The Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in partnership with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, is seeking applications for a program that helps support Hawaiian culture programs.

The HTA's Kukulu Ola Living Hawaiian Culture program provides funding support to organizations for projects that "strengthen, support and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community," a key initiative within the Hawai'i Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015.

The applications are available beginning today.

"It is important that organizations with projects committed to perpetuating Hawaiian language, knowledge and cultural tradition continue to thrive and succeed," said Rex Johnson, president and chief executive officer of HTA.

"We are honored to provide assistance and financial support to these programs to ensure that our residents and visitors continue to enjoy what makes our destination truly unique," he said.

"This is such a wonderful program, and we commend the HTA for dedicating substantial resources to support Hawaiian cultural practitioners who are living the Hawaiian culture everyday," said Robin Puanani Danner, President and CEO of CNHA.

To help organizations with the application process, the partner organizations will hold free workshops throughout September to provide technical assistance and training that will explain objectives of the Kukulu Ola Living Hawaiian Culture program, including the application and award process.

Registration forms for the workshops are available at www.hawaiiancouncil.org/htareg.html.

Beginning today application packets for the program will be available for pick-up at CNHA's office (33 S. King Street, Suite 513, Honolulu, HI 96813) and at workshop locations.

On Sept. 24, , applications also will be available for download from CNHA's Web site at www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

Proposals must be received no later than 6 p.m. on Nov. 1, at the CNHA office.