​Yesterday afternoon, I joined the Marriott International leadership team to speak on HLTA’s and the visitor industry’s legislative priorities.  Marriott International Area Vice President (Hawai‘i & French Polynesia) Harris Chan, and newly appointed Hawai‘i Tourism Authority President, Chris Tatum, were accompanied by Marriott General Managers and key executives from across the state for one of their annual executive meetings.  During my presentation, I covered our key priorities: from the regulation of transient vacation rentals at the county level, to the implementation of an airports corporation, defending against transient accommodations taxes on resort fees, and our homelessness and public safety initiatives. 

Additionally, I covered the hot topic of “overtourism,” a term that has been coined by many to describe the increasing number of tourists that are visiting destinations throughout  the world - resulting, in many instances, in draconian measures aimed at halting tourism. 

We should view and deal with “ overtourism" by keeping the following three points in mind:
1. It is not enough to simply focus on marketing tourism - we need to be equally concerned about managing tourism better;
2. We,  as a state, should be targeting quality tourism rather than focusing strictly on quantity tourism; 
3. We, as an industry, need to be at the table when such discussions are held so that we can help guide these community deliberations in a thoughtful and measured manner. 

As I have stated repeatedly, major kudos to Kaua‘i and Maui, through the hard work of our HLTA Chapters, county government, and industry partners, in developing Tourism Strategic Plans to address this issue.

If there are any organizations or businesses within the HLTA membership that would like me to present our legislative priorities and advocacy efforts, on behalf of our industry, to your team, please contact my Senior Director of Government & Community Affairs, Jared Higashi, at jhigashi@hawaiilodging.org. 

HLTA President & CEO Mufi Hannemann, with David Tanuvasa, Principal of Aiea High School, and Calvin Shimomura, Complex Area Personnel Specialist for the Central Oahu District of the Department of Education. ​

​I have always held a soft spot for public education, having attended three public elementary schools while growing up in Kalihi, so it was an easy "yes" when Calvin Shimomura from the DOE’s Central Oahu District, and husband to HLTA board member Carol Shimomura of Pacific Guardian Life, approached me at our General Membership Meeting at Ko Olina to be a speaker at their Principal’s meeting. 

Dozens of educational leaders from across Central Oahu gathered at the Hawai‘i Okinawan Center in Waipio yesterday.   During the meeting, I was joined by Choco Le’a Owner Erin Kanno,  Hawai‘i Gas’ Oahu General Manager Kevin Nishimura, and President and Principal Broker of Engel & Völkers Honolulu Kay Mukaigawa to speak on a panel regarding leadership and our current workforce.

During the panel discussion, I had the chance to share my mana’o on the importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence, dealing with the millennial workforce, addressing education within the classroom, and how teachers can better assist our youth in preparation for their future careers.  As a staunch supporter of mentorship and professional growth, I also spoke to how we as employers should be embracing millennials, which have quickly become the largest generation of employees in today’s workforce.  The proof is in the poi as I have instituted many young professional initiatives over the last couple decades, which include: my Pacific Century Fellows Program, the Po’okela Fellows Program - which I pioneered during my tenure as Mayor of the City & County of Honolulu, the hospitality industry’s young professional committee “HYPE”, and the Generational Mentoring Program at HLTA.            
 
On the topic of educational development, I pointed to the model of career pathways, and early college programming that some high schools have adopted.  I used the leading example of Waipahu High School, which HLTA has been working with to establish the first nationally-accredited tourism and culinary arts academy in the state.  We are currently working on bringing Waipahu students and faculty internships and externships which will help them achieve vital requirements for national recognition.  I put it out there that we would support programs that encourage our young people into the state's number one provider of jobs: tourism. I anticipate great things working with our Central Oahu schools.

