Product Enrichment Proposals Sought for Tourism Programs

Grammy Award-winning musician George Kahumoku Jr. One of the programs supported by the product enrichment grants is the annual Slack Key Guitar Festival on Maui. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The county is soliciting proposals for tourism programs on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi for 2014 under the County’s Product Enrichment Program, officials announced.

County officials say the program is aimed at diversifying and enriching Hawaii’s tourism product by, “developing new, and enhancing existing community based events, experiences, and projects.”

The enrichment program is offered in coordination with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority for projects related to the niches of agriculture, education, culture, health and wellness, nature, sports, and technology.

According to county officials, some of the programs supported in 2013 include: the annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival; this month’s Kāʻanapali Fresh culinary event, and next month’s Pailolo Challenge Canoe Race from Maui to Molokaʻi.

Instructions on how to apply for the programs are available at the mayor’s office, on the county website, and on the HTA website.

“The HTA’s Product Enrichment Program offers an opportunity for the community to protect, perpetuate and promote our incredible natural resources, unique traditional Hawaiian culture and diverse tourism product,” said Mike McCartney, HTA president and CEO in an agency press release.

“These assets differentiate us from the rest of the world and make Hawaii a desirable place to visit and live. This program allows us to enhance our destination while building economic sustainability for our communities,” he said.