HomeMy WebLinkAboutImpact Grants Award Summray- FY25-26- ADA
Impact Grant Award Summary
Impact Grants for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Project summaries are compiled from Grant Proposal Abstracts
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS PROGRAM
Kohala Food Hub, $20,000
Talk Story, Eat Local: Nourishing Kūpuna, Supporting Farmers, Connecting Community
Kohala Food Hub (KFH) proposes to strengthen and grow its food distribution programs that connect
Hawaiʻi Island residents to locally grown and made foods. Our primary goal is to expand participation in our
Online Marketplace, Multi-farm CSA, and network of 10 pickup locations and two doorstep delivery routes.
To achieve this, we will focus on two integrated strategies: Direct Access, which combines targeted
outreach to and support for kūpuna to overcome technological and mobility barriers with a refer-a-friend
campaign that leverages personal networks to recruit new households; and Community Engagement &
Awareness, which combines bringing residents together through quarterly pop-up community meals
featuring 100% locally sourced foods with coordinated marketing campaigns across print, digital, and social
media channels. Together, these initiatives will expand awareness, boost participation, increase revenue
streams for our network of local food producers, and ensure that SNAP and DA BUX benefits are fully
utilized to make local produce more affordable for low-income families. This project directly benefits more
than 820 active households—reaching an estimated 3,200+ residents—across North and South Kohala and
Honokaʻa, while also supporting our network of over 155 local producers, including small and mid-scale
farmers, backyard growers, ranchers, fishers, and value-added food businesses. By bringing locally grown
food closer to communities with limited grocery options, the project reduces travel burdens for busy
families and kūpuna and provides an efficient, affordable way to shop for a wide range of local products.
The project will generate economic, social, and environmental benefits by increasing market opportunities
for local producers, reducing the region’s reliance on imported food, reducing food miles and ensuring
equitable access to fresh, healthy products.
Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation, $15,000
Continuing to build an ag workforce pipeline through AgTech Initiatives on Hawaiʻi Island
The Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, seeks to strengthen the
agricultural workforce pipeline on Hawaiʻi Island by continuing its innovative AgTech initiatives, including
Tower Power and the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP). In response to teacher requests, HAF will also
provide in-person trainings for a second year for Where Would We Be Without Seeds (WWWBWS) and
Veggie U (VU), while incorporating In the Fields (ITF) opportunities that connect students with hands-on
learning experiences at local farms and agricultural enterprises. The project’s primary goal is to equip
students and teachers with critical agricultural and AgTech skills, spark early interest in agricultural careers,
and support the long-term sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s food systems. Target beneficiaries include elementary
and high school students, teachers, and local farmers, with broader impacts for the island’s food security
and workforce development.
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Kahua Paʻa Mua, Inc., $15,000
Agricultural Intelligence (Ag-1): Agriculture Workforce and Food Security Initiative
Kahua Pa‘a Mua (KPM), a nonprofit rooted in North Kohala, proposes Agricultural Intelligence (Ag-I), a 12-
month workforce and food security initiative. The project aims to build agricultural career pathways while
strengthening local food resilience. Over the course of the year, interns will complete training, supported
by docents who manage year-round farm visits and safety. Key activities include weekly skill-building
modules in crops, livestock, irrigation, soil management, work ethics, farm construction, and small
equipment in partnership with Hawaiʻi Community College; structured producer placements with local
farms and ranches; quarterly imu events serving as both training practicums and food distribution points;
and monthly farm visits. The program’s primary goal is to train young people and community members in
agriculture while expanding access to healthy, culturally meaningful food.
