Tourism Authority Funds Community Projects

HTA News Release

The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs demonstrate its longstanding commitment to reinvesting in the community and implementing its strategic plan and destination management action plans. HTA recently announced it is awarding $3.78 million in funding to support 76 community projects, festivals and events throughout the state as part of its Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs in 2023, some of which are on Molokai. 

“The festivals and events being supported by our Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs are integral to Hawaii’s multi-cultural community and contribute to a stronger, diversified economy,” said John De Fries, HTA’s president and CEO. “By providing funding assistance to these programs on each island, we are vigorously supporting our kama‘aina – cultural practitioners, musicians, artists, athletes, production staff, nonprofit groups, and volunteers – who are sharing meaningful experiences with residents and visitors alike.”

Project awardees for Molokai included $35,000 for the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships, $20,000 for Na Wahine O Ke Kai 2023, the annual women’s Molokai to Oahu outrigger canoe race, and $100,000 for the 72nd annual Molokai Hoe. 

Additionally, $67,322 was awarded to the Molokai Holokai Ho’olaule’a project.  

Since 2017, HTA has invested more than $11 million to over 411 community projects and events. HTA’s Signature Events program supports major festivals and events that provide a unique and enriching experience, preserve Hawaii’s natural resources, perpetuate Hawaiian culture, and celebrate the islands’ multi-cultural diversity and community. HTA’s Community Enrichment program supports community-based projects and experiences that encourage tourism diversification in the areas of agriculture, culture, culinary, education, health and wellness, nature, sports, and voluntourism. Both programs seek to build kamaʻaina leadership capacity in Hawaii’s communities and organizations.

HTA has partnered with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Island Chapters to administer its 2023 Signature Events and Community Enrichment Programs. Funded by HTA, five program project managers have been appointed to administer the awardee contracts in each county.