Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development Announces Grants, Programs, Events

The Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development issued holiday greetings to residents and a series of program updates that carry near term deadlines and potential economic impact. Proposals for the Kauaʻi Cultural Programs and Events Grant are being accepted through 4 p.m. Dec. 31, with awards running from $5,000 to $15,000 for cultural programs, festivals, educational initiatives and community led events that preserve and celebrate Kauaʻi heritage. Applicants can submit proposals online at kauai.gov and may request more information by emailing oedgrants@kauai.gov.

Separately, applications are open for the fourth annual Youth Climate Class with a Jan. 9, 2026 deadline. The hands on program for high school students begins in February and will take participants around the island to meet local leaders and study six core sustainability areas including clean energy, natural resource management, waste reduction, local food, smart and sustainable communities, and green workforce and education. Interested students can contact Ana Española at aespanola@kauai.gov for details.

Economic development officials also highlighted recent island promotion efforts. Film Kauaʻi traveled to Los Angeles in November for the 2025 American Film Market to pitch Kauaʻi as a filming location and to pursue production opportunities for local creatives. The outreach aims to expand film industry activity on island, which can increase local hiring, use of services and tourism interest.

December marks 20 years of the Kauaʻi Made program, which certifies products that are authentic to Kauaʻi, made on Kauaʻi and produced by Kauaʻi people. Businesses must be Kauaʻi residents and source most or all materials from the island to participate, reinforcing local supply chains and brand value that benefit makers and retailers.

The Office of Economic Development also published Kui Kauaʻi blog posts introducing partners and programs on economic resilience, energy efficiency grants and mobility hub planning. Community events planned for early 2026 include a weekly Kauaʻi Made craft fair on Fridays at the Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort and Spa, a Wailuā Work Day at Hihiakalahau on Jan. 17, 2026, and the E Kanikapila Kākou music series beginning Feb. 2, 2026. Residents are encouraged to follow the Office of Economic Development on social media for timely updates and application reminders as these initiatives move forward.