Green Fee funding for statewide aquaculture stewardship coordination

The Hawaiʻi Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association (HAAA) requests consideration for funding through Hawaiʻi's Green Fee program to support a statewide initiative focused on strengthening the environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and restoration contributions of Hawaiʻi's aquaculture sector.

Hawaiʻi's aquaculture community encompasses traditional Native Hawaiian fishponds, commercial aquaculture and aquaponics operations, environmental restoration activities, and internationally recognized research and educational institutions. Collectively, these activities contribute to the stewardship of aquatic resources, local food production, scientific innovation, and the resilience of Hawaiʻi's communities and ecosystems.

HAAA proposes to coordinate a collaborative initiative bringing together industry, Native Hawaiian organizations, researchers, and government agencies to identify opportunities where aquaculture can contribute to Hawaiʻi's environmental and climate resilience priorities.

Building on HAAA's recently completed statewide aquaculture assessment, the initiative would identify existing environmental stewardship activities, evaluate opportunities for greater coordination and investment, and develop practical projects capable of delivering measurable environmental benefits.

Potential areas of focus include aquatic habitat restoration, traditional Hawaiian aquaculture, water quality management, climate adaptation, environmentally responsible production practices, and community-based stewardship.

The initiative would emphasize leveraging existing expertise and resources rather than duplicating established programs. Specific activities, participating organizations, project duration, and funding requirements would be developed in consultation with the Governor's Office and appropriate state agencies.