Maui’s Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is getting $7.3 million in stimulus funds through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The funds will be used for the design and construction of an energy efficient administrative and visitors building that replaces a structure that was previously destroyed by fire.

The funds are part of a larger $8.6 million stimulus package that will benefit National wildlife refuges and hatcheries across Hawaii.

U.S. Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel K. Inouye and Senator Daniel K. Akaka made the funding announcement today.

“These funds will help protect and preserve irreplaceable, beautiful and unique parts of Hawaii like Kealia Pond, one of the few natural wetlands remaining in the islands and a critical habitat for our endangered wetland birds,” said Chairman Inouye and Senator Akaka.  “Our commitment to wildlife conservation will be strengthened by these job creating infrastructure improvements.”

The funding will be used for construction, repairs, energy efficiency improvements,   habitat restoration and deferred maintenance.  The breakdown for Hawaii is as follows:

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Maui $7,300,000

• For design and construction of an energy efficient administrative and visitors building that replaces a structure previously destroyed by fire.

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Big Island $590,000

• For replacement of Pua Akala barn with a storage/maintenance building.

Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge $406,000

• For replacement of a solar energy system and a housing and storage unit at Laysan Island.

Pacific Islands Coastal Program $220,000

• For restoration of Lehua Island native habitat and Mokio coastal strand on Molokai; cattle and predator control fencing around Nuu Wetland on Maui.

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai $120,000

• For rehabilitation work on Kilauea Point Lighthouse.

(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009)  (Place holder images courtesy:  USFWS)