County To Strengthen Tourism By Supporting Community Events

Maui’s Iao Theatre Special Events Series is one event supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority Product Enrichment Program. File photo.

By Sonia Isotov

The Maui County Office of Economic Development (OED), in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, is soliciting proposals for community-based events that will help to strengthen Hawaii tourism.

Proposals for grant funding under the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) County Product Enrichment Program (CPEP) are due November 14. Information packets will be available beginning October 10, and OED will be presenting an application workshop on October 12. See below for details.

Since 2002, the HTA CPEP has been working to support and diversify Hawaii’s tourism product by developing new and enhancing existing community-based events, experiences and projects. Last year, more than 100 events and projects statewide were selected to receive funding support including Maui’s Iao Theatre Special Events Series, Kauai’s E Kanikapila Kākou, Oahu’s Hawaii Book & Music Festival, and Hawaii Island’s Mealani A Taste of the Hawaiian Range & Agricultural Festival.

Through the program, all four counties receive HTA funding, business assistance and other resources for tourism product enrichment activities on their respective islands to support projects in the niche areas of agritourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism, edutourism, health & wellness tourism, and technotourism.

“The CPEP events are an integral part of what makes Hawai‘i a one-of-a-kind destination,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the HTA. “Support for these events and programs provide the Hawaiian Islands with unique experiences through our culture and people for both visitors and residents to enjoy.”

Information packets will be available beginning October 10, 2011, from the appropriate county offices as listed below.  Written proposals are due November 14, 2011.  Free workshops will be held to assist individuals and organizations and to provide more information on the programs and the application and award process.  Information on the Maui workshops and contact information is provided below:

WORKSHOPS:

Wednesday, October 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
UH Maui College, Laulima Building, Room 105
310 Ka‘ahumanu Avenue, Kahului

CONTACT INFORMATION:

County of Maui Office of Economic Development
2200 Main Street, Suite 305, Wailuku, HI96793
Attn:  Cheryl Sterling; Tel.: (808) 270-7997/270-7710
Website: www.mauicounty.gov