This agreement provides funding to state of hawaii department of land and natural resources to implement its project to pearl harbor aquifer recovery project as directed in the 2023 consolidated…

Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 awarded a Cooperative Agreement of $1.72 million to the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources on June 1, 2026, under the Congressionally Mandated Projects program (CFDA 66.202) to implement the Pearl Harbor Aquifer Recovery Project as directed in the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

The project removes invasive plant species within and outside the watershed to maximize groundwater recharge from native forests. Work is performed in Hawaii and includes execution and implementation of a water quality protection project with removal of invasive species in the watershed to restore a healthy, diverse native plant ecosystem. The anticipated deliverables consist of quarterly reporting with photo documentation and invoice copies. The project benefits over 60 percent of Oahu residents who rely on the Pearl Harbor Aquifer for drinking water.

Performance runs through May 30, 2031. The recipient's cost share waiver was approved by EPA on January 9, 2024.

The Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH), a state agency established by the legislature in 1965 and administratively attached to the University of Hawaii, is the sub-recipient and will execute all invasive species removal work within the watershed.

This agreement provides funding to state of hawaii department of land and natural resources to implement its project to pearl harbor aquifer recovery project as directed in the 2023 consolidated appropriations act or as identified in an approved technical correction if one has been approved for this project. This project will remove invasive plant species within and outside the watershed in order to maximize ground water recharge from native forests. This assistance agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $1,720,000. The recipient's cost share waiver request was approved by EPA on 1/9/2024. Activities:the activities to be performed include the execution and implementation of a water quality protection project. Workplan activities consist of:removal of invasive species within and outside the watershed in order to maximize ground water recharge from native forests. Subrecipient:this grant is to remove invasive species in the watershed, and all work will be done through the research corporation of the university of hawaii (RCUH). RCUH is a state agency established by the legislature in 1965 and is attached to the university of hawaii for administrative purposes. Outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include quarterly reporting with photo documentation of work and invoice copies. The expected outcomes include better ground water recharge from a healthy diverse native plant ecosystem. The intended beneficiaries include over 60% of oahu residents who rely on the pearl harbor aquifer for drinking water.