Laʻiʻōpua 2020, $12,500
Papa Kuʻi ʻAi & Pōhaku Kuʻi ʻAi Workshop Series
The Papa Kuʻi ʻAi & Pōhaku Kuʻi ʻAi Workshop Series (Board & Stone Program) seeks to strengthen West
Hawaiʻi ʻohana by revitalizing the ancestral practice of kuʻi—pounding kalo into poi. Over a 12-month
period, Laʻiʻōpua 2020 (L2020), a Native Hawaiian nonprofit in Kailua-Kona, will host monthly
intergenerational workshops. Guided by cultural practitioner Keahi Tomas, ʻohana will craft their own papa
kuʻi ʻai (poi boards) and pōhaku kuʻi ʻai (stone pounders), while learning tool-making, safety practices, and
cultural protocols interwoven with moʻolelo (stories) of Hāloa. The program is grounded in Native Hawaiian
values of ʻohana (family), ʻāina (land), and identity, with primary beneficiaries being Native Hawaiian
families in West Hawaiʻi, particularly those in Title I school districts facing poverty, cultural dissonance, and
limited enrichment opportunities. This project directly supports the Department’s goal of balancing Hawaiʻi
Island’s economic, social, and environmental well-being by generating measurable benefits for
residents. Economically, ʻohana gain lifelong tools and knowledge to prepare and consume kalo regularly,
reducing household food expenses while supporting local farmers and producers. Socially, the program
strengthens cultural identity, restores intergenerational bonds, and builds community cohesion through
shared practice at workshops and Kuʻi Nights. Environmentally, it promotes food sovereignty and
stewardship by encouraging reliance on locally grown kalo rather than imported foods. The project also
aligns closely with the Agriculture and Food Systems Program Objectives. By equipping ʻohana with the
tools and skills to prepare kalo at home and participate in Kuʻi Nights, the program directly increases
consumption of local agricultural products. It strengthens agricultural resilience through the transmission
of ancestral knowledge about kalo cultivation, preparation, and cultural significance, ensuring traditional
practices continue to inform modern food systems. Partnerships with Laupaʻi Ke Ola, the Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands, local schools, and other community organizations foster collaboration and
sustainability, while also helping reduce food waste through traditional preparation methods. Finally, the
workshops provide place-based agricultural and nutrition education rooted in Hawaiian values, improving
educational and health outcomes while deepening participants’ sense of stewardship for ʻāina.
Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., $12,500
Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative
The Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative and its fiscal sponsor, the Big Island Conservation and Development
Council, inc., introduces a hybrid initiative to elevate the visibility, market access, and economic resilience
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of Kaʻū coffee farmers. This multifaceted project combines a unified cooperative marketing campaign with
the 2026 Kaʻū Coffee Festival, an event designed to promote regional branding and foster engagement
between farmers and buyers. Kaʻū coffee is grown by small-scale, independent farmers, many of whom are
former sugar plantation workers. Through years of dedication and collaboration, these producers have
established Kaʻū as a globally recognized coffee origin. Despite international acclaim, significant barriers to
retail integration, brand visibility, and economic independence remain for these farmers. The Cooperative
will launch bilingual outreach, direct-to-consumer education, and targeted media placements to enhance
the profile of Kaʻū-grown coffee. The festival will serve as a platform for storytelling, sampling, and sharing
the Cooperative’s message, while the marketing campaign will extend outreach to urban buyers, hotels,
and boutique roasters not only in Hawaiʻi but also across the United States and Japan. This initiative aligns
with County objectives for economic development and food system resilience, aiming to strengthen the
long-term capacity of Kaʻū’s farming community.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Purple Maiʻa Foundation, $21,206
Digital Creators, East Hawaiʻi
This project aims to strengthen East Hawaiʻi’s cultural economy by training residents in digital storytelling,
design, and marketing skills that support local businesses and nonprofits. Through an 11-week training
program followed by capstone projects and a six-week paid internship, participants will gain marketable
skills while directly contributing to the growth of culturally rooted and ʻāina-based businesses. The target
beneficiaries include 10 East Hawaiʻi residents—with priority for Native Hawaiian, rural, and ʻāina-based
community members—along with 10 local businesses and nonprofits who will receive digital marketing
and design support. This project will generate economic impacts by creating pathways to employment,
freelance opportunities, and entrepreneurship for East Hawaiʻi residents while expanding the digital
capacity of local small businesses. It will produce social impacts by empowering participants to integrate
Hawaiian values such as moʻolelo (storytelling) and mālama ʻāina (care for the land) into their work,
strengthening community well-being and cultural identity. It will also promote environmental impacts
indirectly by supporting ʻāina-based and conservation-focused organizations that benefit from increased
visibility and community engagement. These outcomes directly support the Department’s Goal of
balancing economic, social, and environmental well-being and fulfill the Cultural Business Development
Program Objective by fostering culturally rooted, sustainable businesses that preserve traditional practices
while advancing economic growth.
Junior Achievement of Hawaiʻi, $20,000
Financial Education for Hawaii’s Future Leaders
Junior Achievement of Hawaiʻi (JA Hawaiʻi) proposes to expand its Entrepreneurial Mentorship Network on
Hawaiʻi Island with the primary goal of equipping local youth and emerging entrepreneurs—particularly
those from rural and underserved communities—with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship needed to
thrive in the local economy. The project will deliver hands-on entrepreneurship education through JA’s
proven, volunteer-driven model, pairing students and young entrepreneurs with business mentors for one-
on-one guidance, group sessions, and networking opportunities. By leveraging JA’s research-based
curriculum and Hawaiʻi Island’s community partnerships, this initiative will inspire participants to
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strengthen financial literacy, develop entrepreneurial mindsets, and gain confidence in their ability to
contribute to their island’s business community. This project will expand economic opportunity for
underserved youth on Hawaiʻi Island by reducing barriers to entrepreneurship, building confidence in
career pathways, and creating a sustainable mentorship network between experienced business leaders
and emerging entrepreneurs. This aligns directly with the County of Hawaiʻi’s Goal of Entrepreneurial
Mentorship Networks by fostering capacity, reducing barriers to success, and strengthening the foundation
for a supportive local business ecosystem. Socially, the program will empower rural students to envision
themselves as future business owners and community leaders. Economically, it will prepare them to
participate in and strengthen Hawaiʻi Island’s workforce and entrepreneurial sector. Environmentally, by
cultivating local leadership and reducing reliance on off-island resources, the program supports long-term
resilience and sustainability.
Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum, $15,847
Keiki Makers
Keiki Makers is a school-out STEAM program that transforms recycled plastic water bottles into 3D printing
filament. The primary goal is to expand access to high-quality STEAM education while promoting
environmental stewardship and fostering a resilient maker community. Through seasonal workshop camps,
field trip workshops, community outreach classes, and science vendor fairs, participants will learn
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing techniques, and the use of an industrial plastic
digester/reclaimer. Graduates will continue developing projects through teen meetups, engaging in peer-
supported learning and mentorship. The program targets underserved and rural youth, especially girls,
Native Hawaiians, and housing-insecure keiki, alongside their caregivers, ensuring equitable access to
technology and hands-on learning experiences. The program equips at least 50 youth with career-ready
skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, and entrepreneurial literacy, creating a local workforce
prepared for technology-driven careers. By providing hands-on, industry-aligned training and mentorship,
Keiki Makers strengthens Hawai‘i Island’s creative and STEAM economy, supports future job readiness, and
fosters connections between young innovators and local industry partners. Keiki Makers builds a resilient,
peer-supported maker network that encourages collaboration across generations. Youth participants gain
confidence, creativity, and cultural connection through hands-on learning and mentorship. The program
engages underserved and rural communities, including girls, Native Hawaiians, and housing-insecure youth,
ensuring equitable access to STEAM education. Showcasing participants’ work at public events highlights
community achievements and inspires pride in local youth. The program fosters environmental stewardship
by transforming recycled plastic bottles into 3D printer filament for tools, art, and products.
Demonstrations at fairs, festivals, and community events educate thousands of keiki and caregivers about
sustainability and responsible resource management. By combining hands-on technology with
environmental awareness, the program encourages lifelong stewardship of Hawai‘i’s natural resources.
Following the grant period, the Hawai‘i Keiki Museum will continue offering Keiki Makers workshops, field
trips, and community demonstrations, ensuring ongoing access to equipment, mentorship, and peer-
supported learning opportunities.
