Hawaii will receive $10,737,672 in funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support sustainable fishing and hunting and bolster efforts to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife in the state, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, announced on Monday.
The funding comes by way of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, which was reauthorized by last year’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.
“Fishing, hunting and enjoying the outdoors are part of Hawaii’s history and our way of life,” said Schatz, who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This new investment will help us make sure that residents and visitors alike can continue these traditions in a sustainable way.”
The funding may be used to support educational programs, fish and wildlife management initiatives, scientific research, habitat restoration, land and water rights acquisition, and hunting and boating access.
Monday’s announcement was timely, given the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ recent request for an additional $31.6 million on top of its already appropriated $161 million for fiscal year 2022-2023 to support its trails and access program, state parks management and other operations.