WAILUKU — Since January, the county Office of Economic Development has issued more than $500,000 in grant monies to various local organizations.

Grantees are selected based upon their economic impact for Maui County through business and/or jobs created or sustained.

Improvements to Maui County in the areas of agriculture, business, education and the arts are also considered.

The list of grantees includes the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, which received $10,000.

Funds will subsidize enrichment programs that support development for the hospitality and tourism workforce.

The West Maui Cultural Council received $7,500 for the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational.

Funds will be used for development and production of marketing materials, promotional advertising and operational and administrative expenses for the annual West Maui art event.

Those interested in applying for county grants are urged to do so soon.

The grant application process is extensive and can take two months to process.

For more information, call Teena Rasmussen in the Office of Economic Development at 270-7710.