MEDIA RELEASE

The 2009 Kona Earth Festival has received grant awards from the state and county to help support and assist with promotion efforts for the annual event.

The first grant award is from the Hawaii Tourism Authority County Product Enrichment Program. The grant is a competitive award processed through the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development.

The HTA, which is the oversight agency for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Visitors Bureaus on each of the Islands, annually funds more than 50 large and small festivals and events around the state. These typically have an organizing theme and are of interest to residents and visitors.

A second funding grant is from the Hawaii County Council Contingency Relief Fund, which are discretionary funds appropriated for various purposes by individual members of the council.

The 2009 Kona Earth Festival is now in its fourth year and encompasses more than a dozen events and activities over a two and one-half week period from April 18 – May 6.

The goal is to raise awareness of environmental issues on Hawaii Island and on the planet, bring practical solutions for sustainability into the public forum, implement and recognize sustainable practices in the community, and get residents involved as partners in the ethical stewardship of land and sea.

“We are grateful to receive these grants to help us ensure that this year’s festival gets the widest possible recognition so residents can take part in the many interesting and educational events and activities that are offered,” said Jeff Turner, 2009 Kona Earth Festival executive director.

Schedule of Events

April 10-11: Organik Fashion Incubator Show

April 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Energy Efficiency & Auditing Workshop and Energy Fair at the Gateway

April 18, 2-3 p.m.: Ride for Sustainability to Energy Fair

April 18: Trash Bash Art Show

April 18: Kohala Merchants

April 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Hualalai Academy-Reconnecting with the Outdoors

April 19: Trash Bash Fashion Show

April 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Earth & Ocean Fair

April 23-24,30 & May 1, 5-7 p.m.: Sustainableble Living Educational Series

May 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Sustainable Farm Tour & Introduction to Permaculture Class

May 2: Kealakekua Heritage Ranch Tour

May 6, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Kuleana Green Business Conference

— Find out more:

2009 Kona Earth Festival: www.konaearthfestival.org