The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) indicated today it was proud to announce the selection of organizations for its Community Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences programs, two key initiatives under the Community Tourism Collaboratives (CTC).
A 2024 technical needs assessment completed by HTA in partnership with Kilohana by CNHA revealed key capacity-building activities that HTA could focus on to advance a regenerative tourism model for Hawaiʻi. 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 Hawaiʻi’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 Hawaiʻi,” 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 Hawaiʻi’s transition to a regenerative model of tourism,” said Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi, HTA’s Interim President & 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 mālama ʻāina 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.
Community Stewardship
Nine organizations have been selected for the Community Stewardship Program, receiving technical assistance and funding to grow their stewardship work ranging from $18,500 to $50,000. This funding will support their efforts in protecting and revitalizing Hawaiʻi’s sacred spaces and important cultural sites. Each organization will benefit from capacity-building opportunities, including specialized workshops, professional services, and tailored consultations designed to enhance their stewardship activities.
Ahupuaʻa ʻO Hālawa
Hālawa Valley, Molokaʻi As stewards of this ʻāina for over 27 years, Ahupuaʻa ʻO Hālawa (AOH) has a long-standing commitment to the stewardship of Hālawa 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 Molokaʻi. Follow-on funding: $42,500.
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative (‘AHI) is an all-volunteer organization with a mission to restore and conserve loko iʻa (Native Hawaiian fishponds) and wetlands at Lokowaka Pond complex to create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. ʻAHI seeks guidance to develop their organization in areas of document creation, volunteer management, data collection, and funding; and plans to use program funds to hire a project manager, purchase materials for restoration work at Lokowaka, and hire Kupu Hawai‘i for conservation work. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
East Maui Land Restoration
Honomanū Waterfall, MauiEast Maui Land Restoration 501(c)(3) serves as an umbrella for Hāna Highway Regulation, a visitor education and tourism management initiative for Hāna Highway, and East Maui Farm which focuses on rebuilding ancient taro patches at Honomanū. The funding requested will be utilized to enhance stewardship efforts and acquire necessary equipment for efforts to restore land into the future. Follow-on funding: $44,000.
Haleakalā Conservancy
Haleakalā, MauiHaleakalā Conservancy has been the philanthropic partner of Haleakalā National Park for the last four years, supporting programs (e.g., night stargazing) and other initiatives (e.g., powered wheelchairs for visitors) that are otherwise not covered in the National Park Service budget. The Conservancy seeks to build a robust volunteer network and develop internal capacity to apply for grants in the future. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā
Wahiawā, OʻahuWahiawā Hawaiian Civic Club was organized 89 years ago to specifically maintain Kūkaniloko Birth Site, share her moʻolelo, and to preserve all things Hawaiian – seen and unseen. Since Kūkaniloko Birth Site is no longer publicly accessible without expressed entry permission, Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā will be using their funding to develop their moʻolelo and “sense of place” in an online, virtual format; and learn from professionals about how to best collect data for future grant and funding requests to keep the work of this near century-old organization going for generations to come. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
Hui Aloha Kīholo
Kīholo State Park Reserve, Hawaiʻi Island Founded in 2007, Hui Aloha Kīholo (HAK) seeks to protect Kīholo in pono ways by activating community to mālama ʻāina, developing a sustainable revenue model (e.g., camping permits), educating keiki in place-based environmental and cultural practices, and protecting wahi pana such as Keanalele cave and Wai ʻŌpae from further degradation. Through this program, HAK seeks to update their website, creating a comprehensive community resource particularly to promote involvement opportunities, and hopes to develop a better, more integrated data collection plan. Follow-on funding: $50,000
Hui O Laka
Kōkeʻe & Waimea Canyon, Kauaʻi Hui o Laka operates the Kōkeʻe Museum, a natural history and cultural museum founded in 1954 with the intention of educating the public about Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon. Hui o Laka seeks to expand its virtual outreach and camping reservation system by modernizing and enhancing its website and social media presence, and thus share ʻike of Kōkeʻe with a broader audience within and beyond the pae ʻāina. Follow-on funding: $18,500.
North Shore Community Land Trust
Haleʻiwa, OʻahuFounded in 1997, North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) is a community-driven organization focused on the preservation and protection of the 60,000+ acres of Oʻahu’s North Shore, including through specific programs like Waileʻe Laka Pono that seeks to restore the native ecosystem and food systems in the ahupuaʻa of Waileʻe. Funding will be used to clear invasive plants from the Waileʻe area, host community work days, and initiate agroforestry as a new pillar for restoration alongside mālama for the loʻi kalo and wetlands. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
Pōhāhā I Ka Lani
Waipiʻo Valley, Hawaiʻi Island Established in 2001, Pōhāhā I Ka Lani conducts place-based cultural education, land stewardship, and community engagement at sacred places throughout Waipi‘o Valley and ‘Ōla‘a on Hawai‘i Island. The organization is seeking fundraising guidance and organizational development opportunities (e.g., revenue generation, staff training) through their participation in this program. Follow-on funding: $45,000.
Regenerative Experiences
Fifteen organizations have been chosen for the Regenerative Experiences Program, with direct funding to seed their regenerative transformation ranging from $20,000 to $35,000. These funds will be used to develop and enhance visitor experiences that are deeply rooted in the principles of regenerative tourism. By participating in this program, organizations will create market-ready activities that foster reciprocal relationships between residents and visitors, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared by all.
Aloha with Touch Kauaʻi
Islandwide, Kaua‘iAloha with Touch Kauaʻi is committed to providing high-quality cultural and wellness retreat experiences. The organization hopes to increase partnerships with local experience providers, host more local retreats, and transition from a classic business model to a more purpose-driven approach focused on transforming perceptions of Hawaiʻi for visitors. Follow-on funding: $20,000.
Ancient Leaf Tea
Onomea Bay, Pāpaʻikou, Hawaiʻi IslandA ncient Leaf Tea is a family-owned and operated LLC founded in 2004 with the mission of producing the finest in organically and regeneratively grown teas and produce on its farm near Onomea Bay. The company currently has one major farm tour offering called the Tea Tour and Tasting, a two-and-a-half hour long experience that starts with a one-hour tour of tea fields and market gardens. Given that the length and price of this tour is geared toward higher-spending visitors, they hope to expand their operations to be more accessible for larger groups and local community members. Follow-on funding: $24,000.