Hawai‘i to Receive $4 Million in AmeriCorps Funding

Senator Hirono with chef instructors and culinary program students at Kupu’s Ho’okupu Center in August 2019. PC: Sen. Mazie Hirono.

Hawaiʻi will receive more than $4 million in AmeriCorps funding for the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service programs, including Kupu’s Environmental Stewardship programs and Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi’s Project Kaulike.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that manages AmeriCorps and other national service programs, has awarded a total of $4,215,326 to Hawaiʻi: Kupu will receive approximately $2.29 million, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi will receive $174,648, and the Hawaiʻi Commission on National and Community Service will receive $716,156 for its state competitive-funded programs and formula-funded programs. These funds will support more than 270 AmeriCorps members.

The Kupu Environmental Stewardship project will engage more than 250 AmeriCorps members to remove invasive species, plant native vegetation, and support streams and trails across the state on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi’s Project Kaulike’s 20 AmeriCorps members will assist Hawaiʻi’s low-income residents in navigating the justice system and any civil legal issues they may face.

“AmeriCorps members in Hawaii support some of our state’s critical programs. From keeping our treasured environment clean to assisting low- and moderate-income individuals with the justice system, I am grateful for the work that hundreds of AmeriCorps members do every year in our state,” said US Senator Mazie Hirono who announced the funding.

Earlier this year, Senator Hirono cosponsored a resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni to the United States. Additionally, she also signed a letter requesting continued support for CNCS programs like AmeriCorps in Fiscal Year 2021. Last year, she signed a similar letter requesting supporting for these programs in Fiscal Year 2020.