Kukulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program
Founded on the value of ma ka hana ka ike (in working one learns), the Kukulu Ola program is partnering with awardees who enhance, strengthen and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The programs were chosen by the HTA and its Hawaiian Cultural Advisory Committee on criteria designed to address the goal and guiding principles identified in the 2020-2025 HTA Strategic Plan. The goal: Support Native Hawaiian Culture & Community. Hooulu (grow) the uniqueness and integrity of the Native Hawaiian culture and community through genuine experiences for both visitors and residents. The guiding principles include: Strengthen the relationship between the visitor industry and the Hawaiian community.
- Strive to nurture the Hawaiian culture by creating visitor experiences, activities, and marketing programs that are respectful and accurate.
- Support Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians, linguists, and other artists to help preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture.
For 2020, HTA awarded $1,535,000 in funding through its Kukulu Ola Program to 43 nonprofit programs statewide that are perpetuating Hawaiian culture. Due to the budget impacts caused by COVID-19, the overall value of each project’s award was reduced by 50% in May 2020. This reduced the total funding amount to $680,100 and to 33 total active contracts for the Kukulu Ola program. Due to availability of funding, HTA will not issue a Request for Proposals for projects and events that take place in 2021.
For more information about this initiative, contact Kalani Kaanaana at (808) 973-2281 or via email [email protected].