Tourism Authority Seeks to Preserve Hawaiian Culture

Native Hawaiian "hale" at Iao Valley. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Sonia Isotov

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency for tourism, in partnership with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), is now accepting applications for the HTA’s Kukulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program (HTA LHCP) and Natural Resources Program.

Both programs provide funding to support organizations for projects that strengthen, perpetuate and preserve the Hawaiian culture and the state’s natural resources.

This year, the HTA is providing $1.4 million to support these initiatives for non-profit, for-profit and government agencies as a part of key initiatives in the Hawai‘i Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 and The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Strategic Plan: 2012-2013.

“This is an incredible opportunity for eligible entities to receive funding for programs and initiatives aimed to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and preserve our precious natural resources,” said Keli‘i Wilson, Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs for the HTA, in a written statement.

“The natural beauty of our islands and the Hawaiian culture are part of what makes our islands so special, and the HTA is pleased to support these programs for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”

To assist individuals and organizations with the application process, the HTA and CNHA will be holding statewide workshops to provide technical assistance and training to explain the objectives of the HTA programs, including the application and award process.

The Maui HTA/CNHA workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. For more information about the program or to register for a workshop, contact Katie Gallagher, CNHA Community Development Specialist, at (808) 596-8155 or via email at [email protected].

Applications are available for pick-up at the HTA’s office (1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Level 1) or downloadable at http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/about-hta/rfps.  Packets are also available at the CNHA’s office (1050 Queen Street, Suite 200). Proposals must be received no later than 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2011 at the CNHA’s office.