Hawaii is inviting applications for state grants to buy and protect land, which is good news for conservation groups, counties, and anyone who uses public parks and trails.

• The state land department's Legacy Land Conservation Program is taking applications for the 2027 budget year.
• The money buys land with environmental, cultural, or historic value, plus the parks and trails that let people reach it.
• Since 2005 the program has handed out more than $73 million from the state land fund.
• That money has protected 55 properties covering more than 31,000 acres.

Outlook: Applicants will compete for the next round of funding, with new land purchases likely announced once the awards are decided.