Land Conservation Workshop highlights funding opportunities for conservation and agriculture
DHLM Clean Water and Natural Lands staff Bree Fong and Tam Nguyen speak with an attendee during the Land Conservation Workshop at Windward Community College on Sept. 29, 2026.
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management’s (DHLM) Clean Water and Natural Lands (CWNL) program joined government agencies, nonprofit organizations and community partners Tuesday at Windward Community College for a workshop focused on expanding opportunities to conserve agricultural, cultural and natural lands across Oʻahu.
Hosted by Honolulu City Councilmembers Esther Kiaʻāina and Matt Weyer at Hale ʻĀkoakoa, the Land Conservation Workshop provided nonprofits and community organizations with information about funding and resources available through City, state and federal agencies to support land acquisition for conservation and agricultural purposes.
The workshop brought together organizations working at different levels of land conservation, creating an opportunity for participants to learn about available programs, ask questions and make connections with agencies and organizations that can help move conservation projects forward.
CWNL Program Manager Van Matsushige presents during the Land Conservation Workshop at Windward Community College on Sept. 29, 2026.
Van Matsushige, program manager for Clean Water and Natural Lands program, participated in a panel discussion alongside representatives from government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Matsushige shared information about the CWNL Fund and how the City works with community partners to acquire and protect important lands across Oʻahu.
CWNL’s impact can already be seen across the island. Through the program, 1,459 acres have been conserved, including agricultural lands and culturally significant sites, with $38.5 million in public funding invested in conservation land acquisitions. The program works with community partners to steward and protect these lands for future generations.
DHLM extends its mahalo to Councilmembers Kiaʻāina and Weyer, the Honolulu City Council, Windward Community College, participating agencies and nonprofit organizations, and everyone who took part in the workshop for continuing to strengthen the partnerships that make land conservation possible.
Learn more about the Clean Water and Natural Lands program and explore conservation sites across Oʻahu at cwnl.org.