State extends funds for Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) - The Hawaii Department of Health has extended its restoration project for the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission

The Maui News reports that the Health Department's Clean Water Branch's Polluted Runoff Control Program is giving the commission $90,000 to extend the Hakioawa Watershed restoration program for one year.

The funding comes as the commission struggles with money. It recently finished a month-long crowdfunding campaign to make up some of the difference between the $3 million requested from state legislature for the current fiscal year and the $1 million received. The crowdfunding campaign raised $38,000.

Last month commissioners passed a budget for the current fiscal year that included cutting positions to trim costs. KIRC Executive Director Mike NahoopiI says the funding from the Department of Health may save some positions.