Kūkulu Ola Program

Kūkulu Ola Program is sponsored by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (administered in partnership with Kilohana, a division of the Hawaiian Council). This program provides funding support to community initiatives that contribute to protecting and enhancing Hawaiian culture within the tourism industry.

ʻUmeke Portal | Hawaiian Council ‘Umeke Powered by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority are five partnership development opportunities for 501 (c)3 non-profit organizations and government agencies. In addition, the Signature Event program is geared toward for-profit businesses planning large-scale, high-profile events that attract attendees and participants from outside the state of Hawaiʻi.

The deadline for all applications was Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 4:30pm HST He ‘ai leo ‘ole, he īpuka hāmama. Food unaccompanied by a voice, a door always open. This ‘Ōlelo Noe‘au is about the home of a hospitable person.

The food can be eaten without hearing a complaint from the owners, and the door is never closed to any visitor. Under the goal for each Pillar, this plan establishes several objectives and specific milestones or measures for tracking success.

The Pillars are intended to support an integrated destination management system, with four overall Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), representing the most important ways HTA will be accountable to our stakeholders: Resident Satisfaction, Average Daily Visitor Spending, Visitor Satisfaction, and Total Visitor Spending.

‘Umeke Powered By Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Programs The application window was open from Monday, February 10, 2025 — Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 4:30pm HST to fund programs operating from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Ho‘okipa Malihini Initiative Provides support to Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians, linguists and/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 our visitors.

Click here to download the Request For Proposal PDF Formerly known as Aloha ʻĀina , focuses on supporting community initiatives that contribute to the responsible management, improvement, and protection of Hawai‘i’s natural resources in areas frequented by residents and visitors.

Click here to download the Request For Proposal PDF Provides funding support to community initiatives that contribute to protecting and enhancing the Hawaiian culture within the tourism industry.

Click here to download the Request For Proposal PDF Community Enrichment Program Provides funding support to 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 our visitors.

Click here to download the Request For Proposal PDF Invests in projects that protect and enhance Hawai‘i’s globally competitive brand in a way that is coordinated, authentic, and market appropriate while also enriching our communities, supporting better relations between communities and the tourism industry, and create positive resident-visitor interaction.

Click here to download the Request For Proposal PDF Community Information Sessions Community info sessions will be held on the following dates: Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Location: Kilohana Office, 680 Iwilei Rd Suite #600 Honolulu, HI 96817 – KALO conference room Thursday, February 13th, 2025 10:00 am – 11:30 am Location: Lānaʻi Youth Center, 717 Fraser Ave, Lanai City, HI 96763 Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Location: Moikeha Building Conference Room 1 on the second floor (Mohihi Room), 4444 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766 Hawai’i Island (Session 1 – Kona) Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Location: West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Keahokalole Hwy Building G, The Community Hale, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Hawai’i Island (Session 2 – Hilo) Thursday, February 20th, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Location: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands meeting room in Keaukaha, 160 Baker Avenue, Hilo HI 96720 Friday, February 21st, 2025 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Location: Mitchell Pauole Center, 90 Ainoa St, Kaunakakai, HI 96748 Monday, February 24th, 2025 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Location: Kako’o Maui Resource Center , 153 E Kamehameha Ave.

, Suite 101, Kahului, HI Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 10:00 am – 11:30 am HST Wednesday, February 26, 2025 5:00 pm– 6:30 pm HST Watch the Virtual Information Session Click here to view the presentation slides Who is eligible to apply to the partnership development opportunity programs? This depends on the program you apply to.

Non-profit organizations with tax exempt 501(c)(3) status and in good standing or government agencies operating within the State of Hawai‘i may apply to all partnership development opportunities. Projects not linked with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization may be able to partner with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. For-profit entities may apply for Signature Events only.

See RFP for specific eligibility guidelines. Am I eligible if I receive GIA finding? This RFP is through the HTA, a State agency.

If the GIA is through the City & County, then yes you can apply for funding. If the GIA is through the State, and your application is for the same program, then no, you are not eligible. If the GIA is through the State, and your application is for a different program, then yes, you are eligible to apply for this funding.

Am I required to welcome visitors/tourists to my event or project if I am awarded? Yes. All awardees will be required to provide a tourism product and welcome visitors.

In the past, I was not required to provide a tourism product. Why are we required to do it this year? What is considered a tourism product?

Examples of tourism products include: Voluntourism – Tourism related to travel to participate in voluntary work in the community where one is vacationing, typically for a charity or cause. Visitors may conduct community service while learning about cultural sites. See https://www.

hawaiitourismauthority. org/what-we-do/hta-programs/community-enrichment/voluntourism/ Agri-tourism – Includes a farm tour, a farm to table meal at a local restaurant or food truck, or supporting a farmer’s market. Festivals marketed toward visitors Community events welcoming visitors This is my first experience with the tourism industry, and I don’t know where to start.

