David Y. Ige

HTA Issues RFPs to Help Fund Programs Supporting Hawaiian Culture,

Natural Resources and Community-Oriented Events in 2019

RFP Applications for Program Funding are Due August 3;
Free Public Information Briefings to Help Interested Applicants on All Islands

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) today issued three Request for Proposals offering to provide funding support to qualified programs that will perpetuate Hawaiian culture, preserve natural resources and present community events in 2019.

HTA awarded a total of $3.5 million to 124 community-focused programs statewide in 2018.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review and download the RFPs from HTA’s website for three programs – Kukulu Ola, Aloha Aina and Community Enrichment – each of which are designed to help improve Hawaii’s quality of life for residents while also enhancing the visitor experience.

“These programs and the support provided to community-minded individuals and organizations are essential to balancing tourism’s benefits with its impacts on how we enjoy life in the Hawaiian Islands,” said George D. Szigeti, HTA president and CEO. “I encourage anyone with a commitment to make Hawaii a better place to review these RFPs and see how HTA can become their partner in fulfilling their vision for a thriving community.”

The three community-based programs for which HTA has issued RFPs to provide funding support in 2019 are as follows.

Community Enrichment (RFP 19-01): HTA is supporting community-oriented programs, festivals and special events promoting culture, education, health and wellness, nature, agriculture, sports, technology and “voluntourism” for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

Kukulu Ola (RFP 19-02): HTA is seeking programs that enhance, strengthen and help to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture by supporting cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and artists.

Aloha Aina (RFP 19-03): HTA is supporting programs that help preserve and enhance the quality of Hawaii’s treasured natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

The deadline for applicants to submit proposals to HTA seeking funding support from any of the three program categories is Friday, August 3, 2018, at 4:30 p.m.

Program applications are available at HTA’s website at www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/about-hta/rfps.

All inquiries should be directed to Ronald Rodriguez, HTA procurement officer and contract specialist, at [email protected].

RFP Informational Briefings
HTA is hosting free public informational briefings on all islands at the following locations to help interested applicants with their understanding of the RFP application and award process to receive funding support. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend and have their questions answered.

Maui
Thursday, June 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
Alexa Higashi Meeting Room
1 Cameron Way, Kahului

Kauai
Friday, June 22, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Kauai County, Piikoi Building, Room A & B
4444 Rice Street, Suite #330, Lihue

Oahu
Friday, June 22, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Hawaii Convention Center, Room 320
1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

Molokai
Tuesday, June 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Kulana Oiwi Halau
DHHL / OHA Conference Room
600 Maunaloa Highway, Kaunakakai

Kona
Wednesday, June 27, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
County of Hawaii Council Chambers, West Hawaii Civic Center
Council Conference Room, Building A
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona

Hilo
Wednesday, June 27, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
County of Hawaii, Aupuni Center Conference Room
101 Pauahi Street, Hilo

Lanai
Friday, June 29, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Lanai Culture and Heritage Center, Room #126
730 Lanai Avenue, Lanai City

About the Hawaii Tourism Authority
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is responsible for strategically managing the State of Hawaii’s marketing initiatives to support tourism. HTA’s goal is to optimize tourism’s benefits for Hawaii, while being attentive to the interests of travelers, the community and visitor industry. Established in 1998 to support Hawaii’s leading industry and largest employer, HTA continually strives to help ensure the sustainability of tourism’s success.

For more information about HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org. Follow updates about HTA on Facebook, Twitter (@HawaiiHTA) and its YouTube Channel.

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Charlene Chan
Director of Communications
Hawaii Tourism Authority
808-973-2272 (o)
808-781-7733 (m)
[email protected]

Patrick Dugan
Senior Vice President
Anthology Marketing Group
808-539-3411 (o)
808-741-2712 (m)
[email protected]