$78k in HTA Funding for Molokai Organizations

HTA News Release

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is proud to announce the selection of organizations for its Community Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences programs, two key initiatives under the Community Tourism Collaboratives.

A 2024 technical needs assessment completed by HTA revealed key capacity-building activities that HTA could focus on to advance a regenerative tourism model for Hawaii. Following a highly competitive application and rigorous evaluation process, 24 organizations have been chosen to participate in these transformative capacity-building programs aimed at fostering regenerative tourism and preserving Hawaii’s cultural and natural resources.

“The selection of these remarkable organizations marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create a more regenerative and culturally respectful tourism model in Hawaii,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA Board Chair. “These cohort programs will empower our community partners to expand their invaluable work, ensuring that our islands’ cultural and natural resources are preserved and enriched for future generations.”

“We are thrilled to support these organizations as they lead Hawaii’s transition to a regenerative model of tourism,” said Daniel Nahoʻopiʻi, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “The diverse range of organizations and projects that will receive capacity-building training and technical assistance through these programs highlight the innovative approaches being taken across the islands to malama ʻaina and create meaningful visitor experiences.”

The selected organizations will commence their participation in the program cohorts immediately, with the expectation that all funded projects will be completed by December 1, 2024. HTA will continue to monitor and support these projects, ensuring that they align with the goals of the Community Tourism Collaboratives to advance regenerative tourism.

For Molokai, Ahupua’a O Halawa was awarded funding through the Community Stewardship Program.

As stewards of the ʻaina for over 27 years, Ahupuaʻa ʻO Halawa (AOH) has a long-standing commitment to the stewardship of Halawa Valley. Founded in April of this year, its mission is to preserve and protect the valley’s cultural and natural resources through community engagement and education. AOH plans to use the ʻike and funding gained through this program to utilize marketing and cultural education consultants to develop their website and online presence, in order to become a greater player and steward of culturally-based, regenerative programs on Molokai. Follow-on funding is $42,500.

Molokai Land Trust was likewise awarded funding through the Regenerative Experiences Program.

The mission of the Molokai Land Trust is to protect and restore the land and natural and cultural resources of Molokai. Molokai Land Trust works to promote, educate, and perpetuate the unique Native Hawaiian traditions and character of the island for the benefit of future generations of all Molokai, particularly Native Hawaiians. The organization’s funding request is designed to support a new project focused on the establishment of a yellow seeded wiliwili forest and complementary understory native vegetation to support traditional lei makers on the island. Follow-on funding is $35,500.