Restoration programs boosted by Hawaii Community Foundation grants LOCAL NEWS MAR 2, 2019 Maui and Molokai’s restoration programs received a combined total of $270,000 in grants from the Hawaii Community Foundation, according to an announcement earlier this month. The 2019-2021 Maui County recipients include: The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge, Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike Building Program and Wailua nui Restoration Project. Funding is awarded through the Community Restoration Partnership, which aims to help nonprofits protect and restore Hawaii’s coastal areas. The restoration partnership is a funding collaboration between the Atherton Family Foundation, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, the Marisla Foundation and the Oak Foundation, as well as the Traut Carson Fund, Weissman Family Foundation and Jeanne Herbert Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation. Since 2009, the Community Restoration Partnership has funded 52 local organizations across the state, adding up to over $4.7 million in donations and scholarships. In addition, the Hawaii Community Foundation serves a resource for any community concerns. Over the years, the restoration partnership has evolved into a multiyear grant program, rather than a one-year program, which allows for more opportunities to network, build and restore, and provide training. Larissa Kick, senior program officer for community grants and investments at the Hawaii Community Foundation, stated last week that “healthy coastal lands are crucial for healthy native plant life, wildlife and oceans.” Maui’s environmental and cultural programs are working together to achieve the statewide goal for 30 percent healthy functioning nearshore areas by 2030. “We believe it’s important to protect our resources in Hawaii, and we are honored to be part of this partnership with engaged funders, and mission-driven nonprofits,” Kick said. “Working toward environmental integrity and sustainability is no small task, so it will require laulima, many hands working together.”
Anyone who is interested in joining the restoration partnership may contact Kick by phone at (808) 566-5565 or by email at lkick@hcf-hawaii.org.