Hawaiian Electric has awarded a total of $83,000 in environmental grants and donations to eight local nonprofit organizations.
The funding will support habitat conservation and restoration, reforestation, native and protected species recovery, and community engagement programs, according to the energy provider in a statement announcing the funding on Oct. 12. The nonprofits include Hawaii Forest Institute, Hawaii Land Trust, Hawaii Wildlife Center, Kakoo Oiwi, Kupu, Malama Learning Center, North Shore Community Land Trust, and The Trust for Public Land.
“In selecting the nonprofits, we recognized their ongoing contributions to the health and sustainability of Hawaii so that future generations can benefit from their environmental conservation and protection efforts across the state,” Hawaiian Electric Director of Community Affairs Kurt Tsue told PBN in an email.
The monetary amount disbursed differs between the nonprofits, and is based upon the scope of their programs and their unique needs, among other factors, according to a spokesperson for Hawaiian Electric.
Here's a closer look at the organizations:
- Hawaii Forest Institute was formed in 2003 to protect Hawaii's forests, and has launched a project to encourage residents, businesses and schools to grow Native Hawaiian and Polynesian-introduced plants.
- Hawaii Land Trust is the first nationally accredited land trust in the state and is working to protect and restore native ecosystems on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai.
- Hawaii Wildlife Center, based on Hawaii Island, is a wildlife response and conservation organization exclusively for native wildlife. Funding will support the Oahu Seabird Aid Program, which provides rehabilitation to injured and downed seabirds on Oahu during peak fallout season, according to Hawaiian Electric.
- Kakoo Oiwi is a nonprofit with a project to restore agricultural and ecological productivity to nearly 405 acres within the Heeia wetlands on Oahu.
- Kupu is a conservation and youth education nonprofit.
- Malama Learning Center, located in West Oahu, brings together schools, residents and businesses to create healthy, sustainable living environments.
- North Shore Community Land Trust is the primary caretaker of Kahuku Point, an area home to a wide variety of native coastal plants, and provides nesting grounds for Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles.
- The Trust for Public Land in Hawaii works with communities and advocates to create, protect and steward nature-rich places.
