Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced the recipients of grants-in-aid for the fourth year of the city's Leeward Coast Community Benefits Program.

Hannemann initiated the program in 2006 to offset the impact of the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill on nearby communities.

A total of $2 million has been allocated for the program annually. Of this amount, $1 million is dedicated for park improvements and another $1 million is set aside for grants to private and/or community-based nonprofit organizations for programs and services that address problems or concerns on the Leeward Coast.

Eligible communities include Kalaeloa, Makakilo, Kapolei, Honokai Hale/Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Ma'ili, Wai'anae, Makaha and Kea'au.

"If not for the Mayor Hannemann's foresight in initiating the Leeward Coast Community Benefits Program, many worthy grassroots community-based agencies, that not only service our communities but whose employees live in and are a part of communities, would not be able to help their neighbors and friends in their time of need," said John DeSoto, chairman of the Leeward Coast Community Benefits Advisory Committee.

For a list of grant recipients, go to www.co.honolulu.hi.us/csd/publiccom/honnews09/leewardcoastgrants09.htm.