Nine Maui Hawaiian Cultural Programs Get HTA Funding

A total of nine Hawaiian cultural programs in Maui County were awarded funding through the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.  The programs were among a larger list of 43 selected throughout the Hawaiian Islands through the HTA’s Kukulu Ola program for the 2020 calendar year.

This represents an increase from 28 recipients in 2019. This is in addition to the 95 programs and events HTA is funding through its Community Enrichment program, and 34 programs through its Aloha ʻĀina program, which were announced last month.

The money comes from tourism dollars through the Transient Accommodations Tax, which people pay when they stay in legal accommodations throughout the state.

HTA’s Kukulu Ola program funds community-based nonprofit organizations which represent cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and artists committed to perpetuating and strengthening a broader understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian culture.

One of HTA’s goals is to reinvest in the Hawaiian community. Without it, Hawaii would be like any other island destination in the world. The uniqueness and authenticity of the Hawaiian culture and community are integral to the sustainability of our home.

HTA issued a request for proposals on May 2 with the deadline of July 5 to submit applications. HTA staff held informational briefings about the submission process on all six islands during the month of May.

“It’s imperative that the tourism industry recognizes the importance of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture. The culture here is what makes the Hawaiian Islands unique and underpins the authenticity of the visitor experience. As we support these practitioners in strengthening and perpetuating cultural practices in their communities, it’s important for tourism to do its part to give back,” said Kalani Kaanaana, HTA’s Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs.

Note to media: Interviews with Kalani Kaanaana and an awardee are available upon request.
Click here to download a few photos of the Kukulu Ola program awardees.

Below is a full list of HTA 2020 Kukulu Ola awardees:

Maui
Hāna Arts
Hāna Legends
Hawaiian Kamaliʻi, Inc. dba Hawaiian Canoe Club
The Pailolo Challenge 2020
Holani Hāna, Inc.
Kukulu Hale Hawaiʻi
Hui O Waʻa Kaulua
28th Annual Celebration of the Arts
Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike
Nā Mamo O Hāloa – The Children of Hāloa
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Increasing Capacity for Visitor and Community Activities with Hawaiian Ethnobotany
Unda Kava 808, Inc.
2020 Maui Middle School Makahiki Championships!

Molokaʻi
Hula Hālau O Molokaʻi
Molokaʻi Ka Hula Piko

Lānaʻi
Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center
Mala Noeau

Statewide
Aha Kane Foundation for the Advancement of Native Hawaiian Males
Hoa Hou
Awaiaulu, Inc.
Mahuahua Translation Training Project: Phase IV
Hawaiʻi Institute for Music Enrichment and Learning Experiences, Inc.
Steel Guitar Festivals (Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island)
Hawaiʻi Museums Association
Makau Moʻomeheu: Cultural Competence in Hawaii’s Museums
Hula Preservation Society
Bringing Hula Kiʻi To Life
Polynesian Voyaging Society
Preparing for Moananuiākea: Exploring the Pacific

Oʻahu
Bishop Museum
Living Hawaiian Culture: An Expanded Platform for Cultural Practitioners
City & County of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation
93rd Annual Lei Day Celebration
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Noeau Series
Friends of Ka Leo Hawaiʻi Media
Ka Leo: The Voice of Hawaiʻi (KKNE 940AM)
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust
Maunawila Heiau Preservation & Education Program
Hikaʻalani
Pai Puke
Hoʻokuaaina
Kukuluhou Internship Program
Hui Aloha ʻĀina Momona
Kapu ka Hāloa
Kalihi Palama Culture and Arts Society
45th Annual Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition
Kauluakalana
Pili Mai 2020
Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services
Ka Lahui o Ka Po (Birthing a Nation)
Makauila, Inc.
Mele Ma Ka Lihiwai
Mailikukahi ʻĀina Momona Academy
Koolau ʻĀina Momona
Muolaulani
I Lea Ka Hula 2020: Celebrating Culture, Preserving Traditions
PAI Foundation
PAI Presents
Ulu Ae Learning Center
Kapuuola Hula Festival
Ulu Ae Kaiaulu Project
YOUNG OF HEART WORKSHOP dba Puʻuhonua Society
Kipuka: A Makers’ Space

Hawaiʻi Island
Edith K. Kanakaole Foundation
Haʻa – Research and Management of the Health and Wellness of Hula Dancers
Hawaiʻi Forest Institute
Hoʻola Ka Makanaa o Kaupulehu
Hilo-Hamakua Community Development Corporation
Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua
Hui Malama i ke Ala Ulili (huiMAU)
HoAMa Youth Mentorship Programs
Pohaha I Ka Lani
Ka Lau o Ke Kahuli
University of Hawaiʻi
Kukulu Ola: Na Lehua o Mokaulele
Volcano Art Center
Hula Arts at Kīlauea

Kauaʻi
Hui Malama O Kaneiolouma
Uhau Humu Pohaku Reconstruction
Hui o Laka dba Kokee Natural History Museum
Eo e Emalani 2020
Nā Kahu o Hoai, Inc.
Educational and Restoration Internships at Kamaloula Cultural Preserve