This project will acquire, protect and manage land tracts which contain outstanding conservation values in alignment with forest legacy program goals

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region awarded the Office of Hawaiian Affairs $6.17 million under the Inflation Reduction Act—Forest Legacy Program on January 5, 2026 to acquire, protect, and manage land tracts containing native lowland rainforest and watershed lands vital to Hawaii's largest aquifer, establish buffers around endangered species habitat, and create seed sources for forest regeneration on lava flows. The award funds conservation easements or fee simple purchase of environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Performance extends through August 31, 2030, and work occurs in Hawaii. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a state-level agency and child entity of the State of Hawaii headquartered in Honolulu that operates as a prime federal grant recipient focused on conservation and environmental stewardship activities in the Islands. The Forest Legacy Program prioritizes projects within approved Forest Legacy Areas that align with state Assessments of Need and satisfy national core criteria for importance, threatened status, and strategy.

These tracts protect intact native lowland rainforest and watershed lands vital to the island's largest aquifer, buffer endangered species habitat and serve as a seed source for forest regeneration on lava flows.