WAILUKU >> The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission is seeking a dedicated source of state funding to keep operating.

The commission has a federally funded trust fund, but the fund’s balance has shrunk from $33 million in 2003 to $13.5 million this year. 

Executive Director Michael Nahoopii told The Maui News that the commission has taken steps to cut spending to stretch the money left in the fund.

It has cut its staff by one-third to 20 people and has tried to rein in fuel consumption.

A bill before the state Senate would set aside 10 percent of the state conveyance tax for the Kahoolawe trust fund. The bill is currently before the Ways and Means Committee.

A similar bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee.