MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state’s tourism agency, has selected 40 community-based projects through an open application process, which will receive funding in 2013 through its Natural Resources Program and Kukulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program under its Product Enrichment Program (PEP).

“It is important for us to support programs that protect and perpetuate our people, place and culture,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of HTA. “As an island state, Hawaii’s natural resources and environment are a precious commodity that make the Hawaiian Islands such a remarkable destination and place to live. And it is our unique culture that differentiates us from the rest of the world. These Product Enrichment Programs allow the HTA to leverage tourism dollars to support community-led initiatives that also create sustainable and authentic experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

HTA has partnered with the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) to administer the grant programs and help provide technical assistance to HTA grantees and applicants, including links to new funding sources and workshops to improve grant writing.

“HCF is proud to support the HTA’s Product Enrichment Programs, which give back to our community by improving and perpetuating our natural resources and Hawaiian culture,” said Kelvin Taketa, HCF president and CEO. “We look forward to sharing our experience and resources with HTA to develop and enhance these programs.”

The HTA’s Natural Resources Program was established in 2002 to respect, enhance and perpetuate Hawaii’s unique natural resources and environment.

From 2003, the HTA has provided $1 million each year to support efforts that manage, improve and protect Hawaii’s natural environment and areas that are frequented by residents and visitors through the Community-Based Natural Resources Program.

The projects selected under the HTA’s Kukulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program address the goals and objectives identified in the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan:2005-2015 (TSP) for the Hawaiian Culture initiative.

The objectives include: strengthening the relationship between the visitor industry and the Hawaiian community; nurturing the Hawaiian culture by creating visitor experiences, activities and marketing programs that are respectful and accurate; and supporting Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and other artists that preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture.

With 97 years of community service, the Hawaii Community Foundation is the leading philanthropic institution in the state. The Foundation is a steward of more than 600 funds, including more than 170 scholarship funds, created by donors who desire to transform lives and improve communities.

In 2012, more than $45 million in grants and contracts were distributed statewide. The Foundation also serves as a resource on community issues and trends in the nonprofit sector.

Established in 1998, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state’s tourism agency, is responsible for strategically managing tourism to optimize benefits for Hawaii that integrates the interest of visitors, the community and visitor industry.

Tourism is the state’s leading economic driver and largest employer and the HTA continually works to ensure its sustainability well into the future.

2013 Natural Resources Program Awards

Garden Island Resource Conservation and Development, Inc.

Ecotourism Innovations at Makauwahi Cave Reserve

To improve Makauwahi Cave Reserve by enhancing overlooks and trails, controlling invasive non-native trees, constructing safety railings, and developing a self-guide nature trail brochure.

Garden Island Resource Conservation and Development, Inc.

Eco-Tourism: Protecting the Jewels – Kokee & Alakai Access

To remove non-native invasive plants from different ecosystems, utilizing volunteers, and heighten public awareness of the need for community-based management of the wildlife and ecosystems of the Kokee and Alakai regions.

Hawaii Conservation Alliance Foundation

Conservation Connections: Uniting our island communities with environmental stewardship opportunities

Conservation Connections will connect visitors, residents, and aspiring natural resource professionals directly with natural resource management and environmental stewardship opportunities in Hawaii through the development of a web and mobile accessible tool.

Hawaii Ecotourism Association

Moving the HEA Certification Program Forward

To advance the pilot HEA certification and educational outreach program to increase the use of best practices by marine tour operators on Maui and Hawaii Island. This will further develop a sustainability evaluation system for various types of tours and activities in Hawaii.

Hawaii Forest Industry Association

Honolulu Zoo Children’s Discovery Forest Phase II

To assist in the completion of Phase II of the Honolulu Zoo Children’s Discovery Forest, a representation of natural systems, creating a scene of Hawaii before arrival of humans. The exhibit will integrate traditional Hawaiian forest ecosystems, forest stewardship opportunities, and innovative land-based education for residents and visitors.

Hawaii Wildlife Fund

Hookuleana: Hookipa Honu

To safeguard Hookipa Beach Park’s sea turtles by launching a research, education, and sea turtle protection project that will benefit visitors and residents.

Hiipaka, LLC

Waimea Valley Native Forest Restoration Project

To restore the native integrity, diversity and viability of the ecosystem in the most intact native forest in Waimea Valley through the installation of fencing, removal of ungulates and invasive tree and plant species, and the establishment of a restoration education program.

