Aloha ‘Āina Program

The Aloha ʻĀina program funds projects that improve value-added amenities at natural resource sites; explore innovative means to repair, maintain and improve Hawaiʻi’s natural resources; increases collaboration among government agencies, the visitor industry, and the community; and raise awareness of commercial operators, information providers, and others regarding the responsible use of natural resources.

Natural Resources are a vital element in HTA’s Five Year Strategic Plan. HTA strives to manage, protect and improve Hawai‘i’s natural resources to ensure a high level of satisfaction for residents and visitors by:

• Exploring innovative means to repair, maintain and improve Hawai‘i’s natural resources.
• Raising awareness of all stakeholders and supporting educational opportunities focused on the responsible use of natural resources.
• Encourage and support sustainable and responsible tourism.
• Engage and encourage active natural and cultural resource management strategies in areas frequented by visitors.
• Promote visitor industry alignment with the Aloha+ Challenge, Hawai’i’s recognized model to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially for energy and water.
• Increases efforts toward natural Resource preservation, restoration, and management.
• Increases opportunities for natural resource education.
• Providing opportunities for continued mitigation efforts.
• Enhancement of Existing Project – demonstrates enhancement and/or innovation of the existing project
• Community Support and Involvement – evidence of partnerships with outside organizations and visitor industry partners. The project has broad-based community support and is in line with community values and community resources.

The HTA would like to encourage applicants to consider incorporating and implementing “green” practices into programs and/or projects. These practices could include but are not limited to, efforts such as:

• Increasing recycling efforts;
• Minimizing waste production;
• Buying local;
• Minimizing printing and limiting the number of handouts;
• Using recycled products such as paper for printing;
• Using more environmentally friendly products or biodegradable products;
• Providing transportation alternatives such as car-sharing or park and rides;
• Conserving water;
• Ensuring your venue has an environmental sustainability policy; and/or
• Incorporating energy-efficient practices