Free Workshop on Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Grants

Wailuku First Friday is among the ongoing activities supported by the County Product Enrichment Program. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

A free workshop on the three Product Enrichment programs offered by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, Kalama Building, Room 103.

The workshop is open to the public and is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in partnership with HTA and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

Organizers say attendance at the workshop is not required to apply for HTA grants.

The County of Maui is currently soliciting proposals for tourism programs on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi for 2015 under HTA’s County Product Enrichment Program.

The grants are intended to diversify and enrich Hawaii’s tourism product by “developing new and enhancing existing community-based attractions and experiences related to the niches of agriculture, culture, education, nature, health and wellness, sports and technology.”

Examples of County Product Enrichment Program events supported in 2014 include: Talk Story on the Land, a series of interpreted hikes lead by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust; annual events such as Maui ‘Ukulele Festival, Lahaina Plantation Days and Kāʻanapali Fresh – a culinary celebration of local agriculture; and the Pailolo Challenge Canoe Race from Maui to Molokaʻi. Ongoing activities supported by the grant program include Wailuku First Fridays and cultural arts exhibitions at Hui Noʻeau.

Request for Proposals forms and application packets are available online at the County of Maui website or at the OED office located in Wailuku at One Main Plaza, Suite 305.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 19, 2014.