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Nalukai Foundation, $17,947
Nalukai Academy: Expanding Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship on Hawaiʻi Island
Nalukai Foundation, with nearly a decade of experience cultivating youth leadership and entrepreneurial
empowerment in Hawaiʻi, seeks to strengthen its Nalukai Academy programs on Hawaiʻi Island by investing
in staffing infrastructure essential for execution and growth. Nalukai Academy’s primary goal is to develop a
new generation of culturally grounded leaders and entrepreneurs who will create innovative, place-based
solutions to Hawaiʻi’s most pressing economic and community challenges, including food security,
sustainable industry development, and workforce diversification. This project will expand access to
entrepreneurial leadership training for Hawaiʻi Island youth, cultivating a skilled and innovative local
workforce that directly contributes to the County’s Business & Industry Development goals. By equipping
students—especially those from rural and underserved communities—with practical skills in business
development, innovation, and cultural stewardship, Nalukai Academy prepares the next generation to
strengthen Hawaiʻi Island’s economy through diversification, job creation, and locally rooted enterprises.
The economic impacts include youth-led ventures, stronger career readiness, and a pipeline of future
business and industry leaders who remain in Hawaiʻi. The social impacts include increased leadership
capacity among Native Hawaiian and rural youth, greater personal confidence, expanded mentorship
networks, and stronger community resilience. The environmental impacts include student-driven projects
applying entrepreneurial solutions to challenges such as food security, sustainable agriculture, and ʻāina
stewardship. Through intensive 5–10 day leadership academies, facilitator-led workshops in design
thinking, digital storytelling, and entrepreneurship, and alumni mentorship, Nalukai Academy equips
students with skills, confidence, and networks for long-term resilience. Activities are rooted in Native
Hawaiian values of stewardship and community responsibility, ensuring that leadership development is
both culturally grounded and locally relevant.
COMMUNITY WELL-BEING PROGRAM
Hawaiʻi Island United Way, $25,000
Hawaiʻi Island Furniture Bank
This project aims to improve housing stability and health equity for marginalized communities on Hawaiʻi
Island by expanding Hawaiʻi Island United Way’s Furniture Bank initiative and embedding human-centered
support services led by trained Community Health Workers (CHWs). Through culturally responsive outreach
and peer-based navigation, CHWs will connect Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, immigrants, LGBTQI+
individuals, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income rural residents to essential household
furnishings and wraparound services that support their transition into safe, stable housing. The Furniture
Bank provides free, gently used furniture and home goods, allowing individuals to select items in person at
our Hilo office, restoring dignity and choice in the re-homing process. Impact Statement The project will
reduce economic hardship by eliminating the financial burden of furnishing a home, improve social
outcomes by fostering community connection and empowerment, and promote environmental
sustainability by diverting reusable goods from landfills. These outcomes directly support the Department’s
Goal to advance health equity and resilience and align with Program Area Objectives focused on addressing
social determinants of health, increasing access to culturally competent care, and supporting peer-led
service models.
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Parents and Children Together, $25,000
Rooted in Health: Plan, Cook, Flourish
This project seeks to strengthen family nutrition, food security, and sustainable eating practices by
providing a comprehensive series of Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) workshops
to 27 Head Start families residing in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision of Hawaii Island. These families,
many of whom face barriers to affordable healthy food access, will benefit from hands-on, culturally
responsive nutrition education and practical skill-building designed to improve long-term health outcomes
for both children and parents. The program’s primary goal is to increase knowledge, confidence, and
capacity for families to prepare healthy meals, purchase fresh and local foods, and begin growing their own
food at home. Across the course of nine EFNEP workshops, families will participate in interactive cooking
demonstrations led by a University of Hawaii at Mānoa nutrition facilitator. Ingredients used in
demonstrations will be purchased for both the workshops and for families to take home, enabling them to
practice preparing the same recipes in their own kitchens. This hands-on component ensures that skills
learned are reinforced through real-life application, helping parents overcome the cost, confidence, and
accessibility barriers that often prevent the adoption of healthier eating practices. The workshop series will
culminate in a special session at the Makuʻu Farmers Market, a community hub for fresh, locally grown
food. Families will hear directly from a local farmer about how to select seasonal produce, budget wisely,
and integrate local ingredients into family meals. To encourage participation and practice, each family will
receive a $50 voucher to shop at the market during the event, turning education into immediate action
while also strengthening relationships between families and local agricultural producers. The final activity
of the project introduces food production at home and at the classroom level. In this culminating
workshop, families will come together to build three raised garden beds for the Hawaiian Beaches Head
Start classrooms, supported by the expertise of a local farmer. Parents will also receive individual raised
bed kits and starter materials for home use, empowering them to begin growing vegetables, herbs, and
other edible plants with their children. This activity not only reinforces the nutritional knowledge gained in
earlier workshops but also plants the seeds for long-term, sustainable household food practices. The Head
Start classrooms will continue to use the garden beds as part of their curriculum, ensuring that the project
has ongoing benefits for current and future children at the center. The project will directly support the
Department’s Goal and Program Area Objectives by improving access to healthy foods, promoting self-
sufficiency, and strengthening the local food system. Economically, families will gain skills to stretch food
dollars and reduce reliance on processed, costly groceries. Socially, the program builds family engagement,
strengthens parent–child relationships, and creates community connections through shared gardening and
market experiences. Environmentally, the promotion of local produce and home gardening reduces
dependence on imported food, encourages sustainable food practices, and increases community resilience
in the face of supply chain disruptions. These impacts directly support the Department’s goal of balancing
Hawaiʻi Island’s economic, social, and environmental well-being by promoting food self-sufficiency,
reducing household expenses, and strengthening community resilience.
