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Writer's pictureHawaiʻi State Senate
Sep 25, 2019

HTA Awards Funding to Natural Resources Program


HONOLULU – The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) announced today it is awarding funding to 34 programs in the Hawaiian Islands through its Aloha Aina program for the 2020 calendar year, an increase from 28 recipients in 2019. This is in addition to the 95 programs and events HTA is funding through its Community Enrichment Program, which was announced earlier this month. The money comes from tourism dollars through the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), which people pay when they stay in legal accommodations throughout the state.

HTA’s Aloha Aina program funds community-based nonprofit and government programs helping to manage and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. The Hawaiian proverb, “He alii ka aina, he kauwa ke kanaka” means “the land is a chief, man is its servant,” and therefore if we care for our natural resources, they will care for us.

HTA issued a request for proposals on May 2 with the deadline of July 5 to submit applications. HTA staff held informational briefings about the submission process on all six islands during the month of May.

“Our Aloha Aina program is focused on the lasting value of stewardship by responsible community-based entities with an emphasis on aina-kanaka (land-human) relationships and knowledge. The collective objective is to reinvest tourism dollars to manage, conserve and revitalize Hawaii’s natural resources,” said Kalani Kaanaana, HTA’s Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs.

HTA is also providing funding through its Kukulu Ola program, which helps to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The Kukulu Ola awardees for 2020 will be announced soon.

Click here to download a few photos of the Aloha Aina program awardees.

Full List of HTA 2020 Aloha Aina Awardees

Statewide

  • DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife

  • Mokuhalii: Covering the Islands in the Rapid Ohia Death Outreach Network

  • Hawaiian Islands Land Trust

  • Cultural & Ecological Restoration Program

  • Kupu

  • Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps

  • University of Hawaii

  • Rapid Ohia Death Seed Banking Initiative 2020

Oahu

  • Hawaii Marine Animal Response

  • Stewardship and Conservation of Hawaii’s Protected Marine Animals

  • Hui o Koolaupoko

  • Malama Muliwai o Heeia: Phase 2

  • Kauluakalana

  • Kukanono

  • Malama Maunalua

  • Site Model of Marine Restoration at Maunalua Bay

  • Malama Na Honu

  • Malama Na Honu Conservation through Education Project 2020

  • Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center

  • Establishing Roots of Community Stewardship and Native Landscapes

  • North Shore Community Land Trust

  • Sunset Beach Park Community-Based Dune Restoration

  • Protectors of Paradise

  • Makua & Keawaula Revitalization and Education Awareness Program

  • Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii

  • The Pilina Pledge: From Plastics to Soil

Hawaii Island

  • Coral Reef Alliance

  • Hawaii Wai Ola

  • Edith K. Kanakaole Foundation

  • Makawalu a Kanaloa

  • Hawaii Forest Institute

  • Restoration and Education at Palamanui and Lai Opua Dry Forest Preserves

  • Pohaha I Ka Lani

  • Liko No Ka Lama

  • The Kohala Center, Inc.

  • Malama Kahaluu: Restoring Our Coral Reef Ecosystem

  • Volcano Art Center

  • Niaulani Rain Forest Preservation & Education Program

Kauai

  • DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife

  • Alakai Boardwalk Replacement & Trailhead Interpretive Signs

  • Garden Island Resource Conservation & Development, Inc.

  • Strengthening Visitor Capacity at Makauwahi Cave Reserve

  • Giving Back: Protecting Native Forest

  • Kokee Natural History Museum

  • Kokee - Nature Interpreted 2020

Maui

  • Coral Reef Alliance

  • Engaging Community Volunteers in Watershed Restoration - West Maui

  • Friends of Auwahi Forest Restoration Project

  • Planting together

  • Friends of the DT Fleming Arboretum at Puu Mahoe, Inc.

  • Pahana Hoola - Seeds of Hope 2020

  • Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike

  • Wailua Nui Restoration Project

  • Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

  • Seed Banking, Crop Storage, and Public Access to Maui Nui Plants

  • Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, Inc.

  • Fire and Oysters: Improving Maalaea Bay's Ocean Water Quality

  • Na Koa Manu Conservation

  • Pohakuokala Gulch Community Forest Restoration Project

  • The Nature Conservancy

  • Expanding Marine Conservation in Maui County to Meet 30x30 Targets

  • University of Hawaii

  • Into the Darkness: Protecting Na Manu o Ke Kai and the Night Skies

Molokai

  • Aina Momona

  • Aina Momona 2020 Aloha Aina Fellowship Program

  • Molokai Land Trust

  • Expanding Habitat Restoration for Ground Nesting Seabirds & Endangered Species

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