In 2000 the Rongelap Atoll Local Government contracted to work with the University of Hawai`i to conduct a series of analytical and development projects related to resettlement of Rongelap Atoll and preparation of Ailinginae Atoll as a National Park and World Heritage Site. Biologists, including a number from the Botany Department were involved in various aspects as requested by the government. Most of the work that was conducted was done solely for the benefit of the Rongelap people and is not available for general consumption, but some projects were done with the idea that they would eventually be published.