HOIHI Grant Program for Native Hawaiian Organizations

This notice of funding opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Interior Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD) as part of the U.S. Government Interagency Agreement between the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (ONHR) and AQD.The Office of Native Hawaiian Relations" (ONHR) Heritage (Tourism) Opportunities in Hawaii (HOIHI) Grant Program aims to implement the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act), 25 U.S.C. 4351 et seq., grounded in the Hawaiian value of hoihi – to treat with reverence and respect. Through this ethic, visitors are welcomed not merely as tourists, but as guests who share in the kuleana (responsibility) to care for Hawaii"s natural resources and sacred sites. In advancing this model of culturally grounded tourism, HOIHI seeks to strengthen Native Hawaiian organizations" capacity to steward and share traditional knowledge in ways that create jobs, elevate living standards, and expand economic opportunity.In concert with the requirements of the NATIVE Act, every successful HOIHI grant application must also support implementation of one or more of the Administration priorities listed under the Program Priorities for 2026.

Applications are welcome from organizations that meet the following criteria:Eligible applicants are Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). NHO means a nonprofit organization: (A) that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions, and; (C) that are recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism. Only one (1) application can be submitted under this announcement per organization and/or program director.

Applications will be screened by the Financial Assistance Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements as posted in the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on www.grants.gov. Application screening may include, but is not limited to, the following activities: program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; submission is timely; and complete and properly executed SF-424 application package, including required documents and attachments. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review. The Merit Review Criteria is stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity as posted on www.grants.gov. The Financial Assistance Officer will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations, the Financial Assistance Officer will evaluate variables such as Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, financial stability, quality of management systems, past performance meeting prior award terms and conditions, reports and findings of audits performed, and applicant�s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other program requirements. The Office of Native Hawaiian Relations will approve the final awards.