The County of Maui Office of Economic Development has issued a list of eight recipients of grant monies totaling $422,500 from September and October of 2011. Development of aquaculture, healthy reef ecosystem, job skill training, marketing for cultural events and agriculture and microlending for small businesseses are among the recipients. County officials say grantees are selected based upon their economic impact through business and/or jobs created or sustained. Improvements to the county in the areas of agriculture, business, education, the arts and culture are also considered.

Ma Ka Hana Ka `Ike Building Program Grant G3351
Project Title:  Ma Ka Hana Ka `Ike
$72,000
To provide job skills and training for at-risk Hana youth, while helping improve the lives of kupuna and community members in need.

University of Hawaii Grant G3324
Maui County Aquaculture Extension Program
$40,000
To serve as a bridge between researchers involved in developing technologies to improve production capabilities, hatchery operations, husbandry practices, identification of new species and transferring the developed technologies to Maui County’s aquaculture producers

Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation G3395
Maui FIL-AM Heritage Festival
$5,000
The grant will be used for marketing (banners and signage, event program flyers/posters and a graphic artist) facilities (rental of chairs, roll-off, tables, and tents) as well as other expenses such as photography, printing and t-shirts.

Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. G3353
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council
$33,600
The funds will be used to hire an Executive Director and an administrative assistant to guide the MNMRC towards its goal of reversing the decline of fish populations on Maui’s reefs and improve the quality of near shore water.  The economic benefits of a healthy reef ecosystem on Maui are immense.

Lana`i Economic Development & Cultural Grant G3356  
$7,000
To promote the 3rd annual Ho`okupu Hula no Lana`i Cultural Festival which stimulates the community and the economy.                      
                                                
MEO INC for Microenterprise G3352                         
$215,000
To continue to facilitate economic development in Maui County by providing entrepreneurial education and micro-lending to support and provide capital for start-up and expanding business of low- and moderate-income individuals.                  
                  
Maui Flower Grower’s Association G3325
$40,000
To promote Maui’s floriculture industry through cost-effective branding and marketing initiatives which target the Mainland and Hawaii consumer markets.

Kahana Canoe Club G3325  
Maui Nui Canoe Race                          
$10,000                       
To create and manage the Maui Nui Canoe Race while enriching the community, culture, economy and the environment.         

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.

Tags: County of Maui, Grants

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