BLNR Approves Projects for Legacy Land Conservation Program Funding

BLNR Approves Projects for Legacy Land Conservation Program Funding

HONOLULU - The Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) granted $4.7 million Friday June 9 for state, county and nonprofit land acquisition projects to protect Hawai‘i’s valuable resource lands through the new Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP).

The LLCP (Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 173A) will convey funding from the State Land Conservation Fund to two state agencies, three nonprofits and Hawai‘i County for the acquisition and permanent protection of lands having cultural, archeological and natural resource values.

“I’m very pleased that this year we are able to preserve and protect such a wide range of resources for Hawai‘i’s future generations,” stated Allan Smith, Interim Chairperson of the BLNR.

The newly-initiated Legacy Land Conservation Commission – a nine-member commission composed of cultural, agricultural and natural resource experts and representatives from each county – advised the BLNR on this year’s project selections.

“Virtually every one of the proposals we received was viewed by the Commission as significant lands with resources that merited protection. This was a tough choice, but we’re proud to have played a role in it,” stated Commission Chair Dale Bonar.

The following are summaries of the approved projects:

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Department of Land and Natural Resources: $430,250 for the acquisition of the 1,335.98-acre Carlsmith property near Hilo, on the Big Island, for the conservation of native forest and habitat.

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG): $1,500,000 for the acquisition of 169.87 acres in Honomā‘ele, Hana, on Maui, for the conservation of native hala forest and cultural resources.

The Cave Conservancy of Hawai‘i: $154,000 for the acquisition of 9 acres in Kula Kai View Estates, on the Big Island, for the conservation of cave tunnels and cultural resources.

The Kona Historical Society: $301,000 for the acquisition of the 5.536-acre Uchida Farm, in Kealakekua, on the Big Island, for the preservation of agricultural and historical resources.

Hawai‘i County: $1,214,750 for the acquisition of 234.293 in Ka‘u, near Kawa‘a Bay, on the Big Island, for the preservation of natural and cultural resources.

The Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Department of Agriculture: $1,100,000, for the acquisition of an agricultural easement on 108.217 acres of land in Kunia, on O‘ahu, from the Hawai‘i Agricultural Research Center (HARC), for the perpetual preservation of prime agricultural land.

LLCP projects are also subject to a consultation process with the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives and the approval of the Governor. Funding for projects that protect lands having value as a resource to the state will be available through the Legacy Land Conservation Program on an annual basis.

For more information on the Legacy Land Conservation Program please call (808) 586-0921.


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For more information, contact:
Molly Schmidt
LLCP Program Coordinator
Phone: 808-586-0921
Molly.e.schmidt@hawaii.gov