Hawaii Awards $7M in Legacy Land Conservation Grants

Funding will protect iconic coastal areas, native forests, and culturally significant shorelines across Maui and Molokai

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:06am

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The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved $7 million in state grants to fund five conservation projects across Maui and Molokai. The properties to be protected include Honolua Bay, Malama Kaunakahakai, Kalokoheli Shoreline, East Maui Coastal Forest, and Haneoo Aina, which encompass critical habitat, cultural sites, and areas for traditional practices and community access.

Why it matters

These grants from Hawaii's Legacy Land Conservation Program will help preserve the state's natural resources, cultural heritage, and public access to iconic landscapes. The funding supports partnerships between government agencies and community organizations to protect environmentally and culturally significant lands from development.

The details

The approved projects include: 17.8 acres at Honolua Bay in Lahaina, Maui to enable coordinated management of visitor access and preservation of the area's natural and cultural value; 23 acres along Molokai's south shore near Kaunakakai Wharf to protect wetlands, native waterbird habitat, and areas for traditional canoe landings and gathering; 7.2 acres of shoreline parcels adjacent to Kalokoheli Fishpond on Molokai to maintain access for cultural practices; over 540 acres of mixed native forest along Hana Highway on Maui's northeast coast to protect endangered species and watershed; and 115 acres in Hana, Maui consisting of pasturelands and cultural/historical sites to preserve the rural character of the region.

  • The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the grant recommendations on April 1, 2026.
  • The Legacy Land Conservation Program has protected 53 properties covering 37,000 acres statewide since it was established in 2005.

The players

Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR)

The state agency that approved the grant recommendations from the Legacy Land Conservation Commission and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Legacy Land Conservation Commission

The commission that provided recommendations to the BLNR on the conservation projects to receive funding.

DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW)

The division within the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources that collaborated with the Legacy Land Conservation Commission on the grant recommendations.

Save Honolua Coalition

The grantee organization that will receive funding to protect the Honolua Bay area on Maui.

Hui Wa'a O Molokai

The grantee organization that will receive funding to protect the Malama Kaunakahakai area on Molokai.

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The takeaway

These conservation grants demonstrate Hawaii's ongoing commitment to protecting its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and public access to iconic destinations across the islands. By partnering with community organizations, the state is ensuring these important lands will be preserved for future generations.