Nine Hawaii organizations have received federal grants for projects that aim to increase access to green spaces. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Urban and Community Forestry Program awarded more than $42 million to local projects last month, as part of a national initiative.
Environmental education nonprofit Kupu has received the largest grant amount in the state — $20 million — for a project called MALU, or Meaningful Arboriculture to Limit Vulnerability in Urban and Community areas, which aims to increase green space while providing workforce development opportunities. In a statement announcing the funding, representatives of Kupu explained that the project “will provide funding, technical assistance and support to multiple local organizations working to increase tree cover in disadvantaged areas.”
“Consistent with Kupu’s focus on youth development and environmental restoration, special emphasis will be placed on improving the wellbeing of people and places at the same time,” Kupu stated.
The other Hawaii grant recipients include Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests; the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation; Friends of Amy B H Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden; Grow Good Hawaii; the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Hawaii Division of Forestry & Wildlife; Smart Trees Pacific; and the University of Hawaii.
“Kupu is humbled by this opportunity to bring these resources home to the Islands. This program will provide resources, support and technical assistance to a community of partners who will put these federal funds to good use across the Islands,” said John Leong, CEO of Kupu, in a statement. Leong was also recently named among Pacific Business News’ Hawaii’s Most Admired Leaders. “Kupu’s network includes hundreds of partners that we have grown with over the past 16 years. We are excited to support and empower communities with opportunities to make their neighborhoods and public spaces more resilient to climate change.”
For the full list of Hawaii projects that will receive funding, click here.
“As we work to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainability, this funding brings us one step closer in creating healthier, more equitable communities across Hawaii,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono in a statement. “This historic investment in urban forests will help ensure people in Hawaii have access to quality outdoor spaces, no matter where they live.”
According to the Urban and Community Forestry Program’s website, the funding was provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. More than $1 billion will be provided to organizations nationwide through the program.
“Studies show that communities with access to trees and green spaces are associated with improved health outcomes, reduced crime, lower average temperatures, and an influx of other kinds of investments and new economic opportunities,” according to the Urban and Community Forestry Program.
