Kona Community Conservation Mini-Grants Program

Since 1958, the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in partnership with USDA NRCS, has worked with farmers, ranchers, and community partners across Kona to address key resource concerns: loss of native forest, soil degradation, invasive species, declining water quality and quantity, and overuse of herbicides. Recognizing these issues extend beyond just agriculture, Kona SWCD seeks to engage the wider community in protecting Kona’s environment. Kona SWCD currently has a pending three-year grant that would fund a mini-grant program for community members offering up to $10,000 per project, available for creative practices or land use designations not covered by NRCS programs. Green Fee funding could extend and sustain the program long-term beyond three years, keeping community incentives for conservation in place. The Kona SWCD is ready to manage and oversee the program, provide technical support, and partner with State or county agencies.