Community First Hawaiʻi, $25,000
Advance Health Care Directives Expansion
Community First, Inc. proposes the Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD) Expansion Initiative to
empower Hawaiʻi Island residents—especially kupuna, rural, and underserved populations—to take charge
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of their healthcare decisions before a crisis occurs. The project’s primary goal is to increase AHCD
awareness and completion rates by transitioning a volunteer-driven program into a robust, staff-managed
initiative. Key activities will include community workshops across East and West Hawaiʻi, the creation of
culturally relevant educational materials, production of digital video assets for online and clinic-based
education, and integration of AHCD resources into the Kuleana Health Connect platform. The project will
expand access to proactive healthcare planning, reduce stress on families during emergencies, and ensure
that patients’ wishes are honored. By reaching residents with education and tools to complete AHCDs, the
initiative will improve community health literacy, strengthen support for kupuna, and advance social equity
in access to care. This directly supports the Department of Research & Development’s Community Well-
Being Program objectives, particularly Objective A (addressing social determinants of health for kupuna
and marginalized populations) and Objective C (bringing mobile and accessible health services to rural
areas). This project will enable Community First to expand AHCD outreach into West Hawaiʻi, integrate
digital innovation for broader impact, and transition the program into a sustainable component of
Community First’s core services.
FILM AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES PROGRAM
Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival, $22,500
Hawai'i Songwriting Festival 2026
The Hawai’i Songwriting Festival (“HSF”) is a 501(c)(3) that has supported the local songwriting community
for over 20 years. Our flagship event is an annual songwriting conference at the Westin Hapuna. About 200
songwriters attend the conference, with numbers limited in order to keep the event small and intimate so
attendees are able to connect with each other and music industry mentors in a meaningful way and build
strong, long-lasting relationships. Most conference attendees are from Hawai’i (66% in 2025), with about
one third from Hawai’i Island (35% in 2025) and others joining from the US continent and a few foreign
countries. It’s important for local songwriters to network horizontally with folks from abroad, and we
welcome these attendees as they help our community grow and thrive. However, our priority is always our
local songwriters. Conference workshops and panels feature 30+ mentors from all areas of the music
industry, including professional songwriters, producers, artists, music publishers, record label
representatives, music attorneys, and music supervisors (who license music for use in film, TV, and
advertising). Our industry-savvy board carefully handpicks individuals who are not only highly experienced
and highly regarded in their field, but who are also committed to connecting with the local songwriting
community and truly want to develop relationships and help our attendees to grow their music careers. We
ask mentors to make themselves available to our attendees, providing access to information and resources
that are usually hard to come by in the industry. We intentionally promote inclusivity and teach those who
are joining us to value and respect our unique local culture. Over the years, we’ve seen that our conference
is having a positive and tangible impact on our local songwriting community. Countless songwriters report
that their lives and careers have been changed by attending our conference. The relationships they develop
and the knowledge they gain at HSF empower them to realize that music doesn't have to be a side hustle
or hobby; they can have a legitimate career in the music industry. The independent music scene on Hawai’i
Island has blossomed and grown as a result of these songwriters learning how to do what they love and
make a career of it. Through the knowledge acquired, skills developed, and relationships fostered at our
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festival, local songwriters are now collaborating with each other and folks in the mainstream music
industry and finding success in the global market by licensing their music for use in film, TV, and advertising
— all while living at home here in Hawai'i. All of this directly supports the Department’s Goal and Film and
Creative Industries Program Objectives. HSF is increasing Hawai’i Island residents’ access to careers in the
music industry, and in doing so we strengthen our local creative sector and help songwriters establish
reliable careers in the music industry without leaving home. We are also bringing local songwriters
together, resulting in countless collaborations and connections that last year round and make our entire
music community stronger.
