Hawaii Tourism Authority sponsors 43 cultural programs

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is awarding funding to 43 cultural programs throughout the islands for 2020, the agency recently announced.

Release time : 2019-10-18 17:13:06

source : TRAVEL WEEKLY

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is awarding funding to 43 cultural programs throughout the islands for 2020, the agency recently announced.

The Kukulu Ola program funds community-based nonprofit organizations representing cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and artists perpetuating and strengthening a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture.

Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai all have sponsored programs and statewide initiatives funded through Kukulu Ola, including the Hawaii Institute for Music Enrichment and Learning Experiences, the Hawaii Museums Association, Hula Preservation Society, and Polynesian Voyaging Society.

"It's imperative that the tourism industry recognizes the importance of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture," Kalani Kaanaana, HTA's director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs, said in a statement. "The culture here is what makes the Hawaiian Islands unique and underpins the authenticity of the visitor experience. As we support these practitioners in strengthening and perpetuating cultural practices in their communities, it's important for tourism to do its part to give back."

The Kukulu Ola programs is in addition to the 95 programs and events HTA is funding through its Community Enrichment program, and 34 programs through its Aloha Aina program announced last month.

The funding for the programs comes from the Transient Accommodations Tax paid when people stay in officially registered accommodations in Hawaii.