Hawai‘i Tourism Authority - News Release

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2010 (10-04)

HTA AWARDS $600,000 TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT PERPETUATE HAWAIIAN CULTURE

HONOLULU—The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency for tourism, with guidance from the Hawaiian Cultural Program Advisory Council (HCPAC), has selected 27programs to receive funding through its Kūkulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program (LHCP) in 2010 (see attached for a list of the awardees).

“The Hawaiian culture is an integral part of our islands’ identity that sets us apart as a special and unique visitor destination,” said Mike McCartney, HTA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “HTA remains committed to supporting programs that respects, perpetuates and preserves the Hawaiian culture for both visitors and residents.”

The programs selected address the goal of the Hawaiian Culture Strategic Initiative “to honor and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community,” as articulated in the Hawai‘i Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 (TSP). The purpose of the LHCP is to support programs that help to honor and preserve the Hawaiian culture, demonstrate collaborative efforts with a high degree of community support and involvement, exhibit depth and breadth of experience in performing similar work, and has an adequate plan for sustainability into the future.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. For more information, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.

For more information, contact:
Momi Akimseu
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
(808) 973-2278

Dawn Hirai
Stryker Weiner & Yokota
(808) 523-8802/(808) 722-9445 (cell)

Krislyn Hashimoto
Stryker Weiner & Yokota
(808) 523-8802/(808) 722-4384 (cell)