Empowering Communities: New Grants Awarded to Boost Climate Change Resilience Initiatives

The Carbon Smart Program has disbursed $1,000,000 to support 10 grantees focused on developing sustainable practices, especially in carbon sequestration. This process involves capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is vital for combating climate change.

Created by the Hawaii State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, this pilot program aims to protect ranches, forests, and farmlands across Hawaii. Smaller land managers often struggle to access federal funds, making these grants essential for them. The funding will help improve soil health, enhance carbon storage, and boost climate change resilience.

The ten awardees include:

• MĀLA ʻŌiwi with Waiʻanae Community Redevelopment Corporation
• OCR Inc., dba Small Kine Farm
• Healing Mountain Homestead, LLC
• Living Life Source Foundation
• The Kohala Center
• Puʻu O Hoku Operations
• Maluhia Fields, LLC
• Mililani Agricultural Park, LLC
• Protect & Preserve Hawai‘i
• Kuilima Farm with Pono Pacific, LLC

Leah Laramee, the CCMAC Coordinator, emphasized the goal of expanding carbon sequestration strategies while enhancing existing regenerative practices. There’s hope to continue funding more projects in the future, supporting local land managers in implementing community-led carbon sequestration actions.

Projects initiated by these landowners include:

• Converting unused land into agroforestry systems.
• Creating organic compost from mushrooms for local markets.
• Removing invasive species to restore native forests, applying traditional Hawaiian ecological practices.
• Collaborating with 14 ʻōiwi-led organizations on various carbon sequestration activities.

The Carbon Smart Program addresses Hawaii’s urgent climate challenges, making it a priority for farmers, schools, communities, businesses, and nonprofits alike. This initiative aims to foster sustainable partnerships and cherish the natural resources of Hawaii for future generations.