Hanalei, Kauaʻi – House Representative Nadine K. Nakamura is pleased to share that Hale Halawai ʻOhana O Hanalei, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to serving Kauaʻi's north shore community will take on the role of administering and distributing an unprecedented grant through the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA). This historic grant, totaling $7,285,000, marks the first time the County of Kauaʻi has issued a grant of this size to a non-profit organization for administration.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami expressed, “The non-profit organizations selected to receive the flood mitigation sub-grants have a profound understanding of the challenges faced during and after the historic floods of 2018. I am confident of their expertise and commitment in implementing solutions to address the impacts of climate change. Strengthening the resilience of the north shore will ultimately strengthen the resilience for all Kaua‘i. We are especially grateful to the State Legislature for their support in providing this funding opportunity through Act 35.”
Representative Nadine K. Nakamura, who serves as the House Majority Leader, along with Senate President Kouchi played a pivotal role in securing these funds in the wake of the 2018 historic flooding. She stated, "I'm pleased that funds will be used to clear invasive hau from stream banks, repair ‘auwai and intakes for taro farmers, and develop community-based solutions for the long-term maintenance of our precious streams."
Kati Conant, Executive Director of Hale Halawai ʻOhana O Hanalei, conveyed her appreciation, emphasizing, "We are immensely grateful to Senate President Ron Kouchi, House Majority Leader Nadine K. Nakamura, and KEMA for their steadfast commitment to addressing the critical issue of flood mitigation in our community. This grant presents a unique opportunity for our non-governmental organization network to collaborate and advance flood mitigation efforts to help protect our community. This is critical given the devastation we experienced from the 2018 historic flood.”
The selected nonprofits will conduct mitigation projects that reduce harm from future flooding events through structural and nonstructural actions, interventions, and investments. Over a seven-year period, this grant funds a comprehensive range of flood mitigation projects, including a key component of community education. These efforts aim to enhance the resilience of Kauaʻi's north shore community and protect vulnerable populations.
The six non-profit organizations selected to receive sub-grants from Hale Halawai ʻOhana O Hanalei are as follows:
· Hanalei Initiative
· Waiʻoli Valley Taro Hui
· Waipā Foundation
· Limahuli Garden and Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden
· ʻAina Ho'okupu O Kīlauea
· EAO Hawaiʻi
Hale Halawai ʻOhana O Hanalei is committed to working closely with these non-profit partners, as well as government agencies, to ensure the successful implementation of flood mitigation projects. Together, they will work towards building a safer and more resilient community.
For more information about Hale Halawai ʻOhana O Hanalei and its initiatives, please visit halehalawai.org.
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