Hawaii Tourism Authority Announces Resumption of Kukulu Ola and Aloha Aina Programs
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has announced that it is resuming its Kukulu Ola and Aloha Aina programs, and seeking proposals from the community. HTA has issued two Request for Proposals (RFPs) to provide funding support to qualified nonprofit organizations and programs that will perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and preserve natural resources in 2022.
The Kukulu Ola and Aloha Aina programs are a part of HTA’s commitment toward Malama Kuu Home (caring for my beloved home) and the interacting pillars of its 2025 Strategic Plan. RFPs for these programs were not issued for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and availability of funding.
“The purpose of the Kukulu Ola and Aloha Aina programs is to reinvest in our people and place by supporting the work of various community-based organizations throughout the state,” said Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, HTA’s Chief Brand Officer. “We’re eager to bring back these important programs and provide funding directly back into our communities.”
The Kukulu Ola program provides funding support to community-based awardees that enhance, strengthen and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture through genuine experiences for residents and visitors alike. Applicants are encouraged to review and download the Kukulu Ola RFP at: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/HTA
The Aloha Aina program provides funding support to responsible community-based entities with an emphasis on aina-kanaka (land-human) relationships and knowledge that manage, preserve and regenerate Hawaii’s natural resources and environment. Applicants are encouraged to review and download the Aloha Aina RFP at: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/HTA
HTA has selected the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) to administer its 2022 Kukulu Ola and Aloha Aina programs.
“HCF is proud to be supporting HTA’s award programs and its direct alignment with our CHANGE Framework sectors of Arts and Culture and Natural Environment,” said Michelle Kauhane, HCF’s Vice President of Community Grants & Initiatives. “This partnership to administer HTA’s programs reinforces our commitment to collective action focused on the well-being of our people and place.”
Each of the six letters of the HCF CHANGE Framework represents a sector, or area, that affects the community and its ability to thrive—from economy to education. Under each sector, HCF has assembled a curated set of data to track progress on where disparities exist; the organization is also making deep investments into the community with the support of hundreds of donors and working with partners across the state from government to nonprofits to find solutions together—all for its vision to see an equitable Hawaii.
The deadline for applicants to submit proposals to HCF seeking funding support from any of the two programs is October 29, 2021 at 4 p.m. HST. Interested applicants should visit hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/HTA.
All inquiries about the RFPs should be directed to Kehau Meyer at [email protected].
RFP Informational Briefings
HTA and HCF staff will be conducting virtual informational sessions on Zoom for each island, to help interested applicants with their understanding of HTA’s strategic direction and vision, the RFP applications, and award process to receive funding support. Community members are encouraged to attend and have their questions answered. A session recording will be posted at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/HTA for those who are unable to join live.
Kauai
Monday, September 20, 2021
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Molokai
Thursday, September 23, 2021
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lanai
Thursday, September 23, 2021
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Oahu
Monday, September 27, 2021
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Maui
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hawaii Island
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
