More than $9.1 million coming to Hawai‘i for forest restoration projects

A Big Island company is one of two entities that will receive funds from the federal government for forest restoration projects that will help protect rare species, support agricultural production and increase climate resilience in Hawai‘i.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawai‘i Democrat, announced Monday that the state will receive more than $9.1 million in new federal funding for the forest restoration projects.

Hawai‘i Island-based Terraformation, a company focused on reforestation, will receive nearly $4.2 million to design and implement solutions that sequester carbon and support agricultural producers in adapting to a changing climate and increase the resiliency of the local food system.

The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife will also receive $4.9 million for forest restoration work in areas with high values for carbon sequestration and the highest potential to provide habitat for rare species.

The project seeks to plant 80,000 native trees and remove invasive weeds from 1,200 acres.

“Restoring our diverse ecosystems is critical to both mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a healthy environment,” said Schatz. “This new funding helps continue our work to preserve our environment in Hawai‘i and boost our resilience to the increasing risks we face from climate change.”