13 Oʻahu Programs Awarded 2022 HTA Aloha ʻĀina Funding
In its accelerated destination management efforts to preserve and regenerate Hawai‘i’s natural resources, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) have announced $1,575,000 in funding to support 31 community-based programs statewide through its Aloha ʻĀina program for 2022 – including 13 programs on Oʻahu.
Recipients include qualified nonprofit organizations that are protecting and improving the natural environment, helping to Mālama Kuʻu Home (care for my beloved home) and support a more holistic, regenerative tourism model for Hawaiʻi.
“The Aloha ʻĀina program is a way for the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to directly support the organizations making a difference in our environment by educating and engaging people in the stewardship of our natural environment,” said Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, HTA Chief Brand Officer. “We appreciate the efforts of these organizations and the communities that have embraced them as we collectively mālama our home.”
Oʻahu Aloha ʻĀina Awardees
808 Cleanups
Community Empowered Stewardship Program
Hawaiʻi Forest Institute
Mahalo ʻĀina Discovery Forest Projects
Hawaiʻi Marine Mammal Alliance
Stewardship & Conservation of Hawaiʻi’s Protected Marine Animals
Kaʻala Farm, Inc.
Pua Kaiāulu
Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi
Hoʻoulu Heʻeia Uli
Kauluakalana
Hoi Ka Wai Nui
Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services
Kalihi Valley Kīpuka Revitalization Initiative
Kuleana Coral Reefs
West Oʻahu Community Coral Restoration
Mālama Maunalua
Community-Led Coral Reef Restoration
Mālama Nā Honu
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Education Program
Mālama Pūpūkea- Waimea
Improving the Health of Natural and Cultural Resources at Pūpūkea Through Community Stewardship
Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee
Miconia control in Kaʻalaea Watershed
State of Hawaiʻi - Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Oʻahu Offshore Islets
The Aloha ʻĀina program is an integral part of HTA’s 2025 Strategic Plan, which is aligned with the State’s Aloha+ Challenge framework for natural resource management. HTA also supports the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Since 2010, HTA has provided nearly $12 million in total funding to support 345 community-based organizations and projects that help to manage, improve and protect Hawai‘i’s natural environment.
HTA selected the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to administer its Aloha ‘Āina program for 2022 for its experience in working with nonprofits in the Natural Resource sector and the organization’s collective action approach through its CHANGE Framework.
“HCF is proud to support HTA’s Aloha ʻĀina program because of its unique approach to engaging organizations across the State who are working to address natural resource issues,” said Michelle Kauhane, Senior Vice President of Community Grants & Initiatives at HCF. “The awardees in this year’s cohort bring the strength of community-led solutions that truly emphasize collective action and shared goals of a more abundant and thriving ʻāina.”
A request for proposals was issued on September 15, 2021 with submittals from applicants received by October 29, 2021.
For more information about the Aloha ʻĀina program, visit https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/hta-programs/natural-resources/.