The Reserve Operations Program provides transport, accommodations, maintenance, manpower, and overall safety within the reserve. This program advances work in transitioning island work and storage sites from dependence on expensive fossil fuels to energy self-sufficiency through the purchase and implementation of alternative energy solutions including solar and wind energy technologies.
The Ocean Resource Program develops and implements a comprehensive management regime emphasizing ancestral and traditional knowledge and integrating ancient and modern resource management techniques. This program fosters the conservation of marine resources within the Reserve, with initiatives including coral reef monitoring, fish tagging and replenishment and habitat monitoring for the health and proliferation of resident marine life including manō (shark), nai`a (dolphin), `Ilioholoikauaua (Hawaiian Monk seal), honu (sea turtles), koholā (whale), seabirds such as `iwa and koa`e `ula, and literally hundreds of fish species.
The Restoration Program focuses on the restoration of native, land-based habitats and watersheds. This is achieved through strategies addressing erosion control, botanical and faunal restoration, and enhancement of the island's natural water systems. Program components include native species revegetation; invasive species removal; the creation of a "seed bank" enabling a native plant community; controlling erosion and sediment run-off and expanding the island's rain catchment system to increase storage capability to supply continuing and future irrigation needs.
The Native Hawaiian Cultural Program is responsible for the care and protection of Kaho`olawe's cultural resources and the expansion of meaningful, cultural use of the island. Components include archeological surveys - with more than 3,000 historic sites and features identified to date; the exercise of traditional native Hawaiian cultural protocols, ceremonial practices and rites such as the annual planting ceremony, marking of solstices; care for iwi kupuna; and collaborative cultural programs with Department of Education for high school and college students and curriculum development opportunities for teachers.
The Administration Program designs, develops and maintains a wide range of programs and functions, including GIS mapping and website development; marketing, graphic design and educational outreach; library, archive and collections management; fund development, grant writing and public relations; finance and human resources; the Volunteer Program and more. Paired with the management of all Operations, Ocean, Restoration and Cultural programs, the Administration Program is responsible for the performance and best management of business operations and decision making as well as the efficient organization of people and resources to direct activities toward the KIRC mission to preserve, protect, restore and provide safe access to Kaho'olawe.