OOKALA — The Hawaii Community Foundation through its FLEX Grants program recently awarded $15,000 in grant funding to the Hawaii Forest Institute (HFI). HFI was awarded FLEX grant funding through the Kuhio Community Fund and Arthur Lawrence Mullaly Fund.
The FLEX program supports high-performing nonprofits across the state that can demonstrate strengths in accountability, achievement of results and community connectedness.
“We are extremely grateful to the Hawaii Community Foundation, Kuhio Community Fund and Arthur Lawrence Mullaly Fund for supporting our mission of protecting and perpetuating Hawaii’s forests through restoration, education, information dissemination and support for scientific research,” said HFI Executive Director Heather Simmons.
The Kuhio Community Fund supports programs benefiting Hawaii Island, while the Arthur Lawrence Mullaly Fund supports programs benefiting West Hawaii. Grant funds will benefit HFI’s Hawaii Island efforts including coordinating and administering:
• Dryland forest restoration and education programs at Kaupulehu Dryland Forest, Kalaemano Cultural Center, Laiopua Dryland Forest Preserve, and Palamanui Dry Forest Preserve.
• Forest restoration and demonstration projects: Panaewa Zoo Discovery Forest, Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest, Skyline Eco-Adventures-Akaka Falls Demonstration Project; and the Mid-to-Low Elevation Christmas Tree Demonstration Project.