About Tri-Isle

Recently, the Tri-Isle Council Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (TIRCD or RC&D) determined that volunteers did approximately 134,000 hours of volunteer work for the project partners in one year. These partners conducted an additional 225,000 hours of paid work in natural resource conservation, community and economic development, cultural activities, education of adults and children, and an assortment of related activities.

Tri-Isle provides a mechanism for local residents to work together and actively solve economic, environmental, and agricultural problems. We help utilize the abilities, knowledge and energy of local volunteers to get projects done. Interested groups may approach Tri-Isle for project sponsorship by submitting a project proposal form(A downloadable and fillable PDF form can be found in the list of publications on this website).

Tri-Isle RC&D Council, Inc. is uniquely positioned to leverage many resources as a result of its many federal, state and local contacts and partners. We obtain project funding from federal, state and private grants as well as from individual contributions.

The Council has taken a strong leadership role in community economic development, water quality issues, and environmental projects. Tri-Isle RC&D has over 150 active granted projects totaling over $12 million. The main project purposes include protecting and promoting wise use of the islands’ natural resources, providing opportunities for locally-led community improvement measures, and assisting sustainable agricultural and alternative energy initiatives.

History

In 1962, Congress established a unique program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that empowered rural communities to improve themselves while protecting and developing their natural resources. Last year, the RC&Ds nationwide surpassed the 100,000 mark of successfully completed projects. Local councils would provide direction, planning, coordination, and implementation of specific projects within their boundaries.

The focus on local direction and control made Resource Conservation and Development one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government. Three hundred seventy-five RC&D areas had been authorized throughout the country. Congress eliminated funding in April 2011 for the federal side of the partnership, but RC&D’s continue as independent non-profit corporations that will continue assisting local residents in addressing resource concerns for their locale.

TIRCD Management Structure

The Tri-Isle Council meets on a quarterly basis and is made up of a 15 member Board of Directors who bring a variety of backgrounds and professional expertise to the organization. The office staff includes the Executive Director, Administrative Assistant and Financial Assistant. The Council membership includes:

5 members from Maui County’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts
2 members from County Departments

8 at-large members from the community

Vision Statement

A community of partnerships that values and conserves our natural resources as it acts to build an economy to enrich the lives of our residents.

Hawaii’s four RC&Ds, cover all the major Islands. Through the leadership of Maui County’s five Soil and Water Conservation Districts and with assistance from the Soil Conservation Service, Tri-Isle RC&D Council, Inc., the oldest of the Hawaii RC&D areas, was established in 1970.

Mission Statement

Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Program supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Maui County through economic development and protection of our natural resources.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status,
familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic
information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an
individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not
all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities
who require alternative means for communication of program information
(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of
discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800)
795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.

The office staff includes: