OUR CONSERVATION DISTRICT

 

Aloha and E Komo Mai to the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District!

 

The Kona Soil and Water Conservation District (KSWCD) is dedicated to restoring, protecting, and enhancing the natural resources of Hawai'i.  By educating the public about natural resource concerns, we hope to inspire voluntary conservation practice and sustainable land use, as well as stewardship to protect and enhance natural resources for present and future generations.

 

The Kona Soil and Water Conservation District (KSWCD) was established in 1958 and located on the leeward / south side of the Big Island.  Our District serves the South Kona area and encompasses 335.4 square miles.

 

There are currently sixteen Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) throughout the State of Hawai'i.  We are one of the six SWCDs serving the Big Island of Hawai'i.  We are a governmental sub-unit of the State of Hawai'i, organized under Chapter 180, Hawai'i Revised Statutes.

 

The Hawai'i State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) provides the SWCDs with funding and administrative support to conduct soil and water conservation activities within the State of Hawai'i.

 

Each of the districts are governed by a board of five directors: three elected by agricultural land-users or land-owners and two appointed by the SWCD directors.   To aid the districts and their directors, associate directors can also be appointed.  These SWCD directors and associate directors are volunteers who are concerned about the well-being of our communities and sustainability of our island’s natural resources. Currently, there are nearly 3,000 SWCDs across the U.S.

Interview Between Jeff Knowles and Hiki Ola

Regarding Kona’s Fragile Soils and the Use of Herbicide

Kona’s Soil and Water Resource Concerns, Kuleana,

and Actions Overcoming Challenges & Keeping Kona Green

by: Kona Soil and Water Conservation District

 

Download the Free 28 Page PDF book. This book grew out of a belief that if people knew of our soil and water resources, how they came to be, and the threats they face, they would better appreciate and care for them.