Seven Hawaiʻi Island 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 seven programs on Hawaiʻi Island.
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.”
Hawaiʻi Island Aloha ʻĀina Awardees
Big Island Invasive Species Committee
Protecting Wahi Pana of Hawaiʻi Island from Invasive Species
Hawaiʻi Forest Institute
Mahalo ʻĀina Discovery Forest Projects
Hoʻoulu Lāhui
ʻIke Honua o Keahialaka
Hui Aloha Kīholo
Mohala i ka Wai: Empowering our community to support a thriving Kīholo
Kalanihale
Protecting Marine Natural Resources through Cultural & Traditional Management
The Kohala Center, Inc.
Aloha ʻĀina Kahaluʻu: Caring for a cherished place
Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative
Waikōloa Biocultural Program
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/.