15 Hawaiʻi Island Programs Awarded 2022 HTA Community Enrichment Funding
Continuing its reinvestment in Hawaiʻi’s communities, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) has announced it is awarding $2.9 million in funding to support 86 community-based projects, festivals and events through its Community Enrichment program for 2022 – including 15 programs on Hawaiʻi Island.
Recipients include nonprofit organizations that are supporting quality experiences created by the communities to be shared with residents and visitors. The Community Enrichment program supports an array of festivals, events and programs in the areas of agriculture, culture, culinary, nature, education, health and wellness, sports, and voluntourism.
Hawaiʻi Island Community Enrichment Awardees
Arc of Hilo
Big Island Access Project – King Kamehameha Inclusive Race Day
Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council
Kaʻū Coffee Festival
Hawaiʻi Horse Owners
Panaʻewa Stampede Rodeo
Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival
Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival
Hawaiʻi Island Pacific & Asia Cultural Celebrations
Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival
Hawaiian International Billfish Association
61st Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
Kai ʻŌpua Canoe Club
2022 Queen Liliʻuokalani Outrigger Races
Kona Cacao Association
Cacao Education and Culinary Exploration – Big Island Chocolate Festival 2022
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
51st Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Nāʻālehu Theatre
Aloha Shirt Festival and Vintage Era Exhibit
North Kohala Community Resource Center
Kohala Reunion
The Ke Kai Ala Foundation
Kona Brewers Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival
2022 Merrie Monarch Festival Broadcast
Volcano Art Center
May: Mele & Lei Month at VAC
Volcano Art Center
Niaulani Trail Enhancement and Forest Fair
“Our Community Enrichment program enables the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to serve as the connecting point between tourism and meaningful economic diversification by reinvesting in these community-based experiences spanning various industries,” said Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, HTA’s Chief Brand Officer. “We are proud to support the efforts of our residents in their communities, as these festivals and events are an integral part of Hawaiʻi’s lifestyle and multi-cultural brand.”
The Community Enrichment program is a part of HTA’s commitment toward Mālama Kuʻu Home (caring for my beloved home) and the Community pillar of its 2025 Strategic Plan. Since 2017, HTA has invested over $3.8 million to support more than 200 community projects and events.
HTA partnered with the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and the Island Chapters to administer its Community Enrichment program for 2022. A request for proposals was issued on September 27, 2021 with submittals from applicants received by November 5, 2021. Proposals were reviewed thoroughly by a committee on each island comprised of representatives from the respective Island Chapter, County, and HTA.
“The Community Enrichment Program supports events and programming organized and implemented by members of our own Hawaiʻi communities,” said John Monahan, HVCB’s President and CEO. “From a hospitality standpoint, these events not only provide our visitors with authentic and meaningful experiences, but also create opportunities for the community to participate in actively shaping Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry. It is a privilege to support these local events that bring people together in celebration of our islands’ diverseculture.”
For more information about the Community Enrichment program, visit: www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/hta-programs/community-enrichment/.