Feasibility study for shared ʻāina restoration equipment network

Commission a feasibility study to explore the creation of a shared equipment lending and maintenance network dedicated to ʻāina-based restoration and stewardship across Hawaiʻi. Community-based organizations undertaking native ecosystem restoration, invasive species management, and care of culturally significant landscapes need specialized equipment that is expensive to purchase, transport, maintain, and repair; for smaller organizations these costs limit restoration capacity, delay projects, and divert funding away from on-the-ground stewardship, and even grant-acquired equipment carries ongoing maintenance, repair, replacement parts, and skilled mechanic costs.

The study would assess equipment needs among conservation organizations and evaluate potential ownership and management models, including state-owned equipment, nonprofit cooperatives, and public-private partnerships. It would examine opportunities for shared equipment access, regional maintenance and repair hubs, qualified mechanics, equipment transportation, and operator training. It would evaluate the long-term financial sustainability of these models, including startup investments, staffing, maintenance, insurance, replacement costs, and potential funding mechanisms, and could identify opportunities to pilot a shared equipment program on one island before expanding to other communities.

A coordinated equipment and maintenance network could reduce duplication of costly purchases, improve access for smaller organizations, extend equipment life, and minimize downtime, and could also create local workforce development opportunities in equipment operation, mechanics, and conservation-related trades.