Naʻālehu Theatre, $22,000
Mālama Kō Aloha
Na‘ālehu Theatre proposes Mālama Kō Aloha, a countywide Creative Industries workforce development
initiative designed to expand access to training and employment in film, television, music, media, and
fashion on Hawaiʻi Island. The project addresses underemployment, outmigration of youth, and limited on-
island training by offering mentorship, technical instruction, and integration into professional productions.
Activities include a TV series and podcast highlighting paniolo stories and traditions, music videos for rising
artists competing for Nā Hōkū Hanohano, Grammy, and Country Music Awards, as well as social media
campaigns, outreach, and cultural promotions. The project’s primary goal is to build a sustainable pipeline
of creative industry professionals by: delivering training bootcamps and workshops in film, photography,
television, live-streaming, music, fashion, and event production; providing targeted mentorship that
prepares participants for professional careers; hosting public creative events that double as live training
labs; and supporting youth empowerment initiatives through skill-building, networking, and
entrepreneurial development. Target beneficiaries include youth, emerging professionals, and
underemployed adults across rural districts of Hawaiʻi Island, with priority for those who would otherwise
lack access due to geography or cost. At least 100 residents and 200 K-12 youth will receive training. The
project will strengthen Hawaiʻi Island’s economy and workforce by training residents, creating jobs,
retaining talent, and reducing reliance on outside hires. Location-based productions will preserve and
celebrate diverse cultural assets while supporting creative, visitor, and value-added business industries.
Nā Leo ʻO Hawaiʻi, $21,300
NLTV Creative Media Workshops
The NLTV Creative Media Workshop Series is designed to strengthen Hawai‘i Island’s creative workforce and
economy. The project’s primary goal is to provide residents, particularly youth as well as emerging and mid-
career creatives, with opportunities to gain new skills and refine existing ones, enabling them to advance
their media projects and provide professional services to the community. Local small businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and government agencies continuously seek affordable, high-quality media expertise; these
workshops help meet that demand while enhancing homegrown talent. Over the course of one year, NLTV
will partner with industry professionals to design and deliver seven unique workshop topics, each offered
in Hilo and Kona for a total of 14 sessions to ensure islandwide access. These workshops will cover in-
demand skills such as drone camera operations, social media campaign development, podcasting, digital
art and graphic design, animation, advanced video editing, and community storytelling. By aligning with
community and industry needs, the series will build workforce readiness, expand entrepreneurial
opportunities, and cultivate a culture of collaboration among local creatives. We anticipate serving an
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average of 10-20 participants per session, reaching a total of 140-280 participants over the year, thereby
building a network of skilled individuals who can support Hawai‘i Island’s growing creative economy. The
project will generate economic benefits by equipping residents with marketable skills that open pathways
for income generation as solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, or small business owners. This directly
contributes to the growth of local creative industries and reduces reliance on off-island service providers.
Socially, the series will increase access to quality media services, strengthen peer connections, and foster a
circular economy, by keeping resources, knowledge, and income circulating locally. The workshops will also
empower residents to tell authentic stories about Hawai‘i Island, amplifying community voices and
preserving cultural narratives. This work directly supports the Department’s goal of balancing economic,
social, and environmental well-being while advancing program objectives related to workforce
development, entrepreneurship, and community collaboration.
International Cultural Arts Network, $20,500
Acting Workshops
This project aims to expand access to professional creative industry training for Hawaiʻi Island residents by
delivering two intensive, two-day acting workshops in Hilo and Kona. Each workshop will serve 25
residents, for a total of 50 participants, providing hands-on training in voice, movement, character
development, scene study, audition techniques, and on-camera performance. Led by a team of seasoned
program directors, internationally recognized coaches, and professional actors, the workshops will remove
barriers of cost and distance that often force island residents to seek training on Oʻahu or the mainland.
