In the end, the administration of Gov. Neil Abercrombie was thrilled at the outcome of its watershed-protection plan, even though it followed a zig-zag path.

For the coming fiscal year, the initiative got just under the $11 million that officials believe is needed on an annual basis, said Esther Kia‘aina, deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, which has custody of the project.

But the money is just part of the regular state general fund and capital improvement project (CIP) fund. Two separate bills had been floated to provide a dedicated revenue source: the proposed plastic bag fee (House Bill 357, which never even made it to the Senate) and a boost in the conveyance tax (Senate Bill 1166, passed by the Senate but shelved by the House Finance Committee).

Among the dealbreakers may have been the general aversion this session to tax increases and to the creation of new special funds, especially among House policymakers.

No matter, Kia‘aina said. What’s important is that the state make progress on watershed protection, with projects already underway.

"It’s imperative for safeguarding and supply of freshwater in Hawaii — that in itself is a compelling reason," she said.

Some projects are fencing installations, meant to keep out animals that munch on important plants growing in the forests. Some are projects that combat invasive species that take over the native plants, which are best suited for the environment and for retaining rainwater.

An altered forest landscape means rain is less likely to soak into the soil and filter down to the aquifer that stores the islands’ water supply, Kia‘aina said.

She added that the administration is certain to be back at the Capitol again next session to fight for a dedicated, homegrown revenue source, but she’s already made a pitch in Washington, D.C., for some matching federal funds that could be available.

Having the state money in hand was critical, Kia‘aina said.

"It wouldn’t have helped us in telling the federal government that this is a priority if we didn’t have that," she said.