National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA provides key services from forecasting wave sets for surfing, ensuring that the sashimi we eat is fresh and safe, to developing an increasingly mature understanding of our oceans. NOAA serves an integral role in daily island living and is in the process of standing up a regional presence in Hawaii. Construction funding of $156.8 million will allow for all of the different components of NOAA to be located in one building, enabling smoother communications and delivery of valuable services to the public. NOAA currently has three ships and about 500 employees in Hawaii.
Marine Research. Part of Hawaii’s beauty is in its remote nature. As a result however, it is often extremely difficult to get from one place to another, particularly in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. $37 million was provided for a scientific research vessel, the Hiialakai, to be purchased for coral reef ecosystem mapping, assessment, and monitoring, as well as the refurbishment of another research vessel. In addition, these funds allowed for proper maintenance and construction of scientific structures necessary for conducting critical marine science research, monitoring and education.
Coral Reef Ecosystems. Hawaii and the territorial Pacific are stewards of much of the coral reef habitat in the United States, including the most unexplored coral reefs contained within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Even though coral reefs account for less than one percent of the ocean, they account for more than 50% of the livable habitat in the ocean. $20.9 million in funding has supported research and management activities among state partners, the federal government, and the University of Hawaii to conserve coral reef ecosystems.
Marine Debris and Weather Buoys. From natural hazards and environmental contaminants to marine debris and land management, there are many challenges to keep Hawaii’s coastal lands – where we live, work and play – clean and protected. Funding of $59.6 million was used to clean up debris on both land and sea, purchase critical areas for conservation and better understand the path of natural hazards such as tsunamis. Moreover, just under $1 million has been invested in upgrades of National Weather Service buoys to allow for more accurate and reliable weather forecast data; and critical NOAA weather radios to ensure that citizens are informed of natural hazards with sufficient time to react.
Climate Change. As an island state, the increasing pressures of climate change are felt acutely in Hawaii – from rising sea levels to changes in fish populations and coral reefs. $24.5 million in funding has allowed Hawaii to be at the forefront of the nation’s response to climate change. This includes carbon dioxide observations at Mauna Loa Observatory that proved the rise in atmospheric greenhouse gases, to the climate models at NOAA’s Integrated Data and Environmental Applications Center.
Aquaculture. U.S. demand for fish as part of a healthy diet far exceeds what wild fish populations can sustain. As a result, the U.S. imports more than 70% of our seafood. A recent economic study shows that aquaculture has the potential to provide tens of thousands of jobs and add hundreds of millions of dollars to coastal economies over the next 10-15 years. $10.9 million in funding has enabled Hawaii to be among the very few states in the country with a viable offshore aquaculture industry.
Economic Stimulus. In order to protect Hawaii’s beautiful natural landscapes and cultural treasures, $27.74 million was provided in stimulus funds for national parks, wildlife refuges, and volcano and flood monitoring. These funds will be used throughout the islands on various construction and improvement projects that will create jobs, enhance visitor experiences, and conserve Hawaii’s heritage and history for future generations. Of the total amount, $8.6 million will be used to replace the administrative headquarters for Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui which was destroyed by a fire. Kilauea Volcano remains very active, and in order to monitor both Kilauea and Mauna Loa, funds were provided to update and modernize equipment to ensure greater accuracy for earlier warning.
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. Over the years, the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge expansion has been a huge undertaking. Since 1999, $15.7 million has been appropriated to acquire the 1,100 acres located in the northern part of Oahu. The final increment of $7 million will complete the acquisition in Fiscal Year 2010. This purchase protects the largest natural coastal wetland and last remaining coastal dune ecosystem in Hawaii. It is a protected haven for four endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, as well as a variety of migratory shorebirds and water fowl that use the coastal wetlands. Other wildlife include the pueo or Hawaiian owl, the Hawaiian monk seal, and green sea turtles.
Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest. As the number of forest acres continues to grow on the Big Island, the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest serves as an important resource. Currently, a biological research and education center has been designed at a cost of $3.2 million. Construction funds are being requested to complete the project ($7 million). This project remains a priority.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Over the years, significant federal funds have been appropriated to establish and then expand the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, including the restoration of the Hanalei Bridge, on the Island of Kauai. Kilauea Point Lighthouse station restoration continues to be a priority.
Kahuku Ranch on the Big Island. Over the last 10 years, $22 million was secured for the National Park Service’s 116,000-acre purchase of Kahuku Ranch on the Big Island, making it the largest acquisition in recent times. Six rare and endangered bird and mammal species are now be protected and preserved. This is the newest addition to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
