U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has announced that Hawaii will receive $5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid in forest management and restoration activities. The funds are designated for the State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) to assist landowners with protecting and restoring watersheds, forest resources, wildlife habitats, and endangered species.
Senator Hirono stated, "Hawaii’s forestlands are essential to its diverse ecosystem and this funding is an important investment in the protection and management of these lands throughout our state." She also noted that "as Maui continues to recover following the devastating wildfires last year, this funding will help encourage sustainability in preserving our natural resources and support Hawaii’s efforts to plan for and reduce the risk of future wildfires."
The grant is part of a larger initiative funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed into law in 2022 with assistance from Senator Hirono. It is one portion of nearly $335 million allocated nationwide to promote sustainable management practices among private forest landowners. Techniques such as tree thinning or removing invasive species are encouraged to lower susceptibility to pests and diseases while reducing wildfire risks.
Further details on these funded proposals can be accessed through provided resources.