What should I do? Check out the Visitor Readiness Checklist at https://www. hawaiitourismauthority.

org/media/8411/visitor-readiness-checklist-form-11292021. pdf . Can my organization apply to all five of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Community Enrichment, Kūkulu Ola, Kahu ʻĀina, Signature Event, and Hoʻokipa Malihini Initiative programs?

Yes, you can apply to all HTA programs if they are for different projects. The same project may not apply to more than one of the HTA programs. See RFP for specific eligibility guidelines.

My organization is a current HTA awardee. Can we apply for the 2025-2026 HTA programs? Yes, current awardees may apply for 2025-2026 programs.

Current awardees must be in good standing with Kilohana. If you are unsure if your project is in good standing or in compliance with 2024 or 2025 contractual obligations, please contact your Kilohana contract manager. I have received an award from HTA and/or an HTA subcontractor (ie, HVCB, HCF) in the past.

Can I apply for the 2025-2026 HTA programs? Yes. If you are a past awardee from HTA and/or an HTA subcontractor, you can apply for these partnership development opportunities as long as you were in compliance with past contractual obligations.

My legal entity is an LLC and a social enterprise. Am I eligible to apply for CEP or SIG funding? For the Community Enrichment program, you must be a non-profit 501(c)(3) or government agency.

For-profit entities, such as an LLC social enterprise, may apply for Signature Events only. My 501(c)3 is based outside the State of Hawai‘i. However, the project will take place on Kaua‘i and will involve partners from the island.

Am I eligible to apply for funding? Yes, you are eligible to apply for HTA programs, as long as your project takes place within the State of Hawai‘i. My organization is a 501(c)4.

Am I eligible to apply for funding? 501(c)(4) organizations may apply to HMI only. Only non-profit organizations with tax exempt 501(c)(3) status and in good standing may apply to the other programs.

Differences in HTA Programs What is the difference between the Community Enrichment, Kūkulu Ola, Kahu ʻĀina, Signature Events, and Ho‘okipa Malihini Initiative?

Ho‘okipa Malihini Initiative (formerly Resort Area Hawaiian Culture Initiative) : Provides support to Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians, linguists and/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 our visitors.

Kahu ʻĀina : Formerly known as Aloha ʻĀina, focuses on supporting 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 : Provides funding support to community initiatives that contribute to protecting and enhancing the Hawaiian culture within the tourism industry.

Community Enrichment Program : Provides funding support to 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 our visitors.

Signature Events : Invests in projects that protect and enhance Hawai‘i’s globally competitive brand in a way that is coordinated, authentic, and market appropriate while also enriching our communities, supporting better relations between communities and the tourism industry, and create positive resident-visitor interaction.

Typically, projects within this pillar have a large visitor attendance and generate a significant economic impact as defined by HTA’s economic impact calculator found at https://www. hawaiitourismauthority. org/what-we-do/tools-resources/festivals-events-resources/ .

www. hawaiiancouncil. org/kilohana .

What are HTA’s 4 Pillars? How are the 4 Pillars connected to the partnership development opportunity I’m applying for? My organization would like to propose a hula performance that runs every Friday night during the summer of 2025.

Do I apply to Community Enrichment Program or Kūkulu Ola? If the objective of your program is to share hula with residents and visitors and is a performance for a set amount of time (series), then apply to the Community Enrichment program. I have a 2-day Hawaiian Steel Guitar event to celebrate the music and instrument.

Should I apply to the Community Enrichment program? Yes, since this is a stand-alone event, you should apply to the Community Enrichment program. We would like to offer free hula classes to malihini every Saturday morning throughout the year.

What HTA program should I apply to? Looking at the objectives of the Community Enrichment and Kūkulu Ola programs, you will need to determine which one fits best with your mission and goals of your project. If your project leans more towards enhancing the visitor experience, you would apply to the Community Enrichment program.

If your program is more about strengthening and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture, you should apply under the Kūkulu Ola program. My organization produces a festival to celebrate Japanese culture. Am I able to apply under the Community Enrichment program?

Yes, Community Enrichment supports all multi-ethnic festivals and events. Are only festivals and events eligible for Community Enrichment funding? No. Community Enrichment supports projects and experiences that bring residents and visitors together.

Past projects have included: Weekly educational programs Theatre & musical productions Arts & Culture festivals & exhibits Signage to provide cultural/historical significance Who manages each program? HTA has contracted Kilohana by CNHA to administer all HTA partnership development opportunity programs for the program term. How do I apply for the different HTA programs?

Applications must be submitted online through the ʻUmeke portal available at https://www. hawaiiancouncil. org/kilohana .

New users must register for an account. Registered users may login to their account to apply. Please give yourself adequate time before the submission deadline to access the system and familiarize yourself with the application process and requirements.

Can I mail in a paper application? No, applications must be submitted online. Only under certain circumstances of technology, language, or disability barriers, we will consider alternatives to the online a pplication portal.

