![\"Hawai\u2018i](\"https:\/\/travindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/hawaii-2542175_640.jpg\")
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I<\/span>n keeping with its commitment to foster sustainable tourism in the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawai\u2018i Tourism Authority (HTA) is providing funding of more than $3.5 million to 124 programs that are perpetuating Hawaiian culture, protecting natural resources and showcasing community events in 2018. Recipients of the funding are nonprofit groups, community organizations and individuals statewide who have demonstrated through proposals submitted to HTA their dedication to strengthen the enduring qualities of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s legacy that distinguish the islands as a place to live and visit.<\/p>\n \u201cSustainable tourism starts at the community level and that\u2019s the focus of our support for initiatives by groups and individuals who have pledged to make Hawai\u2018i a better place for future generations,\u201d said George D. Szigeti, HTA president and CEO. \u201cCollectively, these community-based programs will help manage tourism\u2019s impacts by preserving the quality of life we treasure as residents through culture, the environment and the sharing of festivals and events ingrained in the traditions of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s people.\u201d Funding is being provided to recipients on all islands for usage in 2018 as part of three HTA program categories: K\u016bkulu Ola, Aloha \u2018\u0100ina and Community Enrichment. HTA issued a request for proposals on June 21 with submittals from qualified applicants received by August 4.<\/p>\n \u2022 A total of $1,240,000 is being awarded to 33 recipients that are perpetuating Hawaiian culture through HTA\u2019s K\u016bkulu Ola program. Awardees include community groups, practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and artists committed to strengthening a broader understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture through place-based activity engagement. Founded on the value of ma ka hana ka \u2018ike (in working one learns), the K\u016bkulu Ola program assists recipients steeped in \u2018ike Hawai\u2018i to share within communities the Hawaiian values inherent in each respective practice.<\/p>\n \u2022 A total of $1,150,000 is being awarded to 26 recipients that are helping to protect Hawai\u2018i\u2019s natural resources through HTA\u2019s Aloha \u2018\u0100ina program. Focused on the lasting value of stewardship by responsible community-based entities that emphasize \u2018\u0101ina-k\u0101naka relationships and knowledge, the Aloha \u2018\u0100ina program supports efforts to manage, conserve and revitalize Hawai\u2018i\u2019s natural resources and environment.<\/p>\n \u2022 A total of $1,153,300 is being awarded to 65 recipients through HTA\u2019s Community Enrichment program, which supports quality experiences created by communities to be shared with residents and visitors for their enjoyment. The Community Enrichment program invests in a diverse array of festivals, events and year-round programs in support of culture, education, health and wellness, nature, agriculture, sports, technology and voluntourism.<\/p>\n