Funding for Community Tourism Projects

County Office of Economic Development News Release

The County of Maui is soliciting proposals for tourism programs on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for 2014 under the County Product Enrichment Program (CPEP). The intent of the program is to diversify and enrich Hawaii’s tourism product by developing new and enhancing existing community-based events, experiences, and projects related to the niches of agriculture, culture, education, nature, health and wellness, sports and technology. The program is supported through a partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).

From heritage festivals to music series to programs that interpret our unique environment, CPEP supports a wide range of activities created by organizations throughout Maui County.

“Our residents have an opportunity to share their knowledge and culture, as well as see an economic benefit from the visitors attracted to these events,” said County Economic Development Director Teena Rasmussen.

Examples of programs supported during year 2013 include the annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival; Ka`anapali Fresh, a culinary celebration of local agriculture; and next month’s Pailolo Challenge Canoe Race from Maui to Molokai. Ongoing activities feature the Hawaiian Music Series of free monthly concerts at the Baldwin Museum, and Theater on the Isle community productions at the historic lao Theater.

Applications are available from the County’s website at mauicounty.gov/oed/cpep. Proposals are due by Sept. 6, 2013. For more information, contact Cheryl Sterling, HTA Programs Specialist at (808) 270-7997.