Sponsors (2)
The bill directs sustained federal funding and clear eligibility to accelerate culturally informed, evidence‑based conservation and workforce training in Hawaii, but does so at the cost of sizable long‑term federal spending, tighter administrative constraints, and tradeoffs in how a limited grant pool is allocated.
Federal agencies are authorized $30 million per year for 10 years to run the program, providing sustained, predictable funding that enables multi‑year conservation projects and program continuity.
Native Hawaiian organizations, state and local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and universities can apply for and receive grants, expanding who can lead and benefit from conservation work in Hawaii.
Native Hawaiian organizations and certain small projects (including grants ≤ $50,000) and youth workforce‑readiness projects can qualify for 100% federal funding, reducing out‑of‑pocket costs and enabling participation by under‑resourced groups and youth training programs.
The 10‑year authorization at $30 million per year increases long‑term federal spending commitments, which raises taxpayer costs and could crowd out other budget priorities.
Most grants require federal funding to cover up to 75%, so local entities must still secure matching funds, which is a significant barrier for underfunded nonprofits, tribal groups, and rural communities.
Expanding eligibility increases competition for a finite pool of grant funds, which could reduce individual award sizes or leave worthwhile projects unfunded.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal grant program funding Hawaii native species conservation, authorizes $30M/year for 10 years, sets cost-share rules and reporting requirements.
Introduced March 3, 2025 by Ed Case · Last progress March 3, 2025
Creates a federal grant program to support conservation and recovery projects for plant, fungi, and animal species native to Hawaii. It funds eligible Hawaii entities—state and local governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and universities—through grants, cooperative agreements, and microgrants, sets cost-share and priority rules, requires annual reporting, and authorizes $30 million per year for 10 years with up to 5% for administration.