COUNTY of hawaii, NA25NOSX473C0205-T1-01 puapuaa IKI habitat restoration project: building climate resilience based in traditional ecological knowledge through invasive species management and…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management (CFDA 11.473) awarded the County of Hawaii a $1.9 million Cooperative Agreement on October 1, 2025, for habitat restoration and shoreline stabilization activities in the Puapuaa Iki area on Hawaii Island's western coast in North Kona. The County will restore approximately 11.5 acres of deforested, drought-stricken land through invasive species removal and native species outplanting, with concurrent shoreline stabilization work. These activities are designed to improve soil structure, reduce nutrient influx into the bay and coastline, and enhance habitat viability for native wildlife including seabirds, migratory shorebirds, and green sea turtles. The project also incorporates protection of historic resources on the site and community engagement across all project phases.

The four-year project, executing through September 30, 2029, will deliver long-term ecosystem and community benefits by building climate resilience through traditional ecological knowledge integration. Specific deliverables include invasive species management, native vegetation establishment, shoreline stabilization engineering, historic resource preservation, community capacity building for site maintenance, and public access enhancements. The County is leveraging $799,440 in matching funds for staff, supplies, surveys, and ongoing monitoring, demonstrating its commitment to the long-term viability of island ecosystems and coastal communities.

COUNTY of hawaii, NA25NOSX473C0205-T1-01 puapuaa IKI habitat restoration project: building climate resilience based in traditional ecological knowledge through invasive species management and shoreline stabilization the national oceanic and atmospheric administration is providing $1,901,521 in federal funding to the COUNTY of hawaii through the FY2024 and FY2025 coastal zone management habitat protection and restoration grant competition. This funding will increase the safety and productivity of coastal communities within coastal counties through habitat restoration planning, engineering and design projects, habitat restoration implementation projects, and land conservation projects. Specifically, the COUNTY of hawaii (COUNTY) will use these funds for restoration of 11.5 acres of deforested, drought-stricken land in an area called puapuaa IKI, situated on the western coast of hawaii island in the district of north kona. The removal of invasive plants will improve soil structure and reduce the influx of harmful nutrients into the BAY and coastline. The puapuaa IKI habitat restoration project for invasive species management and shoreline stabilization will also ensure protection of the historic resources on the site, engaging the community in all phases of the project, and building community and COUNTY capacity for long-term site maintenance and public access. The COUNTY is committed to the long-term viability of its island ecosystems and communities, and as such is leveraging $799,440 including staff, supplies, surveys, and ongoing monitoring of project area as part of this overall award. Project activities include removal of invasive species and subsequent outplanting of native species, and shoreline stabilization. This project will directly enhance the health and biodiversity of native vegetation and increase the viability of the habitat for native wildlife such as seabirds, migratory shorebirds, and green sea turtles in a stretch of coastline that is otherwise developed. Anticipated project benefits include: 1) mitigation of natural hazards: the restored site will act as a natural buffer against recurrent high tides and severe storms, especially as surrounding development already increases erosion and flooding; 2) biodiversity conservation: habitat restoration will promote the return of native species, enhancing ecosystem stability and viability of native ecosystems in the surrounding parcels, and increasing water purification. The project site is associated with one underlying aquifer and is used for drinking water. Flooding in the area can cause a brownfield event. This is especially critical to the surrounding community, as the adjacent parcels rely on well water. The vegetation restoration efforts will improve the soil structure and ability of the ecosystem to continue to filtrate water. Additionally, the erosion mitigation efforts will further reduce soil runoff and saltwater contamination of the aquifer. This project will not only improve water quality for the surrounding residential community; IT will also improve the health of the coastline ecosystem and marine habitats affected by runoff and pollution that has increased with development and deforestation