Serving the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai, Tri-Isle RC&D continued expanding programs, launching new projects, acquiring additional grants, strengthening relationships with project partners and funders and improving our position for long term sustainability. The Council administered projects in our four focus areas: agriculture, community development, water resources, and land conservation. Following is a brief summary of project activities.

Agriculture: The Agriculture Development Programs (ADP) continued on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai with additional NRCS funding. This 80:20 cost share program supported a diversity of farming operations including ecotourism, organic farming, specialty crops (fruit orchards and biofuel species), and value-added products. Prospective applicants on Molokai were again provided training workshops to assist in preparing proposals and developing farm business plans.

Projects for FY 2009 are currently being worked upon: acquisition of a tractor to increase efficiency and allow expansion of farm operations, replacement of beehives lost in a wildfire, a 25,000 gallon tank to assure consistent watering during low-flow periods, assistance for a farm restarting its taro production, assistance with an organic farm operation benefitting people recovering from substance abuse issues, continued development of value-added products for a cattle operation, and equipment to assist a pineapple operation. New funds for 2010 will provide $200,000 each for the Moloka'i and Maui/Lana'i project areas.

Community Development: These projects were wide ranging with multiple benefits to Maui's communities. Accomplishments in the South Maui Cultural Heritage Corridor included Kihei Boat Ramp harbor dredging, beach enrichment and dune stabilization (Kamaole Beach Park II) and Kanaha Beach Park Restoration. TIRCD administered events included International Year of the Reef Celebration (Maui Ocean Center and IYOR Restroom Mural), Wailuku First Fridays, Upcountry Ag and Farm Fair, Project Graduation and Chinese New Year. Other community related projects included Teens on Call, and Muolea Point Archeological Study and the Ohai Trail Access Pathway.

Water Resources: Accomplishments included Ma’alaea Boat Effluent Pump-out, Emergency Algae Control in South Maui, Keanae Flume Repair Phase 2, and Turtle Fencing at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

Land Conservation: Administrative support continued for our large scale projects including invasive species control (Maui Invasive Species Committee and Fireweed), Watershed Partnerships (East Maui Mountains, Leeward Haleakala, West Maui, and Lanai), as well as the Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships. Other significant projects include the Lanai Redemption Center and launch of the Lanai Recycling Center and Kanepuu Nature Reserve Management, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery. The long-term partnerships with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts continued as well.

At year's end Tri-Isle had 108 active grants and 33 donation accounts from Federal, State, County and private sources totaling over $ 8.5M in revenue which supported the projects. Overall the Council strengthened ties with project partners improved its reputation as a reliable collaborator and non-profit administrator, and improved its position for long term sustainability.