Our Mission
EducationWe provide educational opportunities, information, and resources to our members, legislators, the media, and the community
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AdvocacyWe advocate the needs of our members with the federal, state, and county governments.
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PhilanthropyWe support and contribute to a better quality of life and environment for both the community and our visitors.
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Promoting Hawai'i Tourism - Now More Than Ever!
Local Connection - Hawaii News Now
Mufi's Message, August 17th
2018 Charity Walk Celebrates 40 Years with New Record Totals - $2.6 million overall !
This year, I am thrilled to announce that our Visitor Industry Charity Walk has set records across all counties! Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island had substantial year-over-year increases with $363,100 and $320,000 raised on each respective island. Maui County continues to set the bar higher as they closed out the 2018 Charity Walk with a grand total of (over) $1.4 million. Finally, with last-minute monies rolling into the HLTA office, Oahu was able to crack the half-million mark with a new record of $507,800 raised. Therefore, the new grand total from our 40th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk now stands at an unparalleled $2.6 million! I would like to send a very big mahalo to all of our chapters, our members, and to the community for your kokua in this banner year.
That being said, August and September marks the season of giving as we award worthy non-profit organizations from across the state with monies raised from Charity Walk. The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association held their check distribution ceremony on August 9th at the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, the Kaua‘i Chapter followed suit this past Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort (Charity Walk takes giant step, The Garden Island), and the Hawai‘i Island Chapter will be holding their distribution event at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on August 29th. To close out the year, we will be handing out allocations to Oahu’s many deserving charities on September 13th at Roy’s Eating House 1849 Waikiki.
That being said, August and September marks the season of giving as we award worthy non-profit organizations from across the state with monies raised from Charity Walk. The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association held their check distribution ceremony on August 9th at the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, the Kaua‘i Chapter followed suit this past Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort (Charity Walk takes giant step, The Garden Island), and the Hawai‘i Island Chapter will be holding their distribution event at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on August 29th. To close out the year, we will be handing out allocations to Oahu’s many deserving charities on September 13th at Roy’s Eating House 1849 Waikiki.
Jon Yoshimura Appointed to State Senate
On Tuesday, I visited the State Capitol where Jon Yoshimura was officially sworn in to the State Senate, filling the vacancy left by Senator Will Espero for District 19. Jon is a former colleague of mine as we served together on the Honolulu City Council. Congratulations on the gubernatorial appointment Jon, and we wish you the best as you serve through the interim.
HLTA Bob Holden Scholarship Recipient, Symphony Broden
Through its Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation, HLTA sponsors scholarships for college students majoring in travel industry management programs and awards outstanding high school students for their leadership in the community. Our philanthropic mission is to provide educational opportunities to students who have a strong motivation to improve tourism in Hawaii and strive to be future leaders in the hospitality industry.
A great example of our scholarship is our 2018 Bob Holden scholarship recipient, Symphony Broden. Broden was presented with her scholarship at our Golf Tournament awards reception. Originally from Texas, Symphony moved to the islands to pursue her dream of becoming a hotel general manager. Symphony is currently a junior at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu and a full-time employee at Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina. In addition to her already demanding schedule, Symphony finds time to volunteer at Lyon Arboretum; a 200-acre botanical garden located in the heart of Manoa Valley.
Our scholarship programs provide financial assistance to nearly 20 students annually like Symphony, in support of their continued educational endeavors. This could not be possible without our partnerships with the University of Hawaii Foundation, the Pauahi Foundation, and most importantly, the generous support of our members through efforts like our Scholarship Golf Tournament.
For more information on HLTA’s scholarships, click here.
A great example of our scholarship is our 2018 Bob Holden scholarship recipient, Symphony Broden. Broden was presented with her scholarship at our Golf Tournament awards reception. Originally from Texas, Symphony moved to the islands to pursue her dream of becoming a hotel general manager. Symphony is currently a junior at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu and a full-time employee at Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina. In addition to her already demanding schedule, Symphony finds time to volunteer at Lyon Arboretum; a 200-acre botanical garden located in the heart of Manoa Valley.
Our scholarship programs provide financial assistance to nearly 20 students annually like Symphony, in support of their continued educational endeavors. This could not be possible without our partnerships with the University of Hawaii Foundation, the Pauahi Foundation, and most importantly, the generous support of our members through efforts like our Scholarship Golf Tournament.
For more information on HLTA’s scholarships, click here.
2018 Primary Elections
August 11th was a night full of anticipation as our State Office of Elections announced the results of the 2018 primary elections. Throughout the evening, I was at my traditional election night spot: on The Mike Buck Show, offering commentary as the first, second, and third printouts were published. I was joined by UH School of Communications Chair Gerald Kato, OHA Trustee Keli’i Akina, and former Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona.
I would like to commend all the candidates that participated in this year’s primary election for their willingness to serve, endure the rigors of campaigning and for providing voters with choices.
As we head into the general election, we will be holding another round of endorsements for candidates interested in HLTA’s support. Additionally, we will be keeping a close eye on a few key races - at the state level, the Gubernatorial and Lieutenant Gubernatorial contests, at the county level, the Mayoral competition on Kaua‘i and Maui and some key Constitutional Amendments that will be on the ballot in November.
For information on the 2018 Primary Election results, click here.
I would like to commend all the candidates that participated in this year’s primary election for their willingness to serve, endure the rigors of campaigning and for providing voters with choices.
As we head into the general election, we will be holding another round of endorsements for candidates interested in HLTA’s support. Additionally, we will be keeping a close eye on a few key races - at the state level, the Gubernatorial and Lieutenant Gubernatorial contests, at the county level, the Mayoral competition on Kaua‘i and Maui and some key Constitutional Amendments that will be on the ballot in November.
For information on the 2018 Primary Election results, click here.
40th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk
Mahalo Hawaii for your continued kokua in our "tradition of giving!" Our 40th year was our best yet: we'll see you Saturday May 18, 2019!
Congratulations: another successful Visitor Industry Charity Walk!
Oahu's Visitor Industry Charity Walk was yet again a fun and fantastic time for all! On Saturday, May 19, 2018 more than 7,000 participants came out and helped raise a total of over $450,000 - with monies still rolling in for many local charities here on Oahu, and over $2.5 million statewide!
On behalf of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association and the Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation, we would like to extend our sincerest mahalo to all those that sponsored, coordinated, promoted, and participated in the 40th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Without all your tireless work and amazing support, this event would not have been possible. From our checkpoint sponsors to our recruiters, this grand event requires the dedication and passion of many different people and we would like to take this time to send a special thank you to all those that have truly continued this tradition of giving!
On behalf of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association and the Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation, we would like to extend our sincerest mahalo to all those that sponsored, coordinated, promoted, and participated in the 40th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Without all your tireless work and amazing support, this event would not have been possible. From our checkpoint sponsors to our recruiters, this grand event requires the dedication and passion of many different people and we would like to take this time to send a special thank you to all those that have truly continued this tradition of giving!
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Special Thanks to the heart and soul of the 2018 Visitor Industry Charity Walk...Our Checkpoint Sponsors!!!
"Special Thanks" to our Visitor Industry Charity Walk 2018 Core Organizations
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Special Thanks to our Visitor Industry
Charity Walk 2018 Organizers! · Our Charity Walk Honorary Chair, Rick Blangiardi, and special guests Guy Hagi and Stephanie Lum · Our emcees Sam Kapu, Kimo Villarimo, and Bulla & Lynette Eastman of the Salem Media Hawai'i Team, led by Dita Holifield; and the Hawaii News Now Team, led by Rick Blangiardi · Kyo-ya and Aqua-Aston Hospitality for being our 2018 Charity Walk radio campaign sponsors · The 200 volunteer course marshals who devoted their Saturday morning to assist in walker safety, course direction, and of course in CHEERING! · All the charities that participated and had members join us in volunteering as course marshals, parking attendants, and walker card distributors. · All the volunteers who ran the registration table and managed all charity walk monies and forms. · Cindy Adams and Aloha United Way for helping us with the online grant application process. · The HPD officers headed by Acting Captain Eric Yosemori (District 6), Lt. Greg Kinoshita (District 6), Lt. Matt Kurihara (District 1), and Sgt. Deric Valoroso (District 1), who helped ensure another safe and successful event! · The Kyo-ya ohana for coordinating and executing all the tent set-ups, stage set-ups, registration/volunteer station, banners, and parking in the Key Hole Area of McCoy Pavilion. · Jeff Marcello and the Pomaikai Ballrooms for hosting our annual Charity Walk Kick-Off Breakfast. · Francis Cofran with GGP Inc. & Ala Moana Shopping Center for use of their parking facilities. · Our First Aid sponsors from Urgent Care Hawaii; Donna Schmidt, Melissa C. Bojoruqez, and Cindy Suzuki, who ensured a safe walk for all. · Unforgettable performances by Pule Kakou featuring Danny Caparoso, and Mike Seda, with guests Gordon Freitas, and Art Kalahiki. · Chris Sbarbaro and the Enterprise Holdings team for their generous donation of route vans. · Maki Kuroda and E Noa Tours, for the donation of their trolley used to transport all course marshals. · Dennis Burns, Jason Nishimura and Visitor Video for helping promote the Charity Walk in our hotel in-room stations. · Mystical Sound Productions and Joe Ho for A/V equipment and setting up all sound equipment for the countdown and entertainment stages. · Our security team headed by Jerry Dolak (HHVISA) and Kent Harada (Halekulani). · Our Checkpoint Chairs Kevin Donnelly and Matt Alcosiba. · Our Route Van Drivers and their shotgun passengers: Yusuke Matsuda, Jocelyn Kimura, Curtis Jackson, and Byron Riddle. · Our Volunteer Trolley coordinator, Karen Fowler. · Our Video Team led by Valen Ahlo. · Our Event Photographer Travis Okimoto. |
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