Pristine coastal areas, culturally significant shorelines, native forest habitat and lands that support traditional practices and community access will be protected with the help of state funding for land acquisition.
Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources approved recommendations from the Legacy Land Conservation Commission and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife to award up to $7 million in state grants for five conservation projects around Maui and Molokaʻi.
Properties and grantees
HONOLUA BAY
GRANTEE: Save Honolua Coalition
- This 17.8-acre collection of parcels in Lahaina, Maui, encompasses coastal and mauka lands framing one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic bays. The area supports critical habitat, cultural sites and heavy public use. Protection of these parcels will enable coordinated management of visitor access, restoration of natural resources and preservation of the area’s significant cultural and ecological value.
MĀLAMA KAUNAKAHAKAI
GRANTEE: Hui Waʻa O Molokaʻi
- About 23 acres of coastal property along Molokaʻi’s south shore near Kaunakakai Wharf, including wetlands, native waterbird habitat and areas traditionally used for canoe landings and gathering. The project supports protection of open space and the establishment of a permanent base for Molokaʻi’s voyaging community.
KALOKOʻELI SHORELINE
GRANTEE: KHM International
- This is a 7.2-acre stretch of shoreline parcels on Molokaʻi adjacent to Kalokoʻeli Fishpond, forming a cultural and ecological corridor connecting land and sea, supporting traditional aquaculture, shoreline habitat and community-based stewardship. Acquisition will protect access for cultural practices and strengthen long-term management of this important landscape.
EAST MAUI COASTAL FOREST
GRANTEE: Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife
- More than 540 acres along Hāna Highway on Maui’s northeast coast, home to mixed native forest that provide habitat for endangered plants, native seabirds and Hawaiian hoary bat while also protecting streams and nearshore ecosystems. The acquisition will maintain critical watershed functions.
HANEOʻO ʻĀINA
GRANTEE: Ke Ao Haliʻi
- About 115 acres in Hāna, Maui, consisting of pasturelands and areas with significant cultural and historical resources, including burial sites and other wahi pana. The project will help preserve the rural character of Hāna, protect important cultural landscapes and support stewardship and education, with initial partial funding awarded this year.
Hawaiʻi Legislature established the Land Conservation Fund in 2005 to provide permanent, dedicated funding for land conservation through a portion of the real estate conveyance tax.
The Legacy Land Conservation Program has since helped protect 53 properties covering 37,000 acres statewide.
Approval includes consultation with multiple state agencies, field visits, public meetings and review by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission.
Final approvals are made by Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources and governor.
These grants support preservation and protection of lands with natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural and historic value. They also help provide public access to these resources and strengthen partnerships between government and community-based organizations.
