Kuleana coral reefs will launch a program to engage community members on west o'AHU in coral reef conservation and reduce barriers to environmental work for native hawaiians

The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $460,563 Cooperative Agreement to Kuleana Coral Reefs, a minority-owned, nonprofit organization, through the Habitat Conservation grant program (CFDA 11.463). This 3-year award will fund Kuleana Coral Reefs' community dive program on West O'ahu, which provides SCUBA certifications, coral restoration training, and on-the-ground coral restoration activities for local residents, with the goal of engaging the community in coral reef conservation and reducing barriers to environmental work for Native Hawaiians. Kuleana Coral Reefs has also received two federal subawards related to community-based coral restoration projects in West O'ahu, including one from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and another from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The community dive program will provide professional certifications and training in coral restoration to local residents, and conduct on-the-ground coral restoration at community-selected sites to help build coastal resilience.