack of money.

Authorities say they want to better pinpoint a cell phone caller's location and allow the system to accommodate text messages, which would especially help the hearing-impaired. The estimated cost of upgrading Honolulu's 911 system alone is $20 million.

However, the state has imposed an annual spending cap of $9 million for the so-called e911 system, and it previously raided $16 million in e911 funds to help balance the budget.

Wireless subscribers in Hawai'i pay a 66-cent monthly fee that goes toward the e911 wireless fund.

Russ Saito, chairman of the wireless e911 board, said board members will need to ask legislators to raise the spending cap. All counties and wireless providers also are being asked to develop a five-year plan and prioritize their needs.

Since the inception of the wireless enhanced 911 system in Hawai'i almost three years ago, dispatchers have relied on it to locate people in distress. In Honolulu, dispatchers receive about 1 million calls a year.

"If we don't upgrade now, we're going to be way behind," said Capt. Mike Correa, executive officer of HPD's Communications Division.

Kaua'i will be the first county in the state where dispatchers will be able to receive text messages, photos and videos from wireless callers. About $3.8 million was allocated for the new system, to be implemented by 2011.