NOAA AWARDS OVER $2.1 MILLION TO SUPPORT COASTAL MANAGEMENT EFFORTS IN HAWAII

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $2,148,000 grant to fund the administration of the Coastal Zone Management Program administered by the Hawaii Office of Planning.

The grant will continue funding for the administration and execution of the state’s federally approved CZMP, which encompasses the entire state. With no point in Hawaii more than 29 miles from the shore, the state’s 1,052 miles of coast are affected by almost any activity that occurs inland. Hawaii's coastal program balances the needs for economic growth, a clean environment on which that growth depends and a vibrant local culture that reflects Hawaii’s uniqueness.

“Balancing the need for economic development with the protection and management of coastal resources is a core principle within NOAA,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This grant allows the state of Hawaii to manage its coastal resources while actively joining NOAA and the Bush administration’s commitment to the environment.”

Hawaii’s coastal program partners with communities to promote a sustainable coastal environment by building upon its heritage and inspiring island stewardship. The four county governments have a major role in the implementation of the Hawaii CZMP and actively participate in a number projects throughout the state. The CZMP's leaves day-to-day management decisions at the state level in the 34 states and territories with federally approved coastal management programs.

The Coastal Management Program is a federal/state partnership dedicated to comprehensive management of the nation’s coastal resources, ensuring their protection for future generations while balancing competing national economic, cultural and environmental interests. The CZMP is authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and administered at the federal level by the Coastal Programs Division within NOAA.

Currently, 95,376 national shoreline miles (99.9 percent) are managed by the CZMP. State and federal coastal zone management efforts are guided by the CZMP's Strategic Framework, which is organized around three major themes: sustain coastal communities, sustain coastal ecosystems and improve government efficiency.

Each year, NOAA awards approximately $900 million in grants to members of the academic, scientific and business communities to assist the agency in fulfilling its mission to study the Earth’s natural systems in order to predict environmental change, manage ocean resources, protect life and property and provide decision makers with reliable scientific information. NOAA goals and programs reflect a commitment to these basic responsibilities of science and service to the nation for the past 35 years.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources.

Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems, NOAA is working with our federal partners and nearly 60 countries to develop a global Earth observation network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov