HILO » The University of Hawaii is getting a $4.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation so it can invest in an international submarine cable network.

The money will be dispersed over five years to fund the operation and upgrade of Australia’s Academic and Research Network, which connects the continent to New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii and the West Coast of the U.S., the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Wednesday.

Called the Southern Cross Cable Network, the private connection meets Hawaii at Oahu and on Hawaii island.

University Director of Cyberinfrastructure Gwen Jacobs said the funding will help increase capacity so scientists can share data around the world.

"One of the big reasons the National Science Foundation invests in us is because (UH) is such a huge scientific asset," she said.

3 schools nominated for Blue Ribbon title

Three Oahu elementary schools are in the hunt for a national Blue Ribbon award.

The state Department of Education announced this week that Hahaione, Kaelepulu and Palisades elementary schools are 2015 Blue Ribbon nominees. They are competing in the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which honors public and private schools based on academic excellence and closing achievement gaps.

The U.S. Department of Education will announce national winners in the fall.

At Palisades in Pearl City, from 2010 to 2014, reading proficiency climbed to 87 percent from 78 percent, while math proficiency jumped to 83 percent from 74 percent.

Kaelepulu in Kailua credits strides, in part, to a "16 Habits of Mind" initiative, teaching problem-solving and life skills ranging from flexibility to persistence.

Hahaione in Hawaii Kai has an International Baccalaureate program. During 2013-14, Hahaione’s student proficiency ranked in the top 5 percent among the state’s public schools.