The primary beneficiaries are aspiring actors and creative professionals on Hawaiʻi Island, with a focus on
adults and young adults who lack access to industry-standard training opportunities. The project will
generate clear economic, social, and cultural impacts that align with the Department’s goal of improving
quality of life for Hawaiʻi Island residents. Economically, the workshops will strengthen the local creative
workforce and expand the pool of trained talent available to productions, helping to increase local hiring
and reduce reliance on imported cast and crew. Socially, the program will provide residents with
opportunities to gain confidence, pursue creative careers, and contribute to Hawaiʻi Island’s cultural life. By
linking training directly to professional industry standards, the project also advances the Film and Creative
Industries Program objectives of developing the workforce, supporting local productions, and raising the
visibility of Hawaiʻi Island as a creative hub. While the project does not have direct environmental
components, it reduces travel-related costs and emissions by bringing training directly to island residents,
rather than requiring participants to fly to Honolulu or beyond.
REGENERATIVE TOURISM PROGRAM
Kelii William Ione Legacy Foundation, $25,000
Kuu Home Sustainable Tourism Design
The objective of this project is to create a sustainable tourism model and management plan for the
Keaukaha area. This initiative will involve a collaborative, multi-step process, including community
meetings and direct engagement with key County officials and other tourism industry leaders. The project
will result in a formal visitation guide and a set of policy recommendations to establish appropriate
management protocols and ensure accountability. The target beneficiaries include Keaukaha residents,
non-profit organizations that utilize the Keaukaha coastline. Schools in Keaukaha, as well as all visitors to
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the Keaukaha coastline. This project will support an improved quality of life for Hawaii Island residents and
promote balanced economic growth that prioritizes the protection of Keaukaha’s environmental, social,
and cultural well-being by implementing strategies to assess and manage carrying capacity at Keaukaha
beach parks. The project design focuses on active local involvement, which ensures that tourism’s
development in Keaukaha reflects the community’s values and needs. This project hopes to capture the
need for community in creating recommended diverse job opportunities beyond the hospitality industry
norms. This project plans to boost local economies: By encouraging tourist spending at locally owned
businesses, a plan that ensures that profits are retained within the community, supporting entrepreneurs
and reducing poverty. Effective tourism management: safeguards cultural heritage and strengthens social
bonds, promoting mutual respect and community pride; preserves cultural heritage by ensuring Keaukaha’s
rich cultural and historical significance is shared with visitors through industry training; empowers local
communities by involving residents in the design and decision-making process, giving the community a
voice and a sense of ownership over tourism; and strengthens social cohesion: When the design is
developed collaboratively, it can foster community pride, including networks, shared norms, and mutual
trust.
Destination Kona Coast, $25,000
Aloha Greeting and Cultural Program
Destination Kona Coast-Kona Coast Heritage Foundation has a thirty-year history of dedicating volunteer
greetings to cruise ship visitors on the Kailua Pier. Our future is innovative and with positive results for our
island residents and visitors. The Aloha Greeting Program will be engaged in greeting seventy-one ships for
2025 through June 30, 2026, in Historic Kailua Village. The primary goal is to educate new visitors about the
historic sites within our village and the surrounding area. Our area encompasses two national parks:
Pu'uhonua O Honaunua and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Our volunteer greeters are the
ambassadors of Aloha, and we have a unique role in the hospitality mission. Our greeters distribute
brochures about historic landmarks, ocean safety, safe-ocean sunscreen, shopping at the farmers' market,
boutiques, galleries, and locations for essentials like the post office and drugstores. We share educational
materials, such as 'Scenic By-Way: Royal Footsteps Alona on the Kona Coast.' We are providing our
stewardship by endorsing the Pono Pledge for Hawaiʻi Island. We share the QR Code, and visitors go online
and take the Pono Pledge. We are proud to share the Pono Pledge with visitors and residents. Many
residents are swimmers, boat owners, paddle board owners, and canoe club paddlers who enjoy the Kailua
Pier daily, and often join the volunteers for information and Talk Story. On Cultural Day, each Wednesday
year-round, our Hula Halau performs. Two hula dancers perform twice a month, using hula implements and
providing their own music for one hour. Our musicians play Hawaiian music on Cultural Days throughout
our calendar year. Their performances feature guitars, keyboards, ukulele, and drums, and they are also
songwriters. They play for three hours from 8 am to 11 am. We are pleased to have supported two Native
Hawaiian culturalists for an extended period with "Talk Story" for one hour, sharing the stories about
Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark. There was good enthusiasm; however, we hope to continue with
the assistance of new funding for a Cultural Assistant who can upstart our cultural program with artisans in
lauhala, lei making, ipo making, and additional Hawaiian music. The program will share more cultural
aspects of the artistic and traditional crafts that support the Native Hawaiians now and for their future
generations. The Culturalist will be skilled in the Hawaiian language and share a section in the new
newsletter with translations of Hawaiian words. The Aloha Information Booth volunteer greeters welcome
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each visitor. We are pleased with our daily visitor service, and the average number of assisted visitors is 800
to 1,000 per ship. This year, our volunteer greeters extended to a record number of fifteen during the
spring of 2025; however, our volunteers do leave for the summer, as we have fewer ships. In the fall, our
greeters return refreshed to greet the increased number of ships arriving in September, October, and
November. Our popularity has increased in the last eighteen months, and a weekly newsletter and QR card
will increase more viability for activities and places to visit and shop. The economic impact has always been
a factor for the local business community and its employed residents. Businesses in Historic Kailua Village
hire extra staff for a day when a cruise ship is in port. The proximity of the village to the Kailua Pier has a
significant impact on the overall economic outcomes. A short walking distance to shops, dining, and nearby
restaurants, along with a short walk to the Farmer's market for fresh fruit, 100% Kona coffee, Macnuts, and
other tasty fruits like mango. This economic impact is somewhat vital to the businesses in Historic Kailua
Village, as a parking issue has decreased revenue for most businesses. T The cruise ship visitor is highly
welcomed as there is no parking issue, and they have the entire day to select their activity. Our greeters
provide essential information for activities for the day walker, as well as details on renting a car if desired.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's website features a Cruise Fact Sheet compiled from two sources that
collect data for cruise ship visitors, revealing an average daily spending amount that is overwhelming. The
daily spending for Hawaiʻi Island is $126.85 (2024 average per day). The economic spending statistics for
August 2025 indicate 2,492 cruise ship visitors. The estimated spending is $316,110 for one month in West
Hawai`i. The social growth of this program is realized through the passion of the volunteer greeters. They
work together each day, greeting new visitors to the island, and they know their feedback is always
positive. Each volunteer teaches Hawaiian culture, shares interesting places to visit, and expresses the spirit
of Aloha. This memorable experience yields positive rewards for the visitor, and their experience will be
shared with others when they return home and to their community.
VASH Hawaiʻi Island, $25,000
VASH Ocean and Safe Travel Campaign
This project aims to increase visitor safety on Hawai‘i Island by reducing preventable injuries and accidents
through a comprehensive Ocean and Travel Safety Campaign. The campaign will primarily benefit tourists
and visitors of all ages, who engage in ocean recreation, hiking, and cultural site visits. Key activities include
an 18-week radio flight on KWXX, KAPA, WAVE, and KKOA during peak tourism season (November 24, 2025
– March 29, 2026), a four-month digital/mobile ad campaign delivering approximately half a million
impressions, and a dedicated safety webpage hosted by VASH with videos, tips, and resources. Messaging
will highlight ocean safety (“Always Snorkel with a Buddy”), hiking and outdoor best practices, travel
security, and respect for Hawai‘i’s environment and culture. The project is expected to increase awareness
that supports reduced ocean-related incidents, hiking accidents, and theft among visitors, directly
reinforcing economic stability by safeguarding the tourism industry, Hawai‘i Island’s primary economic
driver. Socially, the campaign will advance community well-being by protecting residents, emergency
responders, and visitors from avoidable harm. Environmentally, it will encourage mindful interaction with
fragile ecosystems and protected species. These outcomes directly support the Department’s goal of
improving public safety and align with Program Area objectives to reduce preventable injuries and
strengthen sustainable tourism.
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