Public Lands Stewardship Grants

The Public Lands Stewardship Grants program is administered by the County of Hawaii through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission. This program supports the stewardship, maintenance, and preservation of lands that have been acquired using the county Preservation Fund. These lands are intended to remain accessible and protected for public benefit, and the stewardship grants provide a structured funding mechanism for community-based organizations to assist in maintaining these properties. Funding for the program is derived from a Maintenance Fund established by the County Charter, which is specifically designated for public safety, preservation, and conservation-related activities. The primary purpose of the stewardship grants is to ensure that publicly acquired lands are properly maintained, preserved, and made safe for community use. The program emphasizes activities that directly contribute to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and public access. The County Charter outlines seventeen categories of allowable expenditures that are presumed to directly support these objectives, including repair, conservation, restoration, wildfire prevention, flood mitigation, and the protection of native ecosystems and cultural resources. These categories provide a structured framework for applicants to design projects that align with the county’s stewardship priorities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations or groups operating under the umbrella of a nonprofit entity. These organizations are expected to take on active stewardship roles, such as maintaining trails, managing vegetation, conducting restoration work, and facilitating educational or cultural programming. The program allows for certain compensation expenses, including labor and staff salaries, provided that these roles and their associated duties are clearly defined and approved within the applicant’s detailed business plan. Compensation for board members is strictly regulated and must be explicitly justified and approved as part of the application. Allowable expenses include maintenance supplies, tools and equipment, planting and nursery materials, fuel for on-site activities, and personal protective equipment. Cultural and educational activities are also supported, including curriculum development, stipends for cultural practitioners, and the creation of educational materials. However, several cost categories are explicitly disallowed, including administrative fees, insurance, travel expenses, food and refreshments, and third-party service costs such as human resources or fiscal sponsorship fees. These restrictions ensure that funds are used directly for on-the-ground stewardship and preservation activities rather than indirect or overhead costs. The application process requires nonprofit organizations to submit a formal application along with supporting materials by an annual deadline of August 31. Applicants must include a detailed business plan outlining proposed activities, budget allocations, and expected outcomes. After submission, the Commission reviews applications, conducts interviews with applicants, and makes funding recommendations to the Director of Finance. Final approval occurs through a resolution passed by the County Council, after which grant agreements are executed between the county and the selected nonprofit organizations. Once awarded, grantees are required to enter into formal agreements and comply with ongoing reporting requirements. Performance reports must be submitted and are reviewed by the Commission to ensure that grant objectives are being met and that funds are being used appropriately. This accountability framework reinforces the program’s emphasis on measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship of public resources. The program operates on an annual cycle, with consistent deadlines and review processes, making it a recurring funding opportunity for qualified organizations engaged in land stewardship within Hawaii County.

Ensure all proposed expenses align strictly with the 17 allowable categories defined in the County Charter and clearly justify any compensation or staffing roles in the business plan