FY 2016 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program - Improvement of Hawaii's Forensic Capacities

The Department of the Attorney General, the designated State Administering Agency (SAA), is seeking State formula (base) funding through the 2016 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program(Coverdell} to improve and enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science services in Hawaii. The Department of the Attorney General is requesting, $38,696 to support the Department of Public Safety (PSD) Narcotics Enforcement Division's Forensic Laboratory. Thirty-four thousand, eight hundred and twenty-seven dollars ($34,827) will be utilized by PSD to improve and enhance the quality of forensic services provided by their laboratory. Grant funds will enable PSD: 1) to maintain laboratory accreditation; 2) provide laboratory personnel with professional development opportunities and training that will enhance their knowledge, abilities, and credibility in the field of forensic science; thereby also maintaining their professional certification in forensics; and 3) to purchase equipment and supplies needed by the laboratory to improve the quality of forensic services it now provides. Three thousand, eight hundred and sixty-nine dollars ($3,869) will be utilized to support administrative costs for the Department of the Attorney General as the SAA. Funds will support a portion of the salary, including associated fringe benefits cost for the staff responsible for overseeing the Coverdell grant program. Funds will also be used to support neighbor island travel for attendance at the Statewide Forensic Sciences meetings held in Honolulu.

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