This Cooling Solutions Packet was developed to provide an overview of practical strategies communities can use to reduce heat exposure and protect public health during hot weather. The resource outlines a range of cooling approaches, including trees and greenspace, cool and permeable pavement, shade structures, water features, home cooling support, community cooling centers, and cooling kits.

For each solution, the packet highlights where it can be implemented, key co-benefits such as improved health, environmental protection, and community use, as well as potential trade-offs to consider. Together, these tools support informed planning and decision-making to strengthen community resilience to extreme heat.

Published in June 2023, the Integrated Climate Action Plan (ICAP) for the Island of Hawaiʻi outlines the County of Hawaiʻi's strategic roadmap for climate action. This plan identifies actions the County government itself can take and is a first step for the County to hold itself accountable for climate action.
 
The development of the ICAP was a joint effort between the Department of Planning and Research and Development. A key short-term priority for 2023-2025 is to establish a centralized coordinating authority to oversee and manage County-wide actions and mainstream interdepartmental collaboration. We are proud to announce that the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) has taken on this role, successfully meeting this key milestone.

We are committed to providing regular updates on ICAP implementation progress. Our latest July 2026 Progress Report reflects the status of all 290 actions across the plan's five Climate Cascades.

Coastal Zone Management Atlas

The County Planning Department has launched an interactive Coastal Zone Management Atlas, a new tool that allows residents to search their address and explore coastal hazards, ecosystems, and zoning regulations specific to their area. It is designed to help property owners and community members better understand what is happening along our shorelines and what regulations may apply to them. 

Are you interested in experiencing the realities and opportunities of climate action with your friends, family, and neighbors in a fun interactive way?

The Hawaiʻi County Climate Action Simulation is an interactive, game-like activity that simulates island-specific effects of and solutions to climate change. In the simulation, each player becomes a real-life character possessing special abilities to reduce emissions and limitations that would ordinarily prevent the character from reducing emissions. Players work together on a board game to make Hawaiʻi County carbon neutral through pono practices by 2045.

Gather a group of eight players and we will help you host your very own simulation by providing materials and facilitation in the place of your choosing in Hawaiʻi County. Complete this online request form and we will contact you with the details and schedules.

Feel free to contact us at OSCER@hawaiicounty.gov.

R&D Impact Grants for Fiscal Year 2026-2027

The Impact Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 is now open. Administered by the Department of Research and Development, the program invites eligible nonprofit organizations to apply for funding in support of innovative projects that create meaningful, measurable change across key areas of our community.

A total of $450,000 is available, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.

About the Impact Grant Program

The Impact Grant Program offers annual competitive funding to nonprofits pursuing projects that advance positive change in the following areas:

Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to the Department of Research and Development's goals for these priority areas and show tangible benefit to the people of Hawaiʻi Island.

Eligibility

Applications are open to nonprofit organizations that meet the department's eligibility criteria. We encourage interested organizations to review the full program guidelines on our website before applying.

How to Apply

Proposals are due by Monday, August 10.

For guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application materials, visit: hawaiicounty.gov/impact

Kona Low Business Recovery Grant

If your business was impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storm events, help is available. The County of Hawaiʻi has launched the Kona Low Business Recovery Grant Program to support eligible Hawaiʻi Island businesses that experienced physical damage or business interruption losses and continue to have unmet recovery needs. A total of $475,000 has been set aside for this effort.

Grant awards are based on gross annual revenue: businesses earning $250,000 or less may receive $5,000, while those earning between $250,000 and $5 million may receive $10,000. Eligible businesses must have 500 or fewer employees and maintain a physical location within the County of Hawaiʻi.

Funds may be used for equipment repair or replacement, inventory, temporary relocation, rent, utilities, cleanup, and water damage costs.

An informational webinar will be held on July 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Applications must be submitted online through the County's Grant Portal by August 31, 2026. No paper applications will be accepted. Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM HST

Apply here. Questions? Email chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8366.

Hawaiʻi-Grown Partnership for Agriculture (HiGPA)

HiGPA is a funding opportunity supporting Hawaiʻi farmers, ranchers, and forest managers in implementing conservation practices and strengthening local agricultural markets. With $18.5 million available, eligible producers can access funding for conservation projects, marketing initiatives, producer travel, and farmer-to-farmer learning.

Projects focused on soil health, water management, agroforestry, farm resilience, or market development may qualify. Tree crop producers with at least 4 acres and vegetable or floriculture producers with at least 1 acre are encouraged to apply. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) registration is required.

