D24AP00356

Project Abstract:

The Klaiwi Connection Project aims to restore and preserve native Hawaiian plants at Mhaihai, promote respectful and educated tourism in West Kauai, and create quality INA-based jobs for the native Hawaiian community.

The project addresses the HIHI program priorities of supporting the maintenance, enhancement, and protection of Hawaii's natural resources, providing for authentic and respectful visitor experiences, and enhancing the entrepreneurial capacity for the native Hawaiian community.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Klaiwi Connection Project is to contribute to the conservation efforts on Kauai by restoring native habitats, educate visitors on respectful tourism practices, and empower the local native Hawaiian community through job creation and cultural preservation.

Activities to be performed:

Land preparation and plant restoration: Clear and remove invasive trees on 8 acres at the Mhaihai site. Restore native plants through site planning, plant selection, outplanting, and maintenance.

Educational tour development: Develop and disseminate educational tour materials, including brochures and digital content centered around the native Hawaiian flora and fauna restorative work.

Community engagement and job creation: Hire and train two part-time tour guides from the local native Hawaiian community, focusing on individuals interested in supporting native restoration and responsible tourism.

Expected deliverables or outcomes:

Environmental outcomes: The restoration of 8 acres of native habitat at Mhaihai, leading to increased biodiversity and improved ecological health of the area. Sustained growth and long-term survival of the restored native plants through continuous observation, monitoring, and maintenance.

Educational outcomes: Informed and respectful visitors who understand and appreciate foundational Hawaiian concepts such as Aloha INA (love for the land), KLEANA (inherent responsibility), HIHI (respect), and HOOPONOPONO (restoration and balance).

Economic and social outcomes: Creation of quality INA-based employment opportunities for the native Hawaiian community, promoting economic empowerment and cultural preservation. Enhanced visitor experiences through authentic cultural exchanges with knowledgeable tour guides, fostering deeper connections to the land and Hawaiian heritage.

Intended beneficiaries:

The primary beneficiaries of the Klaiwi Connection Project include the local native Hawaiian community, who will gain employment opportunities and cultural empowerment, and the visitors, who will receive enriched and respectful tourism experiences.

Additionally, the broader Kauai community and its natural environment will benefit from the conservation efforts and increased biodiversity at Mhaihai.

Kumano I Ke Ala O Makaweli

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY GOALS PROGRAM GOAL1. SHOWCASE THE HERITAGE, PLACES, ARTS, FOODS, TRADITIONS, HISTORY AND CONTINUING VITALITY OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY 2. IDENTIFY 3.PROVIDE FOR AUTHENTIC AND RESPECTFUL VISITOR EXPERIENCES IN HAWAII.THESE GRANTS AND SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS BY NHOS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO FACILITATE JOB CREATION, STIMULATE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, AND CONTRIBUTE TO ELEVATING THE LIVING STANDARDS IN THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY.PROGRAM PRIORITIES FOR 2024ENHANCE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL CAPACITY FOR THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY BY HELPING CREATE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE VISITOR INDUSTRY, OFFERING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING, OR STIMULATING ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.UNDERTAKE RELATED ACTIVITIES WITH VISITORS THAT CONVEY RESPECT AND REAFFIRM THE PRINCIPLE OF RECIPROCATION TO THE PLACE, RESOURCES, AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE HOLDERS AND PRACTITIONERS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO) NATIVE HAWAIIAN CULTURAL PRACTICES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, TRADITIONAL: FARMING PRACTICES, FOOD PREPARATION, MATERIAL GATHERING AND PRODUCTION OF IMPLEMENTS, PRODUCTS, AND ADORNMENTS, AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS DANCE, CHANT, SONG, ARTS, CONSTRUCTION, AND RECREATION.

15.068 - Native Hawaiian Community Guest Stewardship

Interior Business Center (IBC) [DOI]

Waimea, Hawaii United States

City-Wide

Heritage (Tourism) Opportunities in Hawaiʻi (HŌʻIHI) NATIVE Act Grant Program for Native Hawaiian Organizations (D24AS00326)