Regenerative Tourism, Haena State Park (June 27, 2022). PC: DLNR Hawaii
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has announced the launch of the newest editions of its Community Tourism Collaborative (CTC) program, the Community Stewardship Program and the Restoration Experiences Program. Modeled after Hawaii’s traditional reclaimed water systems, these programs are designed to support and enhance the efforts of organizations committed to restoring and protecting Hawaii’s sacred spaces and creating sustainable visitor experiences.
“We created these important community tourism collaboratives to provide capacity building opportunities for established community-managed organizations and expand their efforts, based on community needs, to create and scale revitalizing experiences throughout Hawai’i,” said HTA Board Chair Mufi Hanneman. “By participating in these programs, organizations are helping to transition our state toward a tourism model that ensures our culture and natural resources are protected and enriched for future generations.”
HTA, in partnership with Kilohana, conducted a comprehensive study earlier this year to explore the needs and opportunities of businesses and community organizations currently operating in Hawai‘i’s tourism industry, as well as those looking to operate in the future. Findings from the study were summarized in HTA’s recent publication, “Turning the Tide” (also published in Ōlelo Hawaiʻi), and serve as the foundation for HTA’s efforts to support a regenerative tourism future, including through the Community Tourism Collaborative.
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The auwai are vital waterways that convey water from the main river to Loi Kalo and serve as a metaphor for the Community Stewardship Program. Just as the auwai are essential for cultivating kalo and nourishing the waters, the program emphasizes the importance of sustaining Hawaii’s cultural and natural heritage. The Community Stewardship Program seeks to provide capacity-building support to community organizations engaged in aina-based stewardship. Selected organizations will join a group of mission-aligned nonprofits and receive specialized workshops, professional services, and consulting tailored specifically to the needs of those who manage tourism destinations.
Similarly, the Restoration Experiences program embodies the value of hoi wai, the outlet of the loi kalo system that ensures water is returned to the river enriched. The program supports organizations to develop and enhance visitor experiences that foster the interconnectedness of residents and visitors, people and aina. Cohort members receive support to create market-responsive restoration activities, ensuring these experiences are sustainable and beneficial to both the community and the environment.
“The Community Stewardship Program and the Revitalizing Experiences Program are two new ways HTA is supporting community organizations and small businesses that are involved or want to be involved in Hawai’i’s tourism industry,” said Daniel Naho’opii, HTA interim president and CEO. “Interested applicants are encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions to learn more and apply to join these groups.”
Eligibility and Application Details
Applications must be submitted online by Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. (Hawaii Standard Time) at https://umeke.kilohana.com/s/ctc-applications. Applicants for the Community Stewardship Program must be a licensed 501(c)(3) organization, a Hawaii nonprofit, or an organization organized for nonprofit purposes and currently engaged in stewardship activities in a DMAP-designated hotspot. Applicants for the Regenerative Experience Program are nonprofits or for-profit businesses seeking to develop or enhance a regenerative visitor experience. Applicants for both programs must present a Hawaii Express Certificate of Compliance at the time of award. Multiple proposals for different programs from one organization may be submitted and will be reviewed separately. Applicants may not be selected for both programs.
Funding Opportunities
Community Stewardship Program: Cohort members are eligible to receive an average of $50,000 in direct funding to expand their stewardship activities. Funds must be used by December 1, 2024. Regeneration Experience Program: Cohort members are eligible to receive an average of $25,000 in direct funding to implement regeneration experiences. Funds must be used by December 1, 2024.
Disallowed expenses include donations, grants, awards, regular events/activities outside of the program’s funding dates, and programs funded through other HTA programs in 2024.
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Information Session
Kilohana will be hosting a virtual community session via Zoom to provide an overview of the program, application process and funding opportunities, and to answer questions. Details of the session are as follows:
Community Management Program Information Session: Wednesday, July 17, 2-3 p.m. Regeneration Experience Program Information Session: Wednesday, July 17, 11 a.m.-12 noon
For more information, to register for an information session or to apply for the program, visit https://regenerativetourismhawaii.info
