Address key forest health concerns by restoring native species and forested areas in priority watershed forests and eroded areas, restore areas where invasive plants, insects, and disease have…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service awarded the State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) a $714,849 Project Grant under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664) effective September 10, 2025, with completion targeted for August 31, 2030. This five-year award supports forest health restoration and conservation activities across Hawaii's priority watershed forests and degraded agricultural lands. Core deliverables include restoring native species and forest ecosystems in areas degraded by invasive plants, insects, and disease; enhancing native-dominated habitat with historically widespread plant species now limited in range; and engaging communities and students in restoration efforts. The project prioritizes landscape-scale restoration in degraded or fallow agricultural lands and works through established watershed partnerships to address key forest health concerns.

DLNR executed three sub-awards to specialized local organizations to advance project objectives: Pohaku Pelemaka received funding for the "Hii Ka Malu Niu" (To carry and tend to the coconut shade) project; HUI Mauli OLA received support for the Wiliwili Restoration Project of Honouliuli; and Hookuaaina was awarded funding for the Palawai Agroforestry & Riparian Resilience Project. All three sub-awards were issued in April 2026, enabling DLNR to leverage community-based organizations and local expertise to implement restoration activities aligned with the broader federal conservation mandate for Hawaii's unique and fragile ecosystems.

Address key forest health concerns by restoring native species and forested areas in priority watershed forests and eroded areas, restore areas where invasive plants, insects, and disease have harmed forests. Engage communities and students in enhance native dominated habitat with formerly widespread plant species that are now limited in range.restoration efforts. Priority landscapes include degraded/fallow agricultural lands, watersheds, watershed partnerships.