​​This morning, members of HLTA’s Oahu Chapter led by Chair Bonnie Kiyabu were stationed at 6 sites throughout Waikiki “ringing” in the holidays, in partnership with the Salvation Army for their annual Red Kettle Campaign.  Mahalo to all the volunteers and site leaders who took time out of their morning to support the bell-ringing drive and helped raise a combined $1,170 for at-risk keiki and families struggling during the holiday season. Our partnership with the Salvation Army is one that we enjoy participating in, and we look forward to supporting their cause for the many years to come.

Together with HLTA Chair Glenn Vergara and other executive board members , we were delighted to meet this year’s 2018 Kapiolani Community College Culinary Arts Scholarship recipient, Melanie Tancinco.  As I mentioned in a prior Mufi’s Message, Melanie aspires to become an Executive Chef, and is currently a line cook at the Halekulani Hotel’s five-star French restaurant, La Mer. One of her notable accomplishments was competing in the Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Commis Competition, a prestigious event where young Chefs (under age 27) can display their talents and creativity in a competitive environment.

While immersed in the tourism and culinary industry, her plan is to absorb as much as possible, while allowing guests to indulge in the dishes she prepares. Melanie will continue her education at UH West Oahu in Culinary Management. We applaud her efforts in becoming an Executive Chef. To all of our scholarship recipients, that are diligently pursuing their goals, we support and appreciate your endeavors.
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​On our most recent episode of Tourism 101, I discussed the importance of perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture in the hospitality industry. Featured guests, Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine and Michael Pili Pang, elaborated on their strong connections to Native Hawaiian culture here in Hawai’i. It is in the spirit and preservation of our island’s culture that they have been leading efforts to bring to fruition the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FESTPAC) coming to Hawai‘i in the Summer of 2020.

This “Olympics of Pacific Island Culture” invites 28 nations of Oceania to bring with them their best performers and artists in the fields of poetry, art, film, fashion, dance and much more, to portray an overall representation of their living culture. A big mahalo to Vicky Holt Takamine and Michael Pili Pang for sharing their passion & insights and a big shoutout to HLTA board member Kisan Jo - President of Prince Resorts Hawaii for hosting a reception for FESTPAC at the Prince Waikiki recently. 

To see Vicky and Michael on our latest Tourism 101 episode, please click here or visit ThinkTech’s YouTube playlist of all our Tourism 101 episodes.

If you are interested in appearing on Tourism 101, either as a guest or as a host, please contact Melina Hicks of my staff at mhicks@hawaiilodging.org.
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​​Each year, our Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association honors the individuals of our visitor industry, who go beyond the call of duty and demonstrate professionalism, outstanding service, and the spirit of aloha. The prestigious Na Po’e Pa’ahana Awards luncheon is right around the corner and you don’t want to miss out, so buy your tables now. Please join us in recognizing the best-of-the-best in Hawai‘i’s Hospitality Industry on January 10th at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Following our 29th annual Na Po’e Pa’ahana awards luncheon, HLTA will be holding its annual holiday party at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. We invite you to join us in the Hawai’i Loa Room for a vintage Hawaii on-screen theme! Wear your best Magnum PI costume, or dress as your favorite Hawaii Five-0 character. Ticket details will be released shortly.

​On behalf of the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, the state’s largest private sector visitor industry organization, I offer my sincere congratulations to longtime friend, Chris Tatum, who has just been unanimously confirmed today as the new President & CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

He is a diligent and experienced executive, who has played a pivotal role in Hawai‘i’s visitor industry since his permanent return to Hawai‘i in 2001. While a student at Radford High School , he began working in tourism as a summer employee at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which eventually led to him being Area General Manager of Marriott Resorts Hawaii. Additionally, Chris has served in a variety of leadership positions that buttressed his Marriott career path - from being the former chairman of the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association in 2010- 2011 , when I was first hired to head HLTA , to the current Chairperson of the Hawaii Visitor and Convention Bureau, Chris has truly devoted his time and talents  to our industry.

Having known Chris for many years  I can personally attest to his passion and meticulous work ethic which will serve him well in his new capacity at the helm of HTA. As a board member of HLTA, he has co-chaired our Government Affairs Committee so he is very familiar with our issues and priorities at the big square building and at the county level. 

