About the Programs
Many of the programs supported by these funds benefit Hawaii's communities statewide and have proven track records. Hawai'i cannot afford to let these investments in affordable housing, watershed protection, invasive species management, water quality, workforce development, agricultural protection, and public health suffer from penny-wise, pound-foolish thinking. These programs are strategic investments that will produce the best economic stimulus for today and for the long-term benefit of our residents, children, agriculture, and businesses. These programs are critical because:
- Since 2002, 1,814 affordable housing units provide decent and affordable homes to our elders, families, and disabled and enable them to remain independent and stable in our communities without becoming homeless (Catholic Charities of Hawaii). Learn about how the Rental Housing Alliance has contributed to our communities - fact sheet
- Over 128 million dollars in loans have supported the construction industry and jobs to develop affordable housing for our residents
- The water we drink comes from forested watersheds (over 220 billion gallons of water per year are produced in areas managed by the Watershed Partnerships Program - successes)
- As well as the ocean we swim and fish protected from land-based erosion and pollution
- The forests we hike, camp, and hunt in are managed (State Forest Reserve System)
- Areas where maile and ‘ōhi‘a are picked for hula are preserved (all programs)
- School groups and teachers are provided with areas to conduct outdoor education for our children (Youth Conservation Corps). The State has secured Recovery funding to support 45 full-time positions for 10 months - fact sheet
- Our neighbors and local businesses are employed by many of these programs across the state. Close to 200 people are directly employed by these programs, which contribute over $10 million to local businesses. Many of these programs leverage state dollars 1:1 and bring in additional federal, county, and private funds into the state. The new Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program leverages funding to support local landowners with restoration funds. (fact sheet)
- Clean air, water, and climate change mitigation are provided by healthy forests (Forest Stewardship Program - successes)
- Agricultural areas, human health, and the environment are protected from harmful invasive species (Hawai'i Invasive Species Council and the Invasive Species Committees - successes)
- Lands in danger of being developed are protected for the public interest for cultural, agricultural, recreational, and watershed values (Legacy Land Conservation Program - successes)
- Critical native habitats and species, many found no where else on earth but in Hawai'i, are protected for future generations (Natural Area Reserves System, Natural Area Partnership Program)
- Tourism is helped by these programs. According to the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau, 60% of Hawaii's tourism is from the U.S. Mainland and of these tourists, 80% reported engaging in ocean activities and 25% engaged in hiking/camping activities
