Description
The HOIHI Grant Program aims to support Native Hawaiian organizations in developing and implementing projects that promote cultural tourism, economic development, and environmental stewardship. The program seeks to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of Native Hawaiian communities, uplift and perpetuate traditional Hawaiian practices, and undertake activities that convey respect and reciprocity for Hawaii's natural resources and sacred sites. Eligible applicants include Native Hawaiian organizations that serve the interests of Native Hawaiians, have Native Hawaiians in substantive and policymaking positions, and are recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage. The program will provide grant funding to successful applicants, with awards ranging from $75,000 to $200,000. Key components of the application include a project narrative, budget narrative, and budget justification. The program prioritizes projects that support the implementation of the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act and the Administration's priorities. Some of the key program priorities include:
• Enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of the Native Hawaiian Community by developing business opportunities in the visitor industry, providing business development training, or stimulating economic activity
• Uplift, perpetuate, and in some cases revive, traditional Hawaiian practices by creating opportunities for demonstrations, visitor education on history, usage, and protocols, or hands-on visitor participation experiences in the cultural practice
• Undertake related activities with visitors that convey respect and reaffirm the principle of reciprocation to the place, resources, and traditional knowledge holders and practitioners
• Support the maintenance, enhancement, and protection of Hawaii's natural resources, wahi kupuna, and wahi pana at areas impacted by tourism while enhancing visitor services to promote respect and reciprocity.