We look forward to our partnership with HTA’s new leadership and anticipate great things ahead as we work collaboratively. Congratulations Chris!

Following my speech at the Hawai‘i Ecotourism Association’s annual luncheon (see Mufi’s Message 11/16), I was invited to be the speaker at the Rotary Club of Waikiki’s meeting at the ‘Alohilani Resort this past Wednesday.

For those who may not be familiar with the Rotary Club of Waikiki, this group of philanthropically-driven members has a long history as one of the largest Rotary Clubs in Hawai‘i. Chartered in 1939, the organization is comprised of business, professional, and community leaders who strive to exemplify the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self' in their daily lives.

I have had the honor of speaking to Rotary Clubs in Hawai‘i on a number of occasions and through different professional capacities.  This week, I had a hana hou performance on my presentation to the Hawaii Eco-tourism Association and continued my discussions on overtourism and the importance of managing tourism better.  Having worn many “visitor industry” hats in both the public and private sectors I have always advocated the point that we as a state need to focus on quality tourism rather than quantity of tourists.    I pointed to specific examples from cities around the world that have resorted to draconian measures in dealing with the issue of overtourism.  Some jurisdictions have instituted visitor caps, while other countries have gone to extreme measures, one example being the island of Boracay (Phillipines), which was closed to tourists, by Presidential order, for 6 months to allow for environmental and infrastructural restoration.

The issue of overtourism in our state is nowhere close to some of those severe cases around the world, but as we near the 10 million annual visitor mark, we must stay proactive in addressing this concern.  As I alluded to in an aforementioned Mufi’s Message, I applaud the HLTA Kaua‘i Chapter and MHLA for the work they have accomplished with their respective county governments and industry partners in coming out with tourism strategic plans that address this very pertinent topic.  Next is for Oahu, Hawai‘i Island, and the State as a whole to come up with similar initiatives.

I would like to extend a warm mahalo to Rotary Club of Waikiki’s President, Stephen Morgan, my introducer, Gene Grounds, the board of directors, and the lively Rotarians for having me speak to them about this timely topic.
​

Please join us next Thursday, December 6th for Oahu Chapter’s annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing Drive from 9 am to 11 am. We will be positioned at 6 locations throughout Waikiki: the Waikiki Business Plaza, Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa, Outrigger Waikiki Beach, Waikiki Beachwalk, and the Waikiki Bank of Hawaii.

If you’d like to participate please email Melina Hicks at mhicks@hawaiilodging.org or call our office at (808) 923-0407 to sign up for a shift. Come out and help “ring” in the holidays for those in need during the Christmas season. Monies raised every year from the Red Kettle Campaign help the Salvation Army provide gifts for at-risk keiki, assist families struggling during the holidays, and feed the hungry throughout the islands.

Make sure to bring your holiday spirit on December 6th, we look forward to seeing you there!
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Help us kick off 2019 at the HLTA New Year’s Party on Thursday, January 10th at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Members of our Oahu Chapter committee & HLTA staff are working hard to make it a party you won’t forget! Stay tuned as we release more details in the coming weeks.

Project Vision Executive Director Annie Valentin, left, and Hawai'i County Councilmember-elect Ashley Kierkiewicz, right, with HLTA President Mufi Hannemann. ​

When the news first spread that the Puna area was experiencing significant lava flow from the fissures in the area, everyone was concerned. And while donation drives and financial contributions are always helpful, we wanted to help in a different way: a more long-term solution to a long-term situation.
Though the lava flows have subsided since August, we know that the families who have been displaced by this event are still experiencing major challenges. Shelters are overcrowded, and everyday conveniences are easily taken for granted.

Project Vision Hawaii, which operates Project HiEHiE, dispatched their first trailer to Hawaii Island on June 12th, to support the Puna temporary micro-housing units, managed by HOPE Services Hawaii, which do not have plumbing.  Through HLTA’s charitable arm, the Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation, we contributed an initial $5,000 to fund the unit’s operation and maintenance during this period. 