This will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be requested by contacting us at umeke@kilohana. com or at (808) 596-8155. If we want to propose an event for O‘ahu and one for Hawai‘i Island, do we submit one large proposal or two separate for each Island?

If the events are different, you should submit two (2) separate proposals – one for O‘ahu and one for Hawai‘i Island. However, if these two (2) events are part of an overall event, then you should submit one proposal and identify the project locations in the application process. Will I get confirmation that our proposal was received?

Yes, you will receive email confirmation that your proposal was submitted and received. Does the online portal accept diacritical marks? No, although we recognize the significance and importance of diacritical markings in written Hawaiian culture and language; the ʻUmeke Portal cannot accept diacritical marks and therefore have been omitted throughout the online application portal.

In all other aspects, diacritical marks are encouraged and highly recommended. How long will it take to complete an application? This depends.

We recommend you thoroughly review the RFP you are interested in and locating the required documents prior to starting the application process in the ʻUmeke portal. All questions from the application can be found on the coinciding RFP. All RFPs can be downloaded at https://www.

hawaiiancouncil. org/kilohana . If I apply to an HTA Program, when can I expect to hear a decision?

You should expect to hear a decision in the week of June 5, 2025. If you are awarded, you will receive an award letter with award terms and conditions via email. If I receive an award, when can I expect payment?

Depending on the availability of funds, the first disbursement of awarded funds will be in October 2025. If I receive an award, when can I start my project/program? Projects and events can start on July 1, 2025 and must be completed by June 30, 2026.

What is the maximum amount I can apply for? Community Enrichment – Applicants can apply for a maximum amount of $100,000. All other programs do not have a maximum amount to apply for.

Average award amounts range from $20,000-$100,000, depending on the amount of overall funds available and reasonableness of request when compared to your proposal. What if we are awarded less than the amount requested and, as a result, cannot do the work that we had originally proposed?

If you are awarded less than the amount requested, we will ask you for an updated budget, budget narrative, and an updated workplan if the reduced award amount affects what you are able to achieve. In general, your scope of work and associated key performance indicators (KPIs) will be reduced by the same percentage as your award reduction.

For example, if you applied for $100,000 and are awarded $50,000, your KPIs will be reduced by 50%. Am I required to complete reports? Yes, if you are awarded, you will be required to submit reports.

If reports are not received, payment(s) will be delayed or stopped. Will the date(s) for my project need to be set prior to submitting my application? Yes.

All project dates need to be included with your application at the time of submission. Am I required to register on the GoHawaii calendar? Yes, all awardees are required to register on the GoHawaii calendar.

Registration information will be provided during the post-award informational session. What if we experience a major delay in programming once awarded? Communicate with your designated Kilohana contract manager as soon as you experience an obstacle in meeting deliverables.

Anytime you experience a crisis near your event date, contact Kilohana. Can I amend the budget categories on the “Itemized Budget” form? No, you cannot amend the budget categories on the “Itemized Budget” form, but you are welcome to provide additional categories according to your project expenses.

Is there a match requirement? Yes, there is a match requirement for Signature Events & Community Enrichment Programs ONLY. There is no match requirement for the remaining HTA programs.

Signature Events & Community Enrichment Programs match requirement – a minimum of one to one (1:1) in matching funds to the amount of funds awarded by the HTA is required. The first 50% (. 5:1) of the match must be in the form of cash.

The second 50% (. 5:1) of the match may be in the form of cash, in-kind contributions, or a combination of cash and in-kind contributions. Matching funds shall not come from other state government sources including other HTA programs or the HTA’s major contractors such as, but not limited to, the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau or its Island Chapters.

The project may be supported by other state government funds, but these funds may not be used as part of the required match to the HTA funds. Can I adjust my budget during the awarded program year? This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Awardees will submit revisions and explanations to the designated Kilohana contract manager for review and approval. Why was the award amount less than what I requested? Funding amounts are determined by the evaluation committee.

Some projects are funded for the full amount while others are partially funded. The committee considers the needs of the community and the reasonableness of the request when determining the award amount.

They also look very closely at the budget spreadsheets and budget narratives and will sometimes adjust award amounts by subtracting from the HTA funding column line-item costs that are not aligned with the goals, objectives, and requirements of the RFP. Funding amounts are also subject to the availability of funds. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) How do I demonstrate alignment with HTA’s objectives and goals?

Can I submit recommendation and/or support letters for my program? Yes, you are required to submit 2 letters of recommendation as a part of the application process. Who reviews the application proposals?

Application proposals are evaluated by a selection committee, whose members are selected by HTA and include representatives of Kilohana, HTA, community members, industry experts, and subject matter experts throughout the state. Who makes the final decisions? All final decisions are made by HTA.

For any additional questions regarding the 2025-2026 ʻUmeke Powered by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority programs, please contact Kilohana, a division of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, by email at umeke@kilohana. com or by phone at (808) 596-8155.