Hoala Aina Kupono Corporation

Aloha Kahana

To complete reforestation and restoration of Native Hawaiian and Polynesian plants at various sites in Kahana Valley by clearing invasive species, planting native plants, and conducting monthly workshops for visitors to Kahana.

Hoaloha Aina (Fiscally Sponsored by Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.)

Kamaole I & II Dune Walkovers

To build two ADA-compliant dune walkovers at Kamaole Beach Parks to protect the natural dune and marine environmental resources while still allowing convenient public access to the popular beaches.

Hui Aloha Kiholo

Kiholo Bay Interpretive Center Enhancements

To develop and operate the Kiholo Bay Interpretive Center through renovation work; constructing and installing interpretive displays; development of a volunteer docent program; and hiring of interpretive staff.

Hui O Laka – Kokee Natural History Museum

Kokua Kokee 2013: Partnering to Protect our Parks

To restore and maintain front country trails, roadsides, and public amenities in Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park.

Island Connect Consulting LLC

Ocean Aware Hawaii

To expand the Ocean Awareness Training program, which enhances awareness and promotes responsible use and increased stewardship of Hawaii’s marine and coastal resources.

Ka Ahahui o Ka Nahelehele

Ouli Park Management Planning and Development

To develop a community-based planning process for the establishment of a passive streamside County nature park at the gateway to Waimea (Kamuela) on the Island of Hawaii.

Ka Honua Momona International

No Kakou Ke Kuleana

To engage Molokai residents and visitors in the restoration of two ancient Hawaiian fishponds through monthly community work days; removal of invasive species and maintenance of critical native species habitat; and creating and implementing culturally-appropriate ma1terials and programs.

Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, Inc.

The Kailua Bay Learning Center

To assist in the development of the Kailua Bay Learning Center that will educate visitors and residents on the preservation and sustainable use of Kailua Bay.

Ka‘u Chamber of Commerce

Interpretive Signs at Pali o Kulani Scenic Point

To create two interpretive signs explaining the story behind the scenery and the growth of plant life on new lava at the Scenic Point overlooking the Pali o Kulani and South Point in the Ka‘u District on Hawaii Island.

Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services

Hooulu Aina: Koa Aina

To restore Kalihi’s upland forests by protecting native plants from encroachment of invasive flora, fortifying access trails, and reintroducing native plants. This will promote the health and well-being of the Kalihi Valley community.

Malama Na Apapa

Kauai Marine Debris Removal and Awareness Project

To reduce the impact of marine debris on Kauai’s natural resources by removing 10 metric tons of debris and recycling at least 6 metric tons of it at HPower.

Malama Na Honu

Malama na Honu Education and Conservation Project #5

To protect Hawaiian green sea turtles through education, public awareness, and conversation at Laniakea Beach on the North Shore of Oahu.

Mana Maoli

Kupa Aina o Makiki Project

To create cultural interpretive signage fostering a Hawaiian sense of place and focusing on a culture and community-based environmental ethic related to Makiki Valley watershed.

Poipu Beach Foundation, Inc.

Koloa Heritage Trail 2013

To landscape and maintain the Heritage Trail in the Koloa-Poipu Region of Kauai, while providing information and awareness to visitors and residents on the area’s cultural, geographic, and environmental history.

State of Hawaii – Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Hoola: Revitalizing our Native Gardens

To foster sustainability and aloha aina through education, restoration, and volunteer opportunities at Keanae Arboretum on Maui and Kalanimoku Native Gardens in downtown Honolulu.

The Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum

Pahana Hoola – Seeds of Hope 2013

To provide educational programs to Hawaii’s residents and visitors to learn, value, and actively participate in the care and perpetuation of Hawaii’s natural resources, history, culture, and resource site Puu Mahoe.

Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council

Early detection and rapid response to invasive pests on Oahu

The Oahu Invasive Species Committee will conduct key industry outreach, survey and control of recently arrived, high-threat invasive species, including coqui frogs and Little Fire Ants, on the island of Oahu.

Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council

East Maui Watershed Partnership

To pilot 12 East Maui Environmental Interpretation Trainings presented by an Environmental Education Team made up of representatives from East Maui Watershed Partnership, Maui Invasive Species Committee, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

University of Hawaii – Office of Research Services Hawaii Ant Lab

Mitigating the Impacts of Stinging Ants at Hilo Beach parks and Panaewa Zoo

To protect public access natural resource areas managed by the County of Hawaii from infestations of the Little Fire Ant; improve visitor experiences by managing risks of being stung; train control techniques to staff; and develop a management system to be integrated with other maintenance activities.

Volcano Art Center

Volcano Rainforest Restoration & Education

To help protect and restore the fragile native rain forest ecosystems of the Volcano area; to pass on knowledge to visitors, newcomers, and residents about the value of the native forests; and to share this valuable resource with the public that encourages sustainable tourism and promotes interactive land stewardship.

2013 Kukulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program Awards

Bishop Museum

Traditions of the Pacific, 2013

To support Bishop Museum’s Traditions of the Pacific, a monthly educational program that explores the natural and cultural histories of Hawaii and the Pacific through dynamic lectures, workshops, field trips, and films.

Friends of Mokuula, Inc.

Mokuula Public Archaeology Project

To improve historic recreational opportunities and programming in Lahaina, while ensuring protection of the natural and cultural site of Mokuula.

Hawaii Book & Music Festival

The Alana Program

To honor and celebrate contemporary expressions of Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and panel sessions during the Hawaii Book & Music Festival.

Hawaii Conservation Alliance Foundation (HCAF)

Ka Ai Puni: A Multi-sensory Hawaiian Cultural Experience

As part of Hawaii Conservation Alliance’s Annual Conference, Ka Ai Puni, will provide interactive Hawaiian arts and cultural events that integrate Native Hawaiian practices and knowledge systems with contemporary conservation efforts to achieve sustainable communities and healthy environments.

Hawaii Homegrown Food Network (Fiscally sponsored by Big Island Conservation and Development Council)

Hooulu ka Ulu – Breadfruit Festival Takes Root

To revitalize ulu (breadfruit) as an attractive, nutritious, abundant, affordable, and culturally appropriate food that addresses modern food security challenges. 2013 Ulu Festivals to take place on Hawaii Island and Kauai.

Hawaii Maoli

Oahu Ahupuaa Boundary Marker Project, Phase 2

Phase 2 of the Oahu Ahupuaa Boundary Marker Project will install ahupuaa boundary markers within the moku of Ewa, Waialua, and Koolauloa to identify the physical boundaries of traditional Hawaiian ahupuaa land divisions recognized by the alii of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Hula Preservation Society

Preserving the Past, Sharing the Future

To educate and inspire Hawaii residents and visitors by sharing the under-heard stories of Kumu Hula, musicians, and composers who impacted Hawaiian culture in profound ways during the Hawaiian Renaissance.

Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa

Kalaupapa Traveling Exhibit

To depict the history of the lives of people, at least 90% whom were Native Hawaiian, forcibly sent to Kalaupapa because of government policies related to leprosy through a traveling exhibit and workshops held on various islands and on the U.S. mainland.

Malama Learning Center

Integrating Hawaiian Cultural Practices Within Makeke Kapolei: Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike, E Hoomau

To build awareness of, and respect and appreciation for, sustainable Hawaiian cultural practices among residents and visitors attending Makeke Kapolei, a weekly farmers’ and green market at Kapolei High School.

National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG)

Interpreting Hawaiian Life in the Canoe Garden

To develop and implement a permanent exhibit within NTBG’s McBryde Garden by transforming the Canoe Garden into a visitor-friendly Hawaiian culture tourist destination spot that is authentic, accurate, and respectful.

Pacific American Foundation

Aloha Aina: Waikalua Loko

To restore, preserve, and revitalize Waikalua Loko, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond and important cultural resource, through education, stewardship, and restoration.

Pai Foundation

MAMo:Maoli Arts Month 2013

MAMo: Maoli Arts Month 2013 will create economic opportunities for native Hawaiian visual and performing artists and cultural practitioners through gallery and art shows on Oahu and Hawaii Island.

University of Hawaii – Hilo Imiloa Astronomy Center

Hula Enrichment Programming at Imiloa

The hula enrichment programming at Imiloa Astronomy Center strives to impact the niche of cultural tourism related to Hawaii’s host culture, providing enriching experiences and insights into the history, art, customs, and traditions of our islands as they relate to hula.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiitourismauthority.org
www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org