Introducing the Hūlili Liquidity Bridge

A New revolving fund that will help community stewardship organizations start Green Fee and other state-funded work without waiting months for reimbursement.

Hawaiʻi’s Green Fee, created by Act 96 and in effect since January 1, 2026, is a pioneering public policy as the first statewide climate impact fee in the United States. It is expected to generate about $120 million each year, which will be invested in environmental stewardship, climate and hazard resilience, and sustainable tourism. Green Fee awards are public contracts that operate largely on a reimbursement basis, requiring organizations to incur expenses and perform the work before receiving repayment. For small, place-based groups doing hands-on mālama ʻāina work, carrying months of expenses can put that funding out of reach.

With a two-year, $211,000 grant from the Kosasa Foundation combined with HGG's $75,000 of in-kind support, Hūlili — meaning “bridge” or “ladder” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi — will close that gap. ʻĀina-based non-profits awarded Green Fee contracts can apply for bridge funding to support their cash flow needs to begin the work. When the state reimburses an organization, the advance returns to the fund and is deployed again to the next project, enabling the same capital to move public stewardship dollars into communities again and again.