Pre-screen eligibility applications open June 26, and applications are due July 31. Up to 75% of approved funding may be paid upfront.

Learn more and apply

Conservation Nation Grant Program

 Conservation Nation supports early- to mid-career conservationists from all communities, with a focus on those whose perspectives have historically been underrepresented in conservation. Eight grants of up to $5,000 each are available to support wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, habitat preservation, and community engagement work. Applications open July 8 and close July 15, 2026. Projects led by Indigenous and local practitioners or incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems are especially encouraged.

Free Fruit Trees from Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers

Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers has received a grant from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to distribute 7,000 orange and tangelo trees and 5,000 banana trees across the islands. Trees are distributed in lots of 50.

To request trees, contact Ken Love, Executive Director of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers, at ken@mycoffee.net.

Pili Nā Moku Community Funding Opportunity

The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant), in alignment with the cooperative vision of the Pili Nā Moku project, invites proposals to support ʻāina-based conservation and restoration, network building, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and community-centered governance.This opportunity is focused on five moku or hui moku in 1) West Kauaʻi; 2) Waiʻanae, Oʻahu; 3) Molokaʻi 4) Central Maui; and 5) Kohala, Hawaiʻi. 

Two funding pathways are available to applicants: 

1. Collaborative Project Pathway: $1,200,000 in funding available per moku (seeking to fund 1 award per moku) for a funding term of two years.

2.  Individual Project Pathway: $200,000 in funding available per moku (seeking to fund 1-2 awards per moku) for a funding term of two years. 

Statements of Interest are due Friday, August 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM HST via this Google Form and Full Proposals are due via eSeaGrant Friday, November 6, 2026 at 5:00 pm HST. Visit PiliNaMoku.org for complete details.

KōCreate: Civic Grants

Vibrant Hawaiʻi offers year-round civic grants to support residents across Hawaiʻi Island in bringing people together and taking action in their communities.

The mini-grant program provides small awards ranging from $50 to $250 to help residents launch simple, meaningful projects that build connection, support emergency preparedness, and create opportunities for people to gather, talk story, and identify shared priorities. Funding may be used for supplies, food, or other direct costs needed to make a community-led idea possible.

USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development:

Focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. Deadline is December 31, 2026.

• Park Foundation Environment Program: Funds non-profit organizations that champion environmental protection, clean drinking water, and climate change mitigation. No set deadline. Contact the Foundation before applying to determine fit.

• Park Foundation- Media: Funds public interest media including investigative journalism, media policy, public broadcasting, and documentary films focused on environment, democracy, and social issues. No set deadline. Contact the Foundation before applying to determine fit.

GoFarm Hawaiʻi: Land Access Program

If you or someone you know has land available for lease to local farmers, GoFarm Hawaiʻi would love to connect! Their goal is to connect landowners with farmers to expand land access across the islands. You can find view a full information sheet here. 

 06/25/2026 - News You Can Use From OSCER- June 2026

05/28/2026 - News You Can Use From OSCER- May 2026 Newsletter

04/30/2026 - News You Can Use From OSCER- April 2026 Newsletter 

03/31/2026 - News You Can Use From OSCER- March 2026 Newsletter

02/27/2026 - News You Can Use From OSCER- February 2026 Newsletter 

01/29/2026 - News You Can Use From OSCER- January 2026 Newsletter

12/31/2025 - News You Can Use from OSCER- December Newsletter

11/30/2025 - News You Can Use from OSCER- November Newsletter

10/30/2025 - News You Can Use From OSCER- October Newsletter

09/30/2025 - News You Can Use from OSCER- September Newsletter

08/28/2025 - News You Can Use From OSCER- August Newsletter

07/31/2025 - News You Can Use From OSCER- July Newsletter

06/26/2025 - News You Can Use From OSCER- June Newsletter

05/29/2025 - News You Can Use from OSCER- May Newsletter

04/30/2025 - News You Can Use From OSCER- April Newsletter

03/20/2025 - News You Can Use from OSCER- March Newsletter

02/20/2025 - News You Can Use from OSCER- February Newsletter

01/16/2025 - News You Can Use From OSCER- January Newsletter

12/12/2024 - News You Can Use From OSCER- Dec. Newsletter

11/14/2024 - News You Can Use From OSCER- Nov. Newsletter

10/10/2024 - News You Can Use From OSCER- Oct. Newsletter

09/12/2024 - News You Can Use From OSCER- Sept Newsletter

08/08/2024 - News You Can Use From OSCER

07/11/2024 - Aloha from the OSCER Office