The state's lead agency for tourism is working with county governments across the state to offer help to organizations that want to put on festivals and celebrations.

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority is soliciting proposals from groups seeking assistance under the HTA's 2008 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 in each county that help to strengthen and diversify Hawai'i's tourism offerings related to agriculture, culture, education, nature, health and 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," Johnson said.

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.

Application packets are 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. 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.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.