Hawaiʻi County opens application period for new Event Sponsorship Program

Hawaiʻi County’s new Event Sponsorship Program is now accepting proposals, offering funding for events that advance economic development, perpetuate culture, encourage community engagement, promote health and wellness, attract visitors or otherwise benefit Hawaiʻi Island residents.

A total of $250,000 is available. Applicants must be a legally established nonprofit, for-profit, or government organization registered to conduct business in Hawaiʻi.

A maximum of $25,000 is available for each eligible applicant selected.

“Events bring our communities together, perpetuate the traditions that make Hawaiʻi Island special and create meaningful opportunities for our residents and local businesses,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a county release. “Through this program, we are establishing a fair and transparent process to support events that deliver measurable benefits across our island.”

Selected events must occur within the contract period of Oct. 1 through June 30, 2027. Retroactive funding will not be provided.

Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Hawaiʻi County OpenGov Procurement System no later than 4 p.m. Aug. 31. The deadline to submit questions or requests for clarification through OpenGov is 11:59 p.m. Aug. 14.

“This program recognizes that events contribute to Hawaiʻi Island in different ways,” said Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development Director Benson Medina in the county release. “Some generate substantial visitor spending and economic activity, while others preserve culture, improve community health, support charitable causes and build stronger relationships among our residents. We encourage organizations of all sizes to review the requirements and determine whether their event is a good fit.”

Program categories

• Major economic — impact events
• Events with significant regional or statewide impact
• Events providing moderate to high community benefit
• County representation, networking and professional-development events

Additional eligibility information

• Applicants must possess a current Hawaiʻi general excise tax license, remain in good standing with Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, maintain Hawaiʻi Compliance Express compliance and demonstrate the financial and organizational capacity to manage the proposed event and public funding.
• Events must take place within the County of Hawaiʻi or provide a direct benefit to Hawaiʻi Island residents.
• Events must also be open to the public or serve a clearly defined community benefit, comply with applicable laws and permitting requirements and align with at least one of the program’s objectives.

Evaluation

• Proposals will be evaluated based on economic impact, community benefit, organizational capacity, cultural significance, county recognition and sustainability.
• Reviewers will consider factors such as visitor spending, hotel occupancy, local business activity, public accessibility, volunteer participation, cultural perpetuation, financial management, environmental practices, community partnerships and opportunities to recognize the county’s support.

Contact Stephanie Letro at 808-961-8443 or via email at stephanie.letro@hawaiicounty.gov for procurement-related questions.