The Hawaii Department of Homeland recently announced it will award 23 grants to 14 organizations. $8.5 million will help fund programs, services, projects, and facility improvements at Hawaiian Home Lands throughout the state.
It’s part of the department’s Native Hawaii Development Program Plan. The program’s goal is to enhance the well-being of Native Hawaiians through educational, economic, political, social, cultural and other services.
Grants to help upgrade existing facilities at Hawaiian Home Lands include $1 million for the public charter school Ka Waihona O Ka Naʻauao in Nānākuli for kitchen and cafeteria renovations. And another $1 million will be donated to the Molokaʻi Homestead Farmers Alliance for repairs to the toilets and sewer system at the Lanikeha Community Center.
Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo is one of the recipients of grants given for programs and services in the guesthouse. The nonprofit plans to use $500,000 to support its aquaponics program and expand to Kona and Molokaʻi. And Habitat for Humanity also received $500,000 to pay for a home improvement program in Maui County.
Other projects that received money included $100,000 for a gardening, planting and mulching program led by the Hoʻopili Farmers Association in Molokaʻi.