EMWP History

The Partnership was created in 1991 to pool economic, technical and human resources in a combined effort to protect the now 100,000 acre watershed.  In 2002, EMWP hired staff, a watershed coordinator, and field crew to implement specific aspects of the watershed protection program.  A public relations/administrative assistant joined the team in 2003.

EMWP was a prototype for large-scale forest protection efforts in Hawaiʻi that inspired the creation of other watershed partnerships across the state as a part of the Hawaiian Association of Watershed Partnerships). 

While partners of EMWP represent their respective organizations and companies, the staff at EMWP are employees of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii. The EMWP project is fiscally administered by the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. PCSU is involved with over 100 projects, working to protect Hawai’i’s biodiversity while encouraging a sustainable economy.

Protecting such an important watershed is no small task.  We continue to grow in our efforts to educate as well as protect.  Please check back with us periodically, as we are planning a number of new projects.