Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority issues a request for proposals for projects exemplifying regenerative tourism

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has issued the next round of requests for proposals for projects that preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources, perpetuate the state’s Hawaiian and multicultural heritage, or enrich the community through festivals and signature events statewide. 

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s community partnership programs support projects that protect and restore the environment, empower local economies, preserve cultural heritage and give back to island communities.

“Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is proud to support programs that exemplify regenerative tourism by directing tourism’s benefits back into our island communities,” said Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board Chair Mufi Hannemann. “These efforts protect Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural treasures while uplifting the people and organizations working tirelessly to sustain them.”

Online applications are available and need to be submitted through ‘Umeke, Powered by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority by April 1. Projects must be scheduled from July 2025 to June 2026.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is accepting applications for the following programs:

• Signature Events: Projects that protect and enhance Hawaiʻi’s globally competitive brand while also enriching our communities, supporting better relations between communities and the tourism industry, and creating positive resident-visitor interaction.
• Community Enrichment Programs: Unique, authentic and  highly-valued visitor-related experiences, and represents activities that are developed by the community, for the community and are things the community is willing to and wants to share with visitors.
• Kahu ʻĀina: Community initiatives that contribute to the responsible management, improvement, and protection of Hawai‘i’s natural resources in areas frequented by residents and visitors.
• Kūkulu Ola: Community initiatives that contribute to protecting and enhancing the Hawaiian culture within the tourism industry.
• Hoʻokipa Malihini Initiative: Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians, linguists or other artists in resort areas and harbors statewide to help preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture in a way that is respectful and accurate, inviting, and educational to visitors.

“These partnerships reflect Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s comprehensive approach to destination stewardship,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, interim president and CEO. “By funding grassroots programs and providing workforce development opportunities, we aim to foster growth and success across Hawai‘i’s communities.”

Following the last round of applications in late summer 2024, nearly $3 million in funding was awarded to 105 community-based organizations, projects, programs and events taking place across Hawai‘i from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025.

To assist prospective applicants for this next round, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority will host a series of virtual and in-person community information sessions focused on understanding programs, potential funding levels, the application process, and providing tips on creating a strong application.

There will be two in-person sessions for Big Island starting with Kailua-Kona at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Keahokalole Hwy, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Hilo’s in-person session will be at the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Meeting Room, 160 Baker Avenue, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20.

A virtual session is also available from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit ‘Umeke for detailed program descriptions and application requirements. 

On Monday, the  Care for ʻĀina Now Coalition, announced today that a January 2025 poll conducted by FM3 Research confirms broad visitor support for a stewardship fee to restore and protect Hawaiʻi’s natural resources.

According to the poll, more than three-quarters of visitors say establishing an Environmental Stewardship Fee is acceptable. Most visitors said such a fee would not impact their likelihood of visiting Hawai‘i and one-quarter said such a fee would make them more likely to visit.

Visitors in support include:

• 85% of repeat visitors (2 to 3 times)
• 73% of those with family in Hawai‘i
• 73% of frequent visitors (more than 4 times)
• 68% of first-time visitors and those planning a future trip

“Hawai‘i welcomes 10 million visitors annually, yet faces a $560 million annual shortfall in critical funding needed to protect our lands, waters and communities,” said Kainan Miranda, Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i and Palmyra. “This polling confirms that visitors recognize their kuleana—their responsibility—to help protect the natural beauty that makes Hawai‘i unique. We need the help of our legislators this session to act now to address very the real crisis Hawai‘i is facing. The CAN Coalition urges immediate support for environmental stewardship fee legislation to ensure a sustainable future for our Islands.”

Community members can subscribe to Care for ʻĀina Now newsletter to receive easy steps in supporting legislative efforts to bridge the $560 million gap to protect Hawai‘i.