The Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) awarded $980,000 in funding to 26 community-based organizations through its Kūkulu Ola program. The Kūkulu Ola program supports organizations that perpetuate Hawaiian cultural practices, provide educational programming, preserve cultural sites and build community pride. The project explores the cultural, spiritual and environmental roles of food in Hawaiʻi, engaging residents and visitors through storytelling and discussion. Me Ke Aloha Project, organized by Kalamaula Homesteaders Association, highlights Molokaʻi’s authentic spirit through education on land management, conservation and cultural practices. Building Community, organized by Waikīkī Community Center, is a year-long series of authentic, hands-on Hawaiian cultural experiences connecting residents, cultural practitioners and visitors through hula, weaving, place-based learning and environmental stewardship.