by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Thu June 15, 2023
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) announced it had awarded $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.
As part of the state’s Strategic Plan and Destination
Management Action Plans, the HTA partnered with the Hawaii Visitors and
Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Island Chapters to administer its 2023 Signature
Events and Community Enrichment Programs.
Funded by the HTA, five program project managers have been
appointed to administer the awardee contracts in each county, including Christy
Calabrese, Michelle Pope, Sumithra Balraj, Taryn Pascua and Lani Kaui.
“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,” HTA
president John De Fries said.
“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,” De Fries continued.
The HTA has invested more than $11 million in over 411
community projects and events since 2017, with the Signature Events program
supporting significant festivals and events that provide a unique and enriching
experience and preserve Hawaii’s natural resources and culture.
HTA’s Community Enrichment program supports community-based
projects and experiences that encourage tourism diversification in agriculture,
culture, culinary, education, health and wellness, nature, sports and voluntourism.
For a complete list of programs and events that received
funding, check out the HTA’s
official website.
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