Continuing its reinvestment in Hawaii’s communities, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has announced it is awarding $2.9 million in funding statewide to support 86 community-based projects, festivals and events through its Community Enrichment program for 2022.
Recipients include nonprofit organizations that are supporting quality experiences created by the communities to be shared with residents and visitors. The Community Enrichment program supports an array of festivals, events and programs in the areas of agriculture, culture, culinary, nature, education, health and wellness, sports and voluntourism.
“Our Community Enrichment program enables the Hawaii Tourism Authority to serve as the connecting point between tourism and meaningful economic diversification by reinvesting in these community-based experiences spanning various industries,” said Kalani Ka‘ana‘ana, HTA’s chief brand officer. “We are proud to support the efforts of our residents in their communities, as these festivals and events are an integral part of Hawaii’s lifestyle and multi-cultural brand.”
The Community Enrichment program is a part of HTA’s commitment toward Malama Kuu Home (caring for my beloved home) and the pillar of its 2025 strategic plan. Since 2017, HTA has invested over $3.8 million to support more than 200 community projects and events.
HTA partnered with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the island chapters to administer its Community Enrichment program for 2022.
A request for proposals was issued on Sept. 27, 2021, with submittals from applicants received by Nov. 5, 2021. Proposals were reviewed thoroughly by a committee on each island comprised of representatives from the respective island chapter, county and HTA.
“The Community Enrichment Program supports events and programming organized and implemented by members of our own Hawaii communities,” said John Monahan, HVCB’s President and CEO. “From a hospitality standpoint, these events not only provide our visitors with authentic and meaningful experiences, but also create opportunities for the community to participate in actively shaping Hawaii’s visitor industry. It is a privilege to support these local events that bring people together in celebration of our islands’ diverse culture.”
Community Enrichment awardees on Hawaii Island are:
• Arc of Hilo, Big Island Access Project (King Kamehameha Inclusive Race Day)
• Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council (Ka‘u Coffee Festival)
• Hawaii Horse Owners (Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo)
• Hawaii Performing Arts Festival (Hawaii Performing Arts Festival)
• Hawaii Island Pacific &Asia Cultural Celebrations (Hawaii Kuauli Pacific &Asia Cultural Festival)
• Hawaiian International Billfish Association (61st Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament)
• Kai ‘Opua Canoe Club (2022 Queen Lili‘uokalani Outrigger Races)
• Kona Cacao Association, Cacao Education and Culinary Exploration (Big Island Chocolate Festival 2022)
• Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (51st Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival)
• Na‘alehu Theatre (Aloha Shirt Festival and Vintage Era Exhibit)
• North Kohala Community Resource Center (Kohala Reunion)
• The Ke Kai Ala Foundation (Kona Brewers Festival)
• The Merrie Monarch Festival (2022 Merrie Monarch Festival broadcast)
• Volcano Art Center (May: Mele &Lei Month at VAC)
• Volcano Art Center (Niaulani Trail Enhancement and Forest Fair)