The Hawai'i Tourism Authority is soliciting proposals for tourism product enrichment projects in 2008 under the HTA's County Product Enrichment Program. In the past, events that won support included those that celebrated taro, pineapple, lei day and Okinawan heritage.

The intent is to support community-based events and activities on each county that help to strengthen and diversify Hawai'i's tourism offerings related to agriculture, culture, education, nature, health & wellness and technology.

"The CPEP program has been successful in providing visitors with venues to experience the diversity, culture and values that make Hawai'i so unique," said Rex Johnson, president and chief executive officer of HTA.

"This program is an excellent example of a successful community-public partnership that provides visitors the opportunity to interact with residents while providing residents with events and projects that support and perpetuate our local culture."

Last year, more than 100 projects throughout the state were supported through CPEP including O'ahu's Lei Day Celebration and 25th Okinawan Festival; Hawai'i Island's Kona Earth Festival, Queen Lili'uokalani Festival and Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival; Kaua'i's Banana Poka Round Up and Mokihana Festival; and Maui's 15th East Maui Taro Festival, Lana'i Pineapple Festival and Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko.

Beginning today , application packets will be available for download at HTA's Web Site at www.hawaiitourismauthority.org and on each of the county's Web sites. Proposals must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 31.

To help with the application process, HTA and the counties will hold free workshops to provide detailed information on the program including proposal solicitation and the award process.

Information on the workshops:

Hawai'i County (Big Island)

Thursday, July 19, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Department of Liquor Control - Kona Center Building

75-5722 Hanama Place, Suite 1107, Kailua-Kona

Friday, July 20, , 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: County Building - Aupuni Center Conference Room

101 Pauahi Street, Hilo

Honolulu

July 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Location: Office of Economic Development - Honolulu Hale, Room 306

530 S. King St., Honolulu

Kaua'i

Aug,1 , 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: County Building, Meeting Room 2 A/B (Planning Room)

4444 Rice Street, Lihu'e

Maui

Date and Time: Aug. 2, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Maui Community College, Science Building, Room 12A