MEDIA RELEASE
 

The Hawaii Tourism Authority, with guidance from its Natural Resources Advisory Group, has included seven Big Island groups among 25 community-based projects to receive funding in 2009 through its Natural Resources Program.

“Hawaii’s natural environment is an essential element of Hawaii’s tourism product,” said Lloyd Unebasami, HTA interim president and chief executive officer and chief administrative officer. “While marketing will continue to be an important focus for HTA in 2009, we will continue to support those strategic initiatives that strive to enhance and diversify Hawaii’s tourism product for our visitors and residents.”

Objectives of the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 (TSP) for the Natural Resources initiative include: exploring innovative means to repair, maintain and improve Hawaii’s natural resources; raising awareness among all stakeholders about the responsible use of natural resources; increasing collaboration among government agencies, the visitor industry and the community; and reviewing and enforcing rules and developing certification programs for commercial operations in natural resource areas.

HTA’s Natural Resources Program began in 2002 in response to a legislative mandate that the HTA provide at least $1 million annually to support efforts to manage, improve and protect Hawai‘i’s natural environment and areas frequented by visitors.  The HTA has allocated $2 million to its 2009 Natural Resources Program. 

The Hawaii Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future.  Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.  For more information, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.

HTA ‘S 2009 Natural Resources Program awardees on the Big Island include:

* E Mau Na Ala Hele: Development of Reservation Trail & Trailhead Kiosk at Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve – Coordinates the expansion of the Puu Waawaa Hiking Trail System and the construction of a trailhead kiosk to improve communication about resources by visitors to the trail system.

* Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization: Enhancing Visitor Safety and Experience Through Wildfire Mitigation Efforts at Puu Waawaa – Installs trail signs at sites that will aid firefighter navigation during active fire suppression efforts and provides information to visitors about the walking trails at Pu’u Wa’awa’a.

* Ka Ahahui o Ka Nahelehele: Hawaiian Dryland Forest Education Resource Guide & Program – Development of Hawaiian Dryland Forest Education Resource Guide that will include information on the dryland forest ecosystem.

* Kailua Village Business Improvement District – Interpretive materials to educate and inform visitors and residents of the history of Kailua Village and ways to respect and sustain ocean resources.

* The Kohala Center – Kahaluu Bay Project: Provides for marine education, marine resource monitoring, environmental restoration, and community engagement activities that aim to preserve and restore the natural environment and special character of the shoreline and coral reef at Kahaluu Bay on the island of Hawaii. 

* Vacationland Hawaii Community Association: Marine Resources Conservation Program – Visitor access manager position to educate visitors and residents on proper reef etiquette and safety, distribute educational brochures, and promote responsible stewardship of valuable natural resource areas such as the Wai Opae Marine Life Conservation District on Hawaii Island.

* Volcano Art Center: Volcano Native Rainforest Preservation & Education – Program encourages sustainable tourism for visitors and land stewardship by residents using monthly “Environmental Education Workshops” on the Volcano’s unique, fragile ecosystems; monthly “Forest Work Days” to restore and preserve Niaulani’s old-growth rainforest; weekly “Niaulani Nature Walks” to provide an introduction to the area’s native flora and fauna; and an annual “Forest Education Fair” to educate the public about Volcano area forests and Hawaiian cultural connections.