Renew and expand Nā Manu ʻElele Makai funding

Renewal and Expansion of the Nā Manu ʻElele Makai (Environmental Ambassador programs)

Renew funding for Nā Manu ʻElele Makai (GF-2027-HI-049), which supports community-led visitor education in high-traffic marine areas. Local ambassadors provide on-site education about the ecological and cultural significance of these places while promoting responsible visitor behavior.

The Legislature provided $1,000,000 in FY2027 for this project through DLNR’s Ecosystem Protection and Restoration program (LNR401), as one-time funding (Act 175, SLH 2026). Renewal in the FY28/FY29 cycle would allow this work to continue without a gap. It would also create the opportunity to expand the ambassador presence to more high-traffic sites and to support community-led Educational Ambassador programs.