County Workshop Details Tourism Grant Opportunity

The Hawaiian Music Series at the Baldwin Museum was funded by the PEP grants. Photo courtesy of Lahaina Restoration Foundation

By Sonia Isotov

The County of Maui is currently soliciting proposals for tourism programs on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for calendar year 2012 under the County Product Enrichment Program (CPEP).

To assist the community in filing the application, the county is holding a workshop and providing detailed information on the County Product Enrichment Program including the proposal application and award processes. The workshop will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, October 12, 4 – 6 p.m. at the University of Hawaii Maui College, Laulima Building, #105. Attendance is not required to apply although the information provided will be helpful to the process.

Supported through the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the intent of the program is to diversify and enrich Hawaii’s tourism product by developing new and enhancing existing community-based events, experiences, and projects related to the niches of agriculture, culture, education, nature, health/wellness, sports, and technology.

Examples of programs supported during year 2011 include Lahaina Plantation Days, The Maui Academy of Performing Arts’ Summer Under the Stars outdoor theater and the Maui Photo Festival. CPEP also supports the Hawaiian Music Series of monthly concerts at the Baldwin Museum, Wailuku First Fridays, and cultural programs at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

Application packets are available at the County’s Office of Economic Development located in Wailuku at One Main Plaza, Suite 305, or by clicking http://co.maui.hi.us/index.aspx?NID=1786.

Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. on November 14, 2011 at the Office of Economic Development. For more information, contact Cheryl Sterling at 270-7997.