HOOLA-AINA Program

The HOOLA AINA program is administered by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, as part of the State’s broader environmental stewardship and climate resilience strategy. The funding originates from the State’s Green Fee, established in 2025 to create a dedicated revenue stream for conservation, sustainable tourism, and ecosystem restoration. This initiative reflects Hawaii’s response to escalating environmental threats such as wildfires, flooding, invasive species, and degradation of native ecosystems. The program is designed to strengthen ecological resilience while reinforcing the cultural and economic importance of natural resources across the islands. The primary purpose of this solicitation is to fund community-based, partnership-driven projects that restore and protect Hawaii’s forests, watersheds, wetlands, and related ecosystems. The program emphasizes both ecological and cultural restoration, supporting initiatives that integrate native species, non-invasive Polynesian-introduced plants, and sustainable land-based practices. Projects are expected to deliver measurable benefits such as improved biodiversity, water quality, carbon sequestration, and food security. The program also prioritizes efforts that rebuild relationships between communities and the land through stewardship, education, and cultural engagement. Funding for this opportunity is expected to total approximately 8000000 dollars, though additional federal, state, or private funds may supplement awards. Individual project proposals must request at least 100000 dollars, and awards may span multiple fiscal years with contract terms ranging from one to four years, with potential extensions up to six years. Funds may be used for a wide range of non-construction activities, including reforestation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, watershed protection, community education, and planning or monitoring activities. Projects must align with defined categories such as ecosystem restoration, threat management, community stewardship, and adaptive management. Eligibility for the program is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and sole proprietors that meet Hawaii statutory responsibility requirements. Applicants must demonstrate legal authorization to perform work on proposed lands, such as rights of entry or agreements with landowners. Proposals may include subcontracting arrangements to redistribute funds to other entities carrying out project activities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate experience managing such arrangements and outline the types of recipients they intend to support, even if specific subrecipients are not yet identified. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package via email. Applicants must complete a designated PDF application form, provide a detailed scope of work using prescribed spreadsheets, submit maps and shapefiles showing project locations, include documentation of land access authorization, and prepare a multi-year budget using a standardized template. All materials must be submitted together in a single email, and revised submissions must include all required documents. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including environmental impact, scale of benefits, cost-effectiveness, and organizational capacity. The timeline for the solicitation includes a release date of July 15, 2026, with proposals due by August 17, 2026. Additional milestones include a pre-proposal conference, a deadline for written questions, evaluation committee review, and potential discussions with selected applicants before final offers are submitted. Award notifications are expected by October 20, 2026, with contracts anticipated to begin around January 1, 2027. The program requires ongoing reporting, including quarterly and final narrative reports documenting progress, outcomes, and expenditures. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by a committee that scores submissions based on a 100-point system. Key factors include alignment with priority environmental areas, scale and impact of the project, cost-effectiveness, and demonstrated experience. Successful applicants must comply with reporting requirements and may be subject to site visits. The program is not construction-focused and emphasizes measurable, long-term ecological and community benefits, ensuring that funded projects contribute meaningfully to Hawaii’s environmental resilience and cultural preservation.

Align proposals with priority ecological areas; demonstrate measurable impact and cost effectiveness; show strong organizational capacity and partnerships