Senator Hirono Continues Support for Programs that Grow Hawaii’s Conservation Workforce

HONOLULU –Senator Mazie K. Hirono today encouraged KUPU interns to continue their good work, serving their communities through conservation. KUPU, an AmeriCorps program, provides young people with service learning and educational opportunities through maintaining and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources.

“KUPU’s work to provide meaningful service opportunities for young people benefits our aina and Hawaii’s native plants and animals,” said Senator Hirono. “I continue to advocate for AmeriCorps funding that supports programs like KUPU that help train Hawaii’s workforce and provide career pathways for young conservationists.”

“For the past decade, KUPU has helped develop the next generation of Hawai'i's environmental leaders,” John Leong, Chief Executive Officer for KUPU. “AmeriCorps funding ensures that Hawai'i's youth can pursue careers in conservation and sustainability, allowing them to play a vital role in protecting Hawai'i's fragile environment. I'm honored to join with Senator Hirono and the rest of the Hawai‘i congressional delegation to support programs that help Hawai‘i's youth discover their strengths and allows them to give back to a cause greater than themselves while pursuing career pathways to propel them forward in life.” 

“We appreciate Senator Hirono’s continued commitment to supporting AmeriCorps funding that helps supports critical educational programs like KUPU,” said Suzanne D. Case, chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). “Building a bridge for Hawaii’s future conservation workforce, the KUPU internship program trains our youth to become environmental stewards and connects them to future job opportunities at DLNR and across the state.”

In June, Senator Hirono announced that Hawaii had received $4.2 million in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service programs. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono cosponsored S.Res.86, a bipartisan resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni and the significant impact their efforts have on our lands and natural resources The Senate passed this resolution on March 9, 2017, during national AmeriCorps Week.

Senator Hirono with DLNR Chair Suzanne Case and KUPU leadership and volunteers

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