Legacy Land Conservation Program invites applications for land acquisition grants

Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Legacy Land Conservation Program invites state agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations to submit applications for fiscal year 2027 land acquisition grants.

These grants preserve and protect land with natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural production or historic value, including park and trail systems that provide access to such land. 

“Legacy Land makes a difference by saving ʻāina from degradation, destruction and land use conversion,” said Legacy Land Conservation Program Program Specialist David Penn in a state release. “It requires that a landowner manage property to protect Hawaiʻi’s precious and irreplaceable resources for the benefit of present and future generations.”

The Legacy Land program since its inception in 2005 facilitated contributions of more than $73 million from the State Land Conservation Fund for acquisition of 55 properties and more than 31,000 acres statewide.

Recent acquisitions include:

• Community-based stewardship and state ownership of more than 940 acres stretching upward from windward Oʻahu valley lands to the peak of Koʻolau mountain ridges above Kāneʻohe (Kāneʻohe Pali to Loʻi).
• At ʻAnaehoʻomalu Kapalaoa, a group of lineal descendants (Nā ʻŌiwi O Puʻuanahulu) reclaimed and reconnected with lands rich in cultural and natural resources that support the perpetuation of traditional and customary beliefs, values and practices.

Visit the program website, contact the program office via email at legacyland@hawaii.gov or call 808-586-0921 for detailed information about the application process.

About $5.3 million in grant funds are expected to be available for award.