For the second year, Hawaii saw the nation's highest rate of growth for Peace Corps Volunteers, the Peace Corps has announced .

According to the agency's annual report of volunteer home states, released Monday, Hawaii contributed 36 Peace Corps Volunteers in fiscal year 2008, up more than 70 percent from the 21 Volunteers in 2007, and more than triple the 10 Volunteers in service in 2006.

This year's report marks the highest number of Volunteers from Hawaii since the Peace Corps began releasing home states data in 2002. The previous high was in 2003, when 22 people from Hawaii were in service.

Peace Corps credits its growth in Hawaii to the spirit of community service here, as well as its community of returned Peace Corps volunteers and its relationship with the University of Hawaii system.

"The lifestyle of Hawaii resonates with Peace Corps Volunteers," says Kim Biggs, president of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hawaii. Biggs grew up on Molokai and served as an animal husbandry volunteer in Honduras from 1986 to 1988. "The community is very much family oriented. It's based on networking. It's very environmental," she says.

The Peace Corps now has 7,876 Volunteers serving in 76 countries. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 195,000 Americans have served, including 1,294 from Hawaii.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its legacy of service continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years.

Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. More information and online applications at www.peacecorps.gov.