Planting native vegetation and educating the public about conserving Hawai'i's near-shore marine life are among the initiatives receiving money this year from the Hawaii Tourism Authority's Natural Resources Program.

The authority yesterday announced 22 community-based environmental projects receiving a combined $1 million as part of its natural resources initiative. A legislative mandate requires the HTA to provide up to $1 million annually to support efforts to manage, improve and protect Hawai'i's natural environment and areas frequented by visitors.

The tourism authority allocated $2 million this year — double last year's funding — for natural resources programs, including the $1 million for the 22 community-based projects and another $1 million for "priority projects" identified by an HTA assessment of more than 100 sites popular with visitors. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is also getting $1 million from transient accommodations tax revenue.

"The beauty and uniqueness of Hawai'i's natural resources makes our Islands special for both residents and visitors," said tourism authority president and chief executive Rex Johnson. "Funding to protect, maintain and improve public natural resources is essential, and the HTA is committed to helping preserve Hawai'i's environment."

The community-based environmental projects that HTA selected through a public request for proposals include: