S&P 500DowNASDAQRussell 2000FTSE 100DAXCAC 40NikkeiHang SengASX 200ALEXALKBOHCPFCYANFHBHEMATXMLPNVDAAAPLGOOGLGOOGMSFTAMZNMETAAVGOTSLABRK.BWMTLLYJPMVXOMJNJMAMUCOSTBACORCLABBVHDPGCVXNFLXKOAMDGECATPEPMRKADBEDISUNHCSCOINTCCRMPMMCDACNTMONEEBMYDHRHONRTXUPSTXNLINQCOMAMGNSPGIINTUCOPLOWAMATBKNGAXPDELMTMDTCBADPGILDMDLZSYKBLKCADIREGNSBUXNOWCIVRTXZTSMMCPLDSODUKCMCSAAPDBSXBDXEOGICEISRGSLBLRCXPGRUSBSCHWELVITWKLACWMEQIXETNTGTMOHCAAPTVBTCETHXRPUSDTSOLBNBUSDCDOGEADASTETHS&P 500DowNASDAQRussell 2000FTSE 100DAXCAC 40NikkeiHang SengASX 200ALEXALKBOHCPFCYANFHBHEMATXMLPNVDAAAPLGOOGLGOOGMSFTAMZNMETAAVGOTSLABRK.BWMTLLYJPMVXOMJNJMAMUCOSTBACORCLABBVHDPGCVXNFLXKOAMDGECATPEPMRKADBEDISUNHCSCOINTCCRMPMMCDACNTMONEEBMYDHRHONRTXUPSTXNLINQCOMAMGNSPGIINTUCOPLOWAMATBKNGAXPDELMTMDTCBADPGILDMDLZSYKBLKCADIREGNSBUXNOWCIVRTXZTSMMCPLDSODUKCMCSAAPDBSXBDXEOGICEISRGSLBLRCXPGRUSBSCHWELVITWKLACWMEQIXETNTGTMOHCAAPTVBTCETHXRPUSDTSOLBNBUSDCDOGEADASTETH

Federal Grant Fuels Revitalization Efforts in Kakaʻako, Offering Opportunities for Hawaiian Businesses

·3 min read·Informational

Executive Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) a $2 million grant to conduct environmental assessments in Kakaʻako. This investment is aimed at paving the way for the revitalization of the Kakaʻako Makai lands, potentially unlocking new opportunities for local businesses and investors.

No Action Required

Aerial view of a modern urban skyline featuring prominent skyscrapers and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Jess Loiterton

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has received a significant boost for its efforts to revitalize the Kakaʻako Makai lands. According to a recent report from KHON2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded OHA a $2 million grant. This funding will be utilized for vital environmental assessments, a necessary first step in any large-scale revitalization project.

The Kakaʻako district, once a largely industrial area, has undergone considerable development in recent years. This new grant reflects a continued commitment to address environmental concerns while fostering further growth. The EPA's investment underscores the importance of proper environmental assessment in these ventures, which ensures sustainable development and protects the health of the community. In 2013, the EPA also awarded the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Brownfields assessment funds, indicating a long-standing partnership in land revitalization.

For Hawaii's business community, this grant presents a promising prospect. The environmental assessments will likely generate opportunities for local firms specializing in areas such as environmental consulting, remediation, and construction. Furthermore, successful revitalization often spurs a ripple effect, increasing demand for various services— from retail and hospitality to real estate and financial services. This could be a positive catalyst for local businesses and attract further investment in the Kakaʻako area. The ongoing federal commitment to supporting community revitalization is also evident in the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to revitalize Maui communities, as seen in EPA news releases.

This initiative also aligns with broader sustainability goals. Thorough environmental assessments enable more informed decisions regarding land use, waste management, and infrastructure development. With a strategic approach, Kakaʻako Makai could become a model for sustainable urban development in Hawaii, boosting the economy of the region while respecting its environment, and offering a template for other areas in Hawaii.

The successful execution of this project is expected to enhance property values and generate economic benefits for the local community, highlighting the importance of federal grants in the preservation of Hawaii's unique environmental and cultural heritage. The EPA's contribution will help unlock the potential of Kakaʻako, driving a more sustainable and prosperous future for both the people and the environment.

More from us