HIRONO, SCHATZ ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR PUPUKEA MAUKA WATERSHED PROJECT

Washington, D.C. – Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz today announced Hawaii will receive more than $1 million for the Pupukea Mauka Watershed and Habitat Protection Project. This funding will help foster partnerships between the state government and private landowners or conservation groups to protect the habitats of threatened wildlife.

“The Pupukea Mauka Watershed and Habitat Protection Project is an example of the partnership that is needed to protect the habitat of Hawaii’s endangered animals, including three critically endangered Oahu tree snails and the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat,” said Hirono. “These funds will enable the acquisition of land that promotes long-term protection for the watershed and endangered species that contribute to Hawaii’s unique and diverse landscape.”

"Hawaii is the endangered species capital of the world. We have more endangered species than any place on the planet that we must protect," Schatz said. "These federal funds will give the Pupukea Mauka Watershed Project the resources to help protect a critical stream that feeds into the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, giving life to Hawaii’s biologically diverse environment, while keeping Pupukea's ocean, reefs, and beaches healthy for residents and visitors."