Hawai’i Rural Development Project first began in 1997 on the island of Lana’i through a federal grant program initiated by State of Hawai'i Senator Daniel K. Inouye.  The program supports innovative educational skills training and development of the workforce including the equipment and supplies needed to improve the socioeconomic rural areas in Hawai'i. The grant, and subsequent grants, were written by Dr. Clyde Sakamoto, Chancellor at Maui Community College and Principal Investigator of Hawai’i Rural Development Project.  Federal funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Labor and managed by Hawai’i Rural Development Project – we have supported projects on Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and the Big Island.