Pono Pacific has been contracted by DLNR to develop and operate Hawaii’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program since 2001. The YCC is an educational and hands-on conservation learning experience that provides youths the opportunity to contribute to the conservation effort, learn about their natural resources, and develop their leadership and teamwork skills. During that time it has grown from one team on Oahu with 15 youths to teams on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Big Island with 70 youths. Much of the success and growth of the YCC is a direct result of Pono Pacific’s efforts. In addition DLNR has contracted them to do smaller projects dealing with predator control, weed eradication, trail buildings and maintenance, surveys, outreach and staff training with good results. They have excelled in whatever is requested of them.

Pono Pacific has an enthusiastic hard working knowledgeable and reliable staff, resulting in the YCC program being operated in a cost effective and efficient manner, to the benefit of our youths. Knowing Pono Pacific is operating the project allows me to focus on other projects knowing that YCC is being well taken care of.

I strongly recommend using Pono Pacific to out service a wide range of conservation projects.

Randy Kennedy
Natural Areas Reserves Program,
Department of Land and Natural Resources

We have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Pono Pacific's great team for a few years. We are impressed with their vision, leadership, and implementation. They have a solid team of workers committed to do a good job and to enhance conservation throughout the islands.

Pauline Sato
Director, O‘ahu Program
The Nature Conservancy