DLNR Chairperson, William J. Aila, Jr. (right) and Lt. Col. Thomas D. Asbery, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, today signed a $3 million cost-share agreement to develop a watershed plan to support the West Maui “Ridge to Reef” Initiative. The Initiative is one of the first efforts in the state to implement a comprehensive management strategy to address impacts to coral reefs across multiple watersheds. The watershed plan will be funded 75-percent by the Corps and 25-percent by DLNR. “The islands and reefs are connected; what we do on land affects the reef,” Aila said “Recognizing this relationship, the State understands that an integrated and comprehensive approach to reduce land-based sources of pollution is one of the most important steps to help restore coral reef ecosystems. Healthy coral reefs are vital to our island lifestyle, economy, and a thriving Native Hawaiian culture.”