About HACD
Throughout the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, the Soil Conservation District’s (SCDs) emphasized Hawaii’s growing conservational needs and concerns to the legislature. This call for attention prompted the legislature to recognize the importance of the SCDs and their ability to address such concerns, as well as their dedication toward conservation and service to the community. As a result, monies were appropriated to the SCDs in order to hold a 2-day conference on Oahu. The districts used this meeting to help launch their organization. On September 16, 1954, after more than a year of planning and support from district directors, legislative supporters, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), and government agencies, the SCDs formed the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts (HACD) and held their first meeting (HACD Constitution and Bylaws). During this meeting, the articles of organization were adopted and the district directors elected their first HACD president, secretary-treasurer, and five island vice-presidents (one for each of the five major islands). Until today, the HACD continues to hold their Annual HACD Conference (elections occurring biannually) as well as quarterly meetings, with the location of the annual meeting rotating among the islands and their hosting Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). Also, HACD and the SWCDs continue to work closely with a variety of Federal and State agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH). In addition, through an agreement with DOH, HACD has been able to hire four Conservation Specialists (one in each County) in order to assist the districts with Conservation planning and further promote local agriculture and watershed stewardship throughout the community.
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