#lwcf

The Kona Soil and Water Conservation District and seven partners were awarded $2,028,572 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to boost biodiversity and support wildlife habitat for a variety of Hawaiian forest birds, including the ʻakiapōlāʻau, Hawaiʻi ʻākepa and Hawaiʻi creeper. The forest restoration efforts resulting from this project, titled “Innovation in Kona’s Upland Forests,” are estimated to sequester 30,000 tons of carbon over 20 years.

The 2021 update of the SCORP offers a timely opportunity to re-evaluate Hawaiʻi’s recreational needs and trends of statewide importance. Virtual meetings held in April and May will provide an opportunity for members of the community to identify and discuss recreation needs, trends, and priorities for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities.

Sen. Schatz, who serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee said the bill would help to address a $165 million maintenance backlog in Hawai‘i and help to protect public lands for future generations.  

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa praised the passage of measures permanently reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund and dedicating new funding to National Park Service maintenance.