The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the state Department of Health $1.3 million. The money will be used for influenza pandemic preparedness.

Officials are looking for projects using promising practices or developing effective approaches and models that can be replicated nationally.

Hawai'i's projects will focus on four areas, including electronic laboratory data exchange.

Health Director Chiyome Fukino says the federal money will build on the state's existing partnership with the CDC, allowing the department to move forward with innovative approaches for influenza pandemic preparedness.

Hawai'i's award came from $24 million granted to fund 55 projects in 29 states and local public health departments.