WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono announced yesterday that the Hawai'i State Office of Planning has received a $133,360 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to update its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The strategy aims to promote economic stability and diversification, as well as regional competition.

The federal funding will be used to conduct economic studies and focus group sessions to identify economic development projects and opportunities throughout the island chain, according to a news release. The strategy takes into account the state's economy, geography, population, labor force, resources, and environment.

The subsequent findings will be utilized to identify business infrastructural needs, and then recommend projects that may be eligible for U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration funding to address those needs, the news release said.

Since its establishment in 2004, the Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy has issued more than 100 grants, totaling some $47 million, to economic projects in Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District.

Grant recipients include:

• Goodwill Ohana Career and Learning Center

• ARC of Hilo Training Center

• Waianae Comprehensive Health Center Training Center

• One-Stop Employment Center, Kauai

• Oceanic Institute's Learning Center

• Renovation of the Lokahi Pacific's Business Incubator in Wailuku.