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May 11, 2000

Abercrombie votes for environmental funding bill.
Will provide $32 million per year for Hawaii projects

Congressman Neil Abercrombie voted for an environmental funding bill which passed the House of Representatives today and will provide $32 million per year for Hawaii conservation projects.

The Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) allocates to states and U.S. territories $2.8 billion in annual royalties paid to the federal government for oil and gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf.

"CARA gives us a huge opportunity to invest in Hawaii." said Abercrombie. "We are high on the list of states with endangered species and threatened habitats. Using these funds, we can protect our environment, enhance the quality of life, and nurture our visitor industry, which is closely linked to the environment."

The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources provided Abercrombie with a list of 64 projects and programs which could be funded through CARA. Among them are:

Miconia eradication

Habitat restoration in the Ka’ena Point Coastal Reserve

Wetland sanctuary management

Restoration and management of Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve, Maui

Fisheries and coral reef restoration

Waterbird habitat enhancement at Kawaiele Sanctuary, Kauai

Erosion control in dryland forests

Diamond Head State Monument wetland reconstruction and management

Restoration and management of Ho’olehua Wetlands, Molokai

Restoration and management of Puu Waawaa Wildlife Sanctuary, West Hawaii

Sea turtle stranding response program

Restoration and management of Koolau Mountains wildlife habitat

Monk seal watch program

Translocation of native bird species with limited ranges

Research on predator control methods

Preventing loss of native insect pollinators

Conservation and restoration of Oahu Elepaio

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