The HiEHiE mobile hygiene center contains private units, each with a shower and toilet; one unit is ADA-accessible, and even includes a diaper-changing station.

But that trailer is still needed on Oahu, to serve its original, intended purpose: to provide a hot shower and personal sanitation resources to those who are experiencing homelessness. So, another hygiene unit was commissioned, and I was pleased to be present for the blessing. HLTA was proud to present an additional $15,000 towards the operation and maintenance of Project HiEHiE’s new sanitation center on Hawai‘i island as part of its disaster relief efforts.

Kudos to Project Vision Executive Director Annie Valentin, as well as HOPE Services Hawai’i CEO Brandee Menino, and newly elected Hawaii County Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz for their outstanding efforts in making Project HiEHiE a success

Top Row: KC Collins (UH Foundation), Jutamas Buaklan (KCC student), Mufi Hannemann (HLTA), John Richards (KCC) Second Row: Jessica Caires, Jennifer Chun (HTA), Scholarship Recipient Deidre Lynne Monroy, Dean Nakasone (HLTA). ​

A large part of promoting and protecting tourism in Hawaii is the role we play as stewards of our native Hawaiian culture: an aspect that makes us such a unique destination. This privilege and responsibility is bestowed upon the many cultural advisors, government and community leaders, kumu hula, kupuna, and visitor industry representatives in our state. 

Throughout the Pacific, you will find a diverse range of countries and island nations who all endeavor to showcase their respective cultures.  FESTPAC offers a platform in which these countries can come together to exchange traditional practices and to nurture new and existing friendships. 

Often referred to as the Olympics of Culture  and Arts in the Pacific, this travelling festival is convened only once every four years. In 2020, Hawaii has been given the honor of hosting this prestigious event, for the 13th Festival of the Pacific Arts: “E Kū i Ka Hoe Uli; a e Kohi i Ka Pale Kai.” 28 Pacific Island delegations will be in attendance June 10-20, 2020 to celebrate, demonstrate, perform and share their stories of their beautiful islands. 

On November 20th, the Organizing Committee, led by Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine, will be hosting their official launch party at the Prince Waikiki, thanks to Prince Resorts Hawaii President Kisan Jo, who was impressed with Takamine’s presentation at our GMM  and offered his support. I highly encourage you to also reach out to Vicky and her cohort, which includes her fellow Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang, if you are interested in getting involved with this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. 

For more information, please contact Vicky directly at vicky@festpac2020.org. ​

General Election evening was a night filled with anticipation, excitement, and tears of joy.  I was at my usual post: commentating on the election’s results with Mike Buck on AM690/FM 94.3, a tradition that we’ve maintained for many years now.  Jared and I eventually made our way down to the west side of Oahu to visit a couple of our HLTA-endorsed candidates who are now newly-elected officials to the Hawai‘i State Legislature. 

In the realm of endorsements, HLTA had a stellar year.  Our organization successfully endorsed 42 candidates in the 2018 State General Elections, 36 of whom were victorious in their respective races. 
​

Hats off and congratulations to Governor David Ige and his running mate Lieutenant Governor-elect Josh Green for their triumph last night, as well as to newly elected Maui Mayor-elect Mike Victorino and Kaua‘i Mayor-elect Derek Kawakami. ​

HLTA’s involvement in the 2018 elections was unprecedented in our 71-year history, and I would like to take a moment to emphasize the important stance that we took, not only in conducting a comprehensive statewide endorsement process, but supporting candidates who will be leaders in our community and stout supporters of our visitor industry.  Two such candidates came out of Mililani and Ewa Beach. ​

In Mililani, newcomer Val Okimoto won the District 36 seat over former State Representative Marilyn Lee by over 800 votes!  In an interview on election night, she credited the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association for being the only organization that endorsed her in her inaugural campaign.  Born on the island of Kaua‘i, the former special education teacher and highly active community leader is very familiar with the important role that tourism plays in our state’s economy. ​

                                                                       Click on photo to view the story
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As we close General Election 2018, I would like to applaud all the candidates throughout the state that endured the rigors of campaigning and offered our voters choices.  I would also like to commend those who took the time to go out and vote, exercising your right and responsibility as an American citizen.  Finally, I would like to send out our heartfelt congratulations to all the endorsed candidates of HLTA who will be taking office shortly.  We send our mahalo for your support of Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry and we look forward to working with you!
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Each year, through our Na Po’e Pa’ahana Awards, the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association honors the individuals who have contributed to the visitor industry through their stellar service, professionalism, and spirit of Aloha. These are the employees who continue to make Hawaii a premier destination.  Our visitor industry relies on their dedication, and commitment to their workplace and community! 

As a friendly reminder, nominations for the 29th Annual Na Po’e Pa’ahana Awards are officially due today at 11:59 pm.  If you or your team members have not yet submitted your applications please do so HERE.

Na Po’e Pa’ahana nominees and finalists will be recognized at our annual luncheon on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Sheraton Waikiki.

As of October 23rd registered voters have been able to visit early walk-in voting locations within their respective counties to cast their ballots for the General Election.  Early voting will close tomorrow – Saturday, November 3rd as our state prepares for Election Day on November 6th.  This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure that you as a voter take advantage of your right and responsibility to vote.  For those of you who have been following HLTA’s road to the Elections, I would like to take a moment to remind you of who our visitor industry endorsed candidates are:

For those who reside on Maui, I would like to encourage you to pay close attention to the charter amendments that will show up on your ballot.  One amendment in particular will increase the penalty for operating an illegal transient vacation rental from $1,000 to $20,000, I urge you to vote yes.  This will greatly aid the Maui County Planning Department in their enforcement of illegal transient vacation rentals.

As we near the 2018 General Elections, I implore you to help us change the stigma that Hawai‘i residents simply don’t vote.  This is your chance to elect those to office who will champion your community, your business, and your way of life. 

For many years I have been a big supporter of Waipahu High School principal, Keith Hayashi, who has been a leader in the realm of education in the State of Hawai’i. Over the years, Keith and his team have successfully shaped Waipahu High School into a model educational institution.  They offer “academic pathways” to all freshmen that enroll giving them the opportunity to explore, in-depth, career driven academies, two of which have received the highest honors of national accreditation.  Keith and his team at Waipahu High School, the pioneers of early college programming in Hawai‘i, have been working closely with HLTA to establish the state’s first nationally accredited Culinary and Tourism Academy by 2020. 

In pursuit of this goal I convened a meeting this week between industry stakeholders and key faculty members of Waipahu High School.  In attendance from the industry were HLTA Chairperson Glenn Vergara from the Waikiki Resort Hotel, Gary Manago from the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel, Dylan Ching and Kelii Gouveia from Duke’s Restaurants, and Waipahu alumnus Rick Egged from the Waikiki Improvement Association.  During the meeting we discussed the opportunity to improve upon the transition of students into the workforce by pairing businesses that offer high school internships with the academy.  Additionally, we also explored the idea of inciting interest with our hotels and restaurants to offer externships for teachers and faculty members.  As we progress forward with creating this nationally recognized academy, we will convene a follow-up meeting by years end to engage our Ko Olina and Kapolei lodging members as well as they share a close proximity to the high school.  The goal will be to create standards and expectations between both our members and Waipahu high school in this new collaboration.  If you or your company is interested in participating with this new initiative please feel free to contact the HLTA office at (808) 923-0407 or by email at dnaksasone@hawaiilodging.org . ​

Each year the East-West Center’s Pacific Islands Development Program brings a contingent of Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows to spend 5- weeks in Honolulu with the goal of building relationships between industry leaders across the Pacific.  This week, three members of the current class sought a meeting with me to discuss the role of the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association and to learn more about Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hosting Iulai Lesa, Senior Sales and Marketing Officer for the Samoa Tourism Authority, Sheena Ng Lam, Principal Training & Education Officer for the Samoa Tourism Authority, and Christine Peipul, Executive Manager of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Industry Association, at our office.  During our meeting I shared insights on what makes our industry tick and how they can utilize similar tools in their own respective countries.  Later today, I will be meeting with the entire Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows group to further expand on these points of discussion.
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Friday evening marked the official start of our 2018-2019 Generational Mentoring Program. I was pleased to see all 15 student participants in attendance accompanied by their faculty advisors from our four partner educational institutions – Brigham Young University Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and University of Hawaii West Oahu.

Our Generational Mentoring Program provides students pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in tourism or hospitality industry management, the opportunity to have one-on-one personalized leadership and career development coaching from a seasoned leader in the industry.

During our Kick-off Mixer, we unveiled the pairings for this year’s class and gave all the attendees an opportunity to bond as a group. Over the next six months, mentees and mentors alike will learn and grow through a special curriculum developed by HLTA and Here and Now Consulting Founder, Art Sarkissian and we will also add some new exciting activities this year. The program will conclude on April 25th with a commencement luncheon, where I look forward to hearing the lessons that have been shared.

Mahalo to everyone who joined us Monday evening at Blue Note Hawaii for our Hospitality Industry Pau Hana (HIP). This year, I have made it a priority of our association to host politically-themed mixers for our members and endorsed candidates.  Prior to the Primary Election we held our first political HIP at Lucky Strike Social Honolulu, and followed up with another successful event at the Blue Note Hawai‘i for our endorsed candidates running in the General Election. 

As a recap, candidates were required to submit tourism-based questionnaires which were thoroughly vetted by representatives from HLTA’s county chapters, the Endorsement Committee, and the Board of Directors.  This comprehensive process was implemented to ensure that the candidate’s agendas aligned with our organization’s key pillars and that they would advocate for our industry concerns.

I would like to send a big shout out to the candidates that traveled near and far to join us that night.  Mahalo to Lieutenant Governor Candidate, Senator Josh Green, who was accompanied by Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, for demonstrating his commitment to the industry as he took time out of his own fundraiser to be with us.  A warm mahalo to incumbents Rep. Tom Brower, Rep. Sam Kong, Rep. Takashi Ohno, and Rep. Richard Onishi for attending.  I would also like to acknowledge newly-elected Representative Scot Matayoshi, Maui mayoral candidate Mike Victorino, State candidates Kurt Fevella, Sharon Moriwaki, and Val Okimoto, and Honolulu City Council candidate Kelly Kitashima for taking time to mix and mingle with our members.    

Mahalo to our partners:  HLTA Board Member Barbara Campbell, VP of Retail Leasing & Property Management of Outrigger Hotel and Resorts, Martha Seroogy and her team at Blue Note Hawaii, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and Duke’s Waikiki for your support of this event. The venue and entertainment were fantastic, the food was superb, and the company was delightful.

Don’t forget that Election Day is on November 6th - please go out and vote!

Tuesday evening, Waikiki saw the resurgence of a nostalgic property as the brand new Queen Kapiolani Hotel Waikiki Beach was unveiled.  It was my genuine pleasure to attend the Grand Opening Party which featured the hotel’s new event space, food from DECK bar & grille, and a stellar aerial acrobat performance. We have been eagerly anticipating this opening since last summer’s closure and it is indeed a complete and beautiful transformation. I would like to congratulate General Manager Jeff Perkins and Kokua Hospitality on the stunning boutique hotel.  We look forward to holding future events in your wonderful setting. ​

This past Sunday, the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association helped sponsor again the Family and Friends of Agriculture’s 5th Annual Kaua‘i Harvest Ag Festival out at Waimea Canyon Park.  I joined our friends on the Garden Island for a day filled with ono food, games and rides for the keiki, and the proverbial pumpkin giveaway, where over 1,500 pumpkins were handed out to families and Kaua‘i’s youth.  Every year, this special event brings together the Kaua‘i community in large fashion, to support the non-profit organizations on the west side of the island.  This year, we had a special treat as I put in a request to longtime friend Kelly Boy Delima and his talented family group Kapena, to come out and headline the festival.  After a few songs, a couple malasadas, and a shoyu chicken plate, I helped close out another wonderful harvest festival with Kapena in a special rendition of Hawai‘i Aloha Oe. 

I would like to send a special shout out to HLTA Board Member Stephanie Iona of Corteva Agrosciences, as she is the heart and soul of this event.  Congratulations on another successful Harvest Ag Festival.

This week, HLTA Chairperson Glenn Vergara joined me in convening “ lunch and learn “meetings on both Maui and Kaua‘i to talk story with our endorsed mayoral candidates for each respective county.  On Maui, we organized a joint partnership with the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association to host mayoral candidate Michael Victorino at the Kahili restaurant, for a session that was both educational and collaborative, with leaders from Maui’s visitor industry. 

Likewise on Kaua‘i, we partnered with the HLTA Kaua‘i Chapter to host mayoral candidate Councilmember Derek Kawakami at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club with members of the Kaua‘i Chapter Board.  At both meetings, we shared state and county perspectives for what we as an industry hope to accomplish legislatively in the coming years.  With a mere 11 days left till  the General Election, we continue to advocate on behalf of our endorsed candidates and encourage you to support the friends of our industry as well.   ​

​Please join us at our 7th annual Ka ‘Ikena Holiday reception on Thursday, November 15th at Kapiolani Community College. Students enrolled in the KCC Culinary Program host the event in the Ka ‘Ikena Dining Room on campus and are given the opportunity to showcase their talents to all of us . Funds raised through ticket sales help benefit the school’s Culinary Program and allows HLTA to award a $1,000 scholarship to a well deserving student pursuing a career in culinary arts every year. As you all know, one of HLTA’s three key pillars is education, and I’d like to encourage all of you to attend this special fundraiser to help create more opportunities for our youth.

To register for the Ka ‘Ikena Holiday reception, please click HERE.

Today is the last day to submit nominations for the 2nd annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards. If there is an organization, event, or leader in our community that you feel should be recognized for their contributions to tourism, I highly encourage you to please make a submission for the following six categories: accommodations, food & beverage, events, activities, and leadership in the industry.

Nominations can be made at www.hawaiimagazine.com/hlta

Stay tuned as we release more details on the aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards taking place on March 1, 2019 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. ​

At HLTA, we take great pride in encouraging our millennials and young professionals to become more engaged in our industry. It is in that spirit that I empowered our HYPE Committee to host a well - attended educational seminar, entitled “EQ & IQ: The Rise of Workplace-Valued Emotional Intelligence,” on Thursday evening to coincide with our 191st General Membership Meeting. Moderator Joe Bock and panelists Cynthia Yamasaki, Anisah Ahakuelo, and Corey Campbell did an exceptional job helping our attendees gain a deeper understanding of the importance of emotional intelligence and how it translates to career development.

Friday saw our official programming commence with our sponsor showcase, which gave our allied and hotel members an opportunity to combine business and breakfast. Sponsors from across the islands, as well as California, Chicago, and Minnesota all spent the morning displaying their products and services which led to future business and tremendous networking opportunities! ​

After our official HLTA Board Meeting was a “Lunch and Learn,” session featuring HLTA endorsed candidates and a Hawaiian cultural panel. I was pleased to see Maui mayoral candidate Mike Victorino, House Tourism Chair Representative Richard Onishi, Honolulu City Council Budget Committee Chair  Trevor Ozawa, and Senate District 12 candidate Sharon Moriwaki speak for a few minutes about their support for tourism. Subsequent to our political speakers, our guests had the privilege to hear from a trio of distinguished Kumu Hula - Robert Cazimero, Vicky Holt Takamine, and Michael Pili Pang about the increasingly significant role and prominence that Hawaiian culture plays in our industry.

Moreover, we were incredibly fortunate to see the halau of  the three kumu hula come together later that night in a special show created just for our Friday evening reception , according to Pili Pang. It was a wonderful experience full of storytelling, wonderful live music, hula and fellowship- all of this led by the extremely talented Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning artist Robert Cazimero. ​

During the morning events, I brought back our “member role call” that we used as a way for our attendees to share a little bit about themselves and to get to know each other a little better. Our membership also got a glimpse of what our island chapters accomplished over the course of 2018, through our chapter reports. 

Following the introductory program, I gave my annual State of the Industry Address, where I recapped the key issues and accomplishments of our organization through 2018 and gave insights on our upcoming endeavors for 2019 and beyond. I always look forward to this aspect of our GMM.
I also capitalized on the moment and unveiled some BIG news.  I announced HLTA’s partnership with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and the Hawaii Restaurant Association to present the inaugural Hawaii Hotel, Restaurant & Travel Show which will take place on May 29th & 30th of next year.  
 
This will showcase the very best in Hawaii’s hospitality industry and feature educational seminars, live demonstrations, interactive attractions and the latest trends in technology. We have been working diligently to put this formidable partnership together and it will be a wonderful new addition  to our lineup of activities in 2019! 

I would also like to give a special mahalo to one of our key industry leaders and HLTA Board Member, Jerry Gibson, Area Vice President of Hilton/Turtle Bay for a dynamic speech on the future forecast of Tourism. He offered a list of challenges that must be addressed if our  industry is to remain No Ka Oi -  very timely and thought-provoking. ​

Please join us at our 7th annual Ka ‘Ikena Holiday reception on Thursday, November 15th at Kapiolani Community College. Students enrolled in the KCC Culinary Program host the event in the Ka ‘Ikena Dining Room on campus and are given the opportunity to showcase their talents to all of you. Funds raised through ticket sales help benefit the school’s Culinary Program and allows HLTA to award a $1,000 scholarship to a well deserving student pursuing a career in culinary arts every year. I’d  like to encourage all of you to attend this special fundraiser supported by our Oahu Chapter to help create more opportunities for our aspiring Culinary students. 

To register for the Ka ‘Ikena Holiday reception, please click HERE.

We are eagerly anticipating your arrival at the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina this weekend for our 191st General Membership Meeting. 

We have a full agenda with a wide range of content awaiting upon your check-in later today or tomorrow.  

During our Friday “Lunch and Learn” segment, I am looking forward to hearing from HLTA-endorsed candidates Maui Mayoral Candidate Mike Victorino and Representative Richard Onishi, Chair of the House Committee on Tourism. We will also hear from Honolulu City and County Council Budget Chair Trevor Ozawa, and newcomer Sharon Moriwaki, who albeit is no stranger to the Capitol, and is running for the 12th Senatorial District seat encompassing the areas between Waikiki and Kakaako. 
This plenary session will also host a special Hawaiian culture panel,  featuring  Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero, Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang, and Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine who will be speaking about the increasing importance of bothunderstanding and conveying the deep significance of the Hawaiian culture. One of Hawai'i's greatest strengths is the spirit of aloha, a unique quality that has been enriched through our islands’ history and people, and one of the best ways we can serve our guests is to illustrate, educate, and exemplify that during their time here.
The Friday Lunch and Learn, is but one of the many events we will be holding this weekend during our annual meeting.  As we kick off our 191st GMM today with our golf scramble and HYPE Emotional Intelligence networking seminar, I would like to welcome you all to the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina.  See you soon! ​

Looking ahead to next week, I am eager to commence our Generational Mentoring Program, Class of 2019. This program, which Art Sarkissian (Here and Now Consulting) and I conceptualized back in 2016, is intended to give 15 of the best and brightest students in tourism-based degree programs from Brigham Young University - Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and University of Hawaii West Oahu a unique chance to develop a one-on-one relationship with a hotel General Manager. We have had two successful classes already, and I am anxious to begin our new class next Friday, the 19th, where our general manager mentors will meet their "paired" student mentees. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey, which will culminate in a graduation luncheon in April 2019. ​