The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has announced that it is resuming its Kūkulu Ola and Aloha ‘Āina 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 Kūkulu Ola and Aloha ‘Āina programs are a part of HTA’s commitment toward Mālama Ku‘u 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 Kūkulu 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. The Aloha ‘Āina program provides funding support to responsible community-based entities with an emphasis on ‘āina-kānaka (land-human) relationships and knowledge that manage, preserve and regenerate Hawai‘i’s natural resources and environment.
HTA has selected the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) to administer its 2022 Kūkulu Ola and Aloha ‘Āina programs. 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 hta@hcf-hawaii.org.
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.