Hawai'i will receive $10.3 million in federal stimulus funding for energy-efficiency and renewable-energy projects, the U.S. Department of Energy said yesterday.

The allocation is part of $141 million being distributed to Hawai'i, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas and the Northern Marianas. The funding is intended to cover 40 percent of each grantee's total state energy program.

The agency said Hawai'i's energy efficiency strategy will directly fund high-performance buildings, government and residential building retrofits and energy efficiency measures in the state's hospitality industry.

The program also will provide technical assistance and training to building owners, developers, design professionals and county building code officials to ensure that new and renovated buildings are designed and built with high-efficiency measures.

$33M EARMARKED FOR AGRICULTURE

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye announced $33 million in federal funding for Hawai'i agriculture-related projects in fiscal year 2010.

The funding includes $5 million for the ongoing construction of the Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center Phase III in Hilo, according to a news release from Inouye's office. The center develops methods for tropical crop and commodity production protection and genetic plant and disease research.

An additional $3 million will go to agriculture inspections of baggage leaving Neighbor Island airports and connecting through Honolulu en route to Mainland destinations.

The total funding is $10 million more than the state received in the previous fiscal year.

TAX LAW TO TARGET CASH-ONLY DEALS

The state Tax Department said it is finalizing plans to implement legislation that gives the department additional resources to crack down on businesses that avoid taxes when they conduct cash-based transactions.

Act 134 establishes the Special Enforcement Section, which will investigate reported or suspected violations of tax laws, with a special emphasis on cash-based businesses.

The act, also known as the Cash Economy Enforcement Act of 2009, was signed into law by Gov. Linda Lingle on June 18.

GOLFERS TO HELP KAKA'AKO SCHOOLS

The Kaka'ako Improvement Association says proceeds from its fifth annual golf tournament fundraiser this year will go the KCAA Muriel Preschool and the Voyage Charter Public School.

The schools are attended by children from preschool to the eighth grade in the Kaka'ako neighborhood. The tournament is scheduled for Aug. 5 at the Pearl Country Club.

Entry fee for a team of three golfers is $450. The entry fee includes lunch, dinner and prizes in addition to a round of golf. The entry deadline is Wednesday. For more information, call 722-8487.