HONOLULU -- The state Department of Human Services announced on Friday that it has secured more than $24 million in federal aid to help public and private hospitals pay for treatment of uninsured patients.

The department handed out the checks on Friday to 16 private hospitals and four public facilities.

Securing the funds also helps the administration of Gov. Linda Lingle's goal of reducing the number of uninsured patients in Hawaii, health officials said.

"So, they don't rely on exacerbated care that they need when they show up because they delayed and they don't have the benefit of good health insurance and good quality health care," DHS director Lillian Koller said.

The state estimates there are 30,000 uninsured patients in Hawaii.

Queen's Medical Center, the largest private hospital in the state, received $5 million. It spends $28 million each year on uncompensated care, Queen's Medical Center officials said.