Hawaiian Electric awards grants to environmental nonprofits

Supports programs advancing a sustainable, resilient Hawaii

News Release from HECO, April 7, 2021 

HONOLULU, April 7, 2021 - Hawaiian Electric has awarded a total of $60,000 in grants to four environmental nonprofit organizations working to protect and preserve Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources. Their efforts, from managing the impacts of climate change to restoring and strengthening our forests and reefs, align with Hawaiian Electric’s efforts to advance a sustainable and resilient Hawaii.

Blue Planet Foundation, the Honolulu-based nonprofit committed to a just and sustainable energy future for Hawaii, will use the Hawaiian Electric grant to continue its work shaping the opinion and behavior of Hawaii’s residents as it relates to climate and clean energy. In addition to its existing initiatives, Blue Planet also will address new opportunities and challenges.

Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), whose mission is to save the world’s coral reefs, has been working to improve water quality on Hawaii’s reefs by preventing land-based pollution from entering the ocean and partnering with local communities to reduce threats. In West Maui, CORAL plans to implement a suite of ridge-to-reef restoration projects to reduce sediment reaching the nearshore marine environment. On Hawaii Island, CORAL will help Puako become the state’s first flagship community to transition from cesspools to improved wastewater treatment. Funding also will support a citizen science program to address sources of water pollution.

Hawaii Environmental Restoration, founded in 2019, focuses on restoring the natural integrity of Hawaii’s environment, specifically the restoration and preservation of Keauohana State Forest Reserve. The area is the largest and most intact lowland rainforest remaining below 1,000 feet in the state. Hawaiian Electric’s grant will support the continued restoration, management and protection of the critical habitat for rare native and endangered species. Grant monies also will be used to conduct community outreach and education.

The Nature Conservancy works to protect forests and coral reefs in Hawaii through a collaborative, science-based approach that also blends in Hawaiian cultural traditions. To help create a sustainable Hawaii with a healthy environment, economy and communities, the nonprofit will collect and synthesize data on nearshore marine areas in West Maui and Hawaii Island, implement a Hawaii Island forest carbon sequestration project, and conduct educational outreach through social media platforms to inspire and remind people of the importance and joys of nature during this global pandemic.

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IM: Hawaiian Electric (HECO) financially supports the Blue Planet Foundation