In a recent government meeting, officials provided updates on various environmental and community projects, highlighting significant progress and future plans.

The meeting began with an update on the IMLS 4 project, which has concluded its final reporting phase. Officials noted that reports, documents, and photos have been compiled for potential inclusion in press releases and social media by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). However, funding transfers to a trust fund are still pending, and updates will continue until all funds are received.

Carmela, a GIS IT specialist, reported on the IMLS 5 initiative focused on enhancing technological infrastructure on Kahoolawe. Users are adapting to new security protocols, and compatibility issues with certain applications are being addressed. The project aims to improve monitoring capabilities for environmental efforts.

Ashley provided insights into the Hawaii Tourism Authority grant, detailing the installation of a new exhibit that showcases the Kihei Education Operations Center. The exhibit is set to be completed in the coming weeks, featuring displays on restoration projects and a call for donations.

The meeting also covered the Naka coastal and upland wetland restoration project, with ongoing efforts to remove invasive species like buffalo grass and keavi trees. Officials expressed optimism about the natural repopulation of native plants in areas where invasive species have been cleared.

Updates on the Cobble Hill Watershed project revealed delays in securing a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Health, pushing the timeline back by six months. Meanwhile, the CWC grant for coastal wetland conservation has been extended to November 2024, with plans to plant nearly 30,000 plants due to favorable pricing from vendors.

A highlight of the meeting was the confirmation of the first documented turtle nesting on Kahoolawe. This significant event marks a potential resurgence of honu (green sea turtles) in the area, with officials celebrating a 100% success rate in hatching from a recently excavated nest.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment to environmental restoration and community engagement, with officials expressing gratitude for the support received from the commission and the community.