Hawaiʻi County Seeks Proposals for Hilo Bay Resilience and Watershed Management Plan
Hawaiʻi County Seeks Proposals for Hilo Bay Resilience and Watershed Management Plan
The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development is requesting proposals for the development of a community-based Hilo Bay Resilience and Watershed Management Plan.
This project is made possible through a $2 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with funding from the Department of Defense.
“The Hilo Bay Resilience and Watershed Management Plan will serve as an important guide for improving water quality in Hilo Bay and stewarding the watershed,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “With a focus on nature-based solutions, the plan will look at all options for building coastal resilience to protect our communities and natural resources.”
This three-year planning project aims to create a coastal hazard community resilience and watershed management plan that recommends solutions for mitigating:
- Flooding.
- Sea-level rise.
- Hurricanes and storm surges.
- Tsunamis.
- Invasive species and pathogens.
- Other climate change coastal events.
The plan will protect existing community assets including residences, schools, traditional gathering places, cultural sites, transportation infrastructure, businesses, parks, and open spaces. Proposed solutions will also protect the watershed’s unique ecosystem and critical habitats for endemic, endangered marine species, flora and fauna.
A Stakeholder Advisory Committee of Hilo Bay community members, nonprofit organizations, educators, scientists, and regulatory agencies will guide the process and co-create meaningful public engagement opportunities.
The deadline for proposals has been extended to 4 p.m. April 14.
For more information, email chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov or visit https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov/economic-development/hilo-bay.