What's Being Discussed

The Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District (MKSWCD) is holding its regular board meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 PM. You can attend in person in Kamuela (Waimea) or join online via Microsoft Teams. Key topics include:

• Financial update from the Treasurer and Chairman's report
• Review of a farm dwelling application
• Review of two land subdivision applications (PL-SUB-2026-000436 and PL-SUB-2026-000442)
• Approval of conservation plans for Cosmic Organics and Hoilina Ranch, and a plan update for Mahiki Ranch
• A potential grant opportunity of approximately $200,000 for fencing projects supporting native and indigenous plantings on the Big Island, including possible work in Waipio Valley
• Discussion of the district's bylaws in relation to county funding
• Updates from the NRCS (the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service)
• Scheduling the November board meeting, which currently falls on Veterans Day
• Outreach at the Nahelehele Dryland Forest Symposium on December 11 at Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Decisions Expected

• Approval of meeting minutes and agenda
• Approval of conservation plans and cooperative agreements
• Decisions on the farm dwelling and subdivision reviews
• Budget and supply purchasing decisions
• Selecting an alternate date for the November board meeting
• Submission of an ethics compliance certificate

Who Should Pay Attention

• Farmers and ranchers in the Mauna Kea district, especially those with pending conservation plans
• Landowners involved in the subdivision or farm dwelling applications
• Anyone interested in native plant restoration or fencing grant funding on the Big Island
• Residents curious about local land and water conservation efforts