FOUR GRANTS AWARDED TO PROTECT LEGACY LANDS

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Legacy Land Conservation Program will award four grants to nonprofit organizations and county agencies for the protection of lands having important cultural, natural, and agricultural resources.

“During a time when we are focused on the current economy, it is important to also remember our responsibility to future generations and the sustainability of Hawaii’s agricultural, natural, and cultural heritage,” stated William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

The total amount of $4.45 million in State funding will secure approximately $7.6 million in matching federal, county, and private funding towards securing the protection of these lands.

The Legacy Land Conservation Commission, a nine-member commission composed of cultural, agricultural and natural resource experts and representatives from each county, advised the Board of Land and Natural Resources on this year’s project selections. Governor Neil Abercrombie released funding for the Commission’s recommended projects in late April.

“When private lands having such valuable public resources become available for sale, it is key to do what we can to protect them – sometimes these opportunities do not come again for decades, if ever,” stated Commission Chair Dale Bonar.

The approved project awards were made to:

County of Hawaii for Kaiholena, in North Kohala, Island of Hawai‘i, at $1,650,000 for the acquisition of 76.55 acres, to protect of open space, cultural and archeological sites, and coastal resources;

Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui for the Hāwea Heiau Complex and Keawāwa Wetland in Honolulu, Island of O‘ahu, at $325,000 for the purchase of five acres to preserve native bird habitat, wetlands, and cultural sites;

Maika‘i Kamakani ‘O Kohala for Kauhola Point in North Kohala, Island of Hawai‘i, at $975,000 for the acquisition of 27.546 acres, to preserve cultural sites, recreational areas, and coastal lands; and

Trust for Public Land and North Shore Community Land Trust for Turtle Bay Mauka Lands in Ko‘olauloa, Island of O‘ahu, at $1,500,000 for a conservation easement over 469 acres, to protect productive agricultural lands.

LLCP projects are subject to a consultation process with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the approval of the Governor. Grant funding for projects that protect lands having value as a resource to the State is awarded through the Legacy Land Conservation Program on an annual basis, subject to the availability of funds.

For more information on the Legacy Land Conservation Program please visit http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp or call (808) 586-0921.