Defend the NARS Fund -- Because Conservation Can't Wait!

For over a decade, the Natural Area Reserve Fund has supported the protection and restoration of critical watersheds, including public trust resources on ceded lands, preserved native habitats and species, and combated the threat of invasive species.  This special fund also sets aside money to purchase important lands for public benefit, like recreational areas, watersheds, and agricultural lands.  And that’s not all, through a unique partnership with housing advocates, this fund also helps to provide affordable housing for Hawaii’s residents.  To do all of this, the fund receives a small portion of the tax charged on land transactions – like home sales.

Unfortunately, right now, Hawaii’s Legislature is poised to raid this conservation fund and zero-out the good work that has been done to protect our watersheds and native ecosystems.  This fund has already lost 50% of its budget due to the economic crisis, forcing it to cut back programs and downsize staff.  Now, the Legislature wants to take even more at the risk of losing natural water quality protections, native ecosystems to invasive species, and food security through support for agricultural lands.  Should H.B. 1174 pass, it will mean the end of several critical conservation programs that directly support Hawaii's economy and residents' everyday lives.

Hawai'i cannot afford to let these investments in watershed protection, invasive species controls, water quality, economic development, agricultural protection, environmental education, affordable housing, and public health suffer from penny-wise, pound-foolish thinking.  This special fund is a strategic conservation investment in long-term benefits for our residents, children, food security, and native ecosystems, such as:

The water you drink.  Over 220 billion gallons of clean water per year are produced in areas managed by the Watershed Partnerships Program.

The ocean you swim and fish in.  Our nearshore waters are protected from land-based erosion and pollution by the Natural Area Partnership Program.

The forests where you hike, camp, and hunt.  These important recreational areas are managed by the State Forest Reserve System.

The native plants you enjoy are protected.  The areas where maile and ‘?hi‘a are picked for hula are protected by all of these conservation programs.

Jobs are created. Close to 200 people are directly employed by these programs, which contribute over $10 million to local businesses.  Many of these programs leverage state dollars 1:1 and bring in additional federal, county, and private funds into the state.