Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release May 23, 2014 

HAWAI‘I’S LEGACY LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM SEEKS
APPLICANTS FOR CONSERVATION ACQUISITION FUNDS

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Legacy Land Conservation Program is seeking applicants for grants from the State Land Conservation Fund to support the protection, through acquisition, of lands having value as a resource to the State of Hawai‘i.

The Legacy Land Conservation Program provides an annual source of funding for the acquisition and conservation of watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat protection; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources.

State agencies, county agencies, and nonprofit land conservation organizations may apply. Proposed projects may include acquisition of fee title or conservation easements. County agencies and nonprofit project applicants must be able to provide at least 25 percent of the total project costs.

“Legacy Land funds protect natural, cultural and agricultural resources that are at a risk of being lost when lands with these resources are sold or developed,” said DLNR Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr. “Conservation agencies and nonprofit organizations can use these funds to buy lands in order to manage the resources, or purchase a conservation easement on the property to ensure the landowner will always protect those resources.

“The program brings federal matching funds to Hawai‘i and helps local agencies and organizations hurdle the high costs of land in order to protect watersheds, agricultural lands, cultural resources and recreational areas that provide benefits to the public.”

The 2014-2015 grant program may provide up to $4.5 million in grants, awarded through a competitive process and subject to any budget restrictions. Funds are from the state’s land conveyance tax; 10 percent of these funds are set aside annually for the purpose of acquiring lands to protect Hawai‘i’s unique and valuable resources. Since its inception in 2006, the Legacy Land Conservation Program has awarded funds for the protection of over 20,000 acres of lands having natural, cultural, and agricultural resource value, leveraging about two matching federal, private and county dollars for every state dollar spent.

Project applications will be reviewed by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, which will nominate projects for funding. Projects are subject to the approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, consultation with the Senate President and Speaker of the House, review by the Attorney General, and the approval of the Governor. Final awards are subject to the availability of funds.

Starting June 1, 2014, the forms and instructions for the 2014-2015 grant cycle will be available at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/apply/. In order to be considered for funding, applicants must submit Agency Consultation Forms by July 1, 2014. Grant applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. Sept.15, 2014.

For more information on the Legacy Land Conservation Program, visit
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp or call (808) 586-0921.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320

Molly Schmidt
Legacy Land Conservation Program Coordinator
Phone: (808) 586-0921
[email protected]