Gov. Linda Lingle has announced that the Hanalei Heritage River Program is eligible for up to $700,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the protection of the river and streams in the Hanalei ahupua’a. The funds
Gov. Linda Lingle has announced that the Hanalei Heritage River Program is eligible for up to $700,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the protection of the river and streams in the Hanalei ahupua’a.
The funds could be used for sediment control and wastewater contamination reduction.
EPA administrator Todd Williams announced last week the availability of $15 million for a total of 20 watershed projects nationwide, including the funds for the Hanalei Heritage River Program.
The EPA received more than 176 applications from 48 states seeking funds for watershed projects under President Bush’s “Watershed Initiative, said according to a spokesman for the governor’s office.
“President Bush’s Watershed Initiative recognizes the importance of assisting local communities in managing natural resources and protecting our coasts and waterways,” Lingle said in a news release.
She said the Hanalei Heritage River Program is a ” strong example of the kind of community collaboration we need to preserve our environment.”
The program draws support from federal, state and county agencies and community organizations.
The thrust behind the Hanalei Heritage River program is to improve the water quality of the Hanalei River watershed.
That watershed extends from the top of Mount Wai’ale’ale to Pu’u Point and Makahoa Point, a coastline area located on the western edge of Hanalei Bay.
