The U.S. Commerce Department says it will grant Hawaii $1.3 million to upgrade its disaster preparedness system and build new tsunami warning sirens.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said in a Friday statement that the money is meant to help protect Hawaii homes and businesses during natural disasters.

Oahu and the Big Island will get the new sirens, which include remote control devices and solar power. Six sirens will be placed in new locations while 10 existing sirens will be replaced.

Officials say the grant is part of $200 million in funds going to places that received a major disaster designation during fiscal 2011.