Maui Office of Economic Development awards nearly $500K in grants

WAILUKU, MAUI –  Since January, the County of Maui Office of Economic Development has issued more than a half a million dollars in grant monies to various local organizations. 

Grantees are selected based upon their economic impact for Maui County through business and/or jobs created or sustained. Improvements to Maui County in the areas of agriculture, business, education and the arts are also considered.

The list of grantees includes the following:
 
Ahupua’a O Moloka’i
Moloka’i Ag Country Fair
$10,000.00
These funds will allow the homestead community along with the island’s agricultural community the vehicle to showcase their products.

Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
$10,000
Funds will subsidize enrichment programs that support development for the hospitality and tourism workforce here in Maui County.

Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.
2011 Maui Film Festival at Wailea
$25,000.00
The Maui Film Festival at Wailea is a celebration of film, culinary arts and Hawaiian culture.
Going into its eleventh year, the signature festival has drawn national acclaim for its film premieres and special events, creating more than three and a half billion media impressions worldwide and generating more than $30 million in economic activity.

Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.
Ma’alaea Harbor Sewage Pump-Out Program
$61,000.00
Funds will be used for a wastewater pump-out incentive program at Ma’alaea Harbor until a permanent pump-out station is completed by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.
Maui Aloha Aina
$22,000.00
Funds will be used to assist the 2011 Body and Soil Health Conference.

University of Hawaii
Expansion of Allied Health Programs at the University of Hawaii Maui College
$337,500.00
Funds will be used to continue expansion of the Career Ladder Nursing Program and support the Associate Degree Dental Hygiene Program at University of Hawaii Maui College.

University of Hawaii
Hawaii Business Research Library
$93,750.00
Funds will be used to support the operation of the Hawaii Business Research Library of the Hawaii Small Business Development Center Network in order to promote sustainable economic development. This includes expenditures for salaries and wages, fringe benefits, rentals, space and equipment

West Maui Cultural Council
Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational
$7,500.00
Funds will be used for development and production of marketing materials, promotional advertising and operational and administrative expenses for the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational.

Those interested in applying for County grants are urged to do so as soon as possible. The grant application process is extensive and can take two months to process.

For more information about these grants or the grant process in general please call Office of Economic Development Coordinator Teena Rasmussen at 270-7710.