What's Being Discussed

The Kona Soil and Water Conservation District (KSWCD) Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 PM in Kealakekua. Key topics include:

• Financial update: The Treasurer will share the district's current financial status.
• Partnership updates: Staff will report on the Hiki Ola outreach program, a conservation grant connected to the Department of Defense, a request to extend an existing agreement at no cost, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
• County land use review: Updates on local subdivision and grading activity will be presented.
• Federal farm programs: A representative from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will share updates on Farm Bill programs available to landowners.
• Other business: The board will discuss conservation plans for Kamehameha Schools lands, planning for a Conservation Awareness Contest on September 18, 2026, recommendations from the 2026 Local Work Group, and a collaboration update with Big Island RC&D.
• Meeting minutes: The board will review minutes from August 2026 and a recent special election.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of the August 2026 meeting minutes and special election minutes.
• Possible action on the no-cost extension request for the CTA Agreement.
• Review and potential approval of 2026 Local Work Group recommendations.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Farmers and ranchers on the Big Island interested in federal conservation funding or Farm Bill programs.
• Landowners involved in or affected by county grading and subdivision activity.
• Community members interested in local conservation efforts, outreach events, or the upcoming awareness contest.

This is an in-person only meeting. Public testimony is limited to 3 minutes per item. Written testimony can be submitted to info@konaconservation.org at least 24 hours in advance.