Click on Image to Download HLTA's COVID-19 Health, Safety, and Security Standards
COVID-19 Media & Resources
Recent media items:
"Hawaii explores use of vaccine passports for inter-island travel," USA Today, April 1, 2021
"Hawaii visitor industry urges governor to loosen travel restrictions after latest CDC guidance," KHON2, April 2, 2021
"Hawaii travel restrictions might loosen as CDC guidelines change for those fully vaccinated," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 3, 2021
"Occupancy grows at Hawaii short-term vacation rentals, outpacing hotels," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 5, 2021
"Hawaii to consider changes to Safe Travels program after latest CDC guidance," Travel Weekly, April 2, 2021
"Travel leaders urge Hawaii governor to update travel restrictions ASAP," KHON2, April 7, 2021
Safe Travels Hawaii Website: travel.hawaii.gov
Safe Travels Hawaii Fact Sheet: Click here to download
HLTA Pre-Arrival FAQ Sheet: Click here to download
HDOT Travel FAQ Sheet: hidot.hawaii.gov/coronavirus/
O'ahu COVID-19 Website: oneoahu.org
CDC Travel Planner: Click here to view
For up-to-date information, the Department of Health has created a page that will serve as a COVID-19 information hub for the foreseeable future. You may visit it here.
"Hawaii explores use of vaccine passports for inter-island travel," USA Today, April 1, 2021
"Hawaii visitor industry urges governor to loosen travel restrictions after latest CDC guidance," KHON2, April 2, 2021
"Hawaii travel restrictions might loosen as CDC guidelines change for those fully vaccinated," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 3, 2021
"Occupancy grows at Hawaii short-term vacation rentals, outpacing hotels," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 5, 2021
"Hawaii to consider changes to Safe Travels program after latest CDC guidance," Travel Weekly, April 2, 2021
"Travel leaders urge Hawaii governor to update travel restrictions ASAP," KHON2, April 7, 2021
Safe Travels Hawaii Website: travel.hawaii.gov
Safe Travels Hawaii Fact Sheet: Click here to download
HLTA Pre-Arrival FAQ Sheet: Click here to download
HDOT Travel FAQ Sheet: hidot.hawaii.gov/coronavirus/
O'ahu COVID-19 Website: oneoahu.org
CDC Travel Planner: Click here to view
For up-to-date information, the Department of Health has created a page that will serve as a COVID-19 information hub for the foreseeable future. You may visit it here.
Book Your Vaccination Here
Adventist Health Castle - 640 Ulukahiki Street, Kailua
Kaiser Permanente - Locations in and around Kapolei
Queen's Health - Blaisdell Concert Hall
Hawai'i Pacific Health - 521 Ala Moana Boulevard
Kaiser Permanente - Locations in and around Kapolei
Queen's Health - Blaisdell Concert Hall
Hawai'i Pacific Health - 521 Ala Moana Boulevard
State Department of Health Vaccination Webinars
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDUCATIONWe provide educational opportunities, information, and resources to our members, legislators, the media,
and the community |
ADVOCACYWe advocate the needs of our members with the federal, state, and county governments.
|
PHILANTHROPYWe support and contribute to a better quality of life and environment for both the community and our visitors.
|
April 9, 2021
Food Distribution
Mahalo to our volunteers who came out early yesterday morning! Also pictured above is HLTA board member Mike Rompel, fifth from left.
Aloha,
Yesterday morning, HLTA partnered with Aloha Harvest to host our latest food drive at 'Ilima Intermediate School to benefit furloughed hospitality workers and their families primarily from the Leeward side of O'ahu. This was another successful event thanks to our tireless partner Aloha Harvest and the hard working volunteers of missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A special shout out as well to area Senator Kurt Fevella and his staff for helping us to secure the location and coordinate the logistics for the distribution itself.
Yesterday morning, HLTA partnered with Aloha Harvest to host our latest food drive at 'Ilima Intermediate School to benefit furloughed hospitality workers and their families primarily from the Leeward side of O'ahu. This was another successful event thanks to our tireless partner Aloha Harvest and the hard working volunteers of missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A special shout out as well to area Senator Kurt Fevella and his staff for helping us to secure the location and coordinate the logistics for the distribution itself.
ICYMI
As you know, the discussions surrounding the vaccine passport concept have been heating up throughout our community as well as in the halls of government. I have been a strong advocate for the establishment of such a passport both in the media and at the State Legislature.
"Hawaii to consider changes to Safe Travels program after latest CDC guidance," Travel Weekly, April 2, 2021
As I have said from the very beginning, we should be making it easier for healthy, vaccinated travelers to come to our state. As of this morning, more than 900,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Hawai'i residents, signaling that we are well on our way to achieving the much sought after herd immunity. As the number of vaccinated Hawai'i residents continues to rise, we, as a state, should look to make travel as hassle-free as possible not only to bring more travel industry associates back to work but also the thousands of local residents who are furloughed or who are unemployed.
"Travel leaders urge Hawaii governor to update travel restrictions ASAP," KHON2, April 7, 2021
"Hawaii to consider changes to Safe Travels program after latest CDC guidance," Travel Weekly, April 2, 2021
As I have said from the very beginning, we should be making it easier for healthy, vaccinated travelers to come to our state. As of this morning, more than 900,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Hawai'i residents, signaling that we are well on our way to achieving the much sought after herd immunity. As the number of vaccinated Hawai'i residents continues to rise, we, as a state, should look to make travel as hassle-free as possible not only to bring more travel industry associates back to work but also the thousands of local residents who are furloughed or who are unemployed.
"Travel leaders urge Hawaii governor to update travel restrictions ASAP," KHON2, April 7, 2021
HTA Funding
The Hawai'i Tourism Authority's funding is at stake as they are under fire from some members of the Legislature. During a joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Ways & Means and Commerce & Consumer Protection, members discussed House Bill 862, HD2, SD2 which, among other things, would significantly reduce the State tourism agency's annual funding. HTA would be forced to get their funding from the State's General Fund. After being voted upon on the Senate floor, the measure will go back to the House and possibly headed eventually to a Conference committee.
As you can imagine, HLTA is staunchly opposed to this measure and submitted testimony to this effect. Specifically, it is our position that HTA requires ample funding to adequately research local tourism and market our state on the national and international scale. It is critical that HTA receives the funding necessary to help sell what Hawai'i has to offer if we are to continue our economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As you can imagine, HLTA is staunchly opposed to this measure and submitted testimony to this effect. Specifically, it is our position that HTA requires ample funding to adequately research local tourism and market our state on the national and international scale. It is critical that HTA receives the funding necessary to help sell what Hawai'i has to offer if we are to continue our economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maui Update
Yesterday, it was announced that Governor Ige had approved Maui's request that will require incoming travelers to submit to a mandatory rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival. Slated to begin in roughly two weeks, the program was requested by Mayor Victorino and will send travelers who refuse to take the test to a mandatory 10-day quarantine.
As part of his request, Mayor Victorino also indicated his support for a vaccine passport program. While he noted that it may take some time to implement it, his public advocacy for the vaccine passport concept is extremely pleasing to our industry, and we are hopeful that Gov. Ige will ultimately approve Mayor Victorino's proposed pilot program.
Mahalo,
Mufi
As part of his request, Mayor Victorino also indicated his support for a vaccine passport program. While he noted that it may take some time to implement it, his public advocacy for the vaccine passport concept is extremely pleasing to our industry, and we are hopeful that Gov. Ige will ultimately approve Mayor Victorino's proposed pilot program.
Mahalo,
Mufi
Hospitality Industry - Public Outreach & Updates
Tourism 101 is a 30-minute talk show that features guests and topics from Hawai'i's premier industry
|
Tune in to Tourism Tuesday. HLTA's premier weekly radio show featuring speakers from across our industry.
|
Click here for latest scoops on Hawaii's tourism industry in the latest Hawaii Hospitality Magazine.
|
"Travel leaders urge Hawaii governor to update travel restrictions ASAP," KHON2, April 7, 2021
"Occupancy grows at Hawaii short-term vacation rentals, outpacing hotels," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 5, 2021
"Hawaii travel restrictions might loosen as CDC guidelines change for those fully vaccinated," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 3, 2021
"Hawaii to consider changes to Safe Travels program after latest CDC guidance," Travel Weekly, April 2, 2021
"Hawaii visitor industry urges governor to loosen travel restrictions after latest CDC guidance," KHON2, April 2, 2021
"Hawaii explores use of vaccine passports for inter-island travel," USA Today, April 1, 2021
"Rental car shortage in Hawaii spikes prices in the hundreds," KHON2, March 31, 2021
"Hawaii moving forward using coronavirus vaccine passport for travel," KHON2, March 30, 2021
"Reformed gang member fatally shot in Aiea," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 29, 2021
"Struggling businesses hopeful spring break brings tourist spending," KITV4, March 25, 2021
"Bill that would allow statewide travel restriction plan deferred," West Hawaii Today, March 23