HTA seeks to
organize big events

The state tourism authority
is looking to get maximum
media exposure

By Russ Lynch
Star-Bulletin

The Hawaii Tourism Authority wants to give money to organizers of major events next year that will bring the state lots of media attention and tax revenue, such as the NFL Pro Bowl, Sony Hawaiian Open and PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

The HTA, which has some $60 million a year to spend promoting Hawaii, wants event organizers to apply formally, using a procedure outlined in the HTA's Web site, www.hawaii.gov/tourism.

Proposal documents can also be picked up at the HTA offices on the fourth floor of No. 1 Capitol District, often called the Hemmeter Building, at 250 S. Hotel St.

The HTA also has a request for proposals for what it calls "enhanceable events," usually a new or developing activity that has some significant economic impact that can be developed more with the proper planning and support.

Examples in that category, the HTA says, are the Aloha Festivals, the Ironman Triathlon and the Maui Writers Conference.

And the tourism office said it is also seeking proposals for community events. The idea is to grant some state funding to operators of events that are primarily aimed at the local community but also give tourists a chance to learn more about Hawaii's cultures and lifestyles. Examples are the Waianae Cultural Festival, the Koloa Plantation Days on Kauai and the Hawaii State Canoe Racing Championships, the HTA said.

No budget has been set for any of the proposals, as the HTA leaves it up to those making the pitches to say what they think they will need.

The community events proposal request will come out later but the signature events and enhanceable events proposal packages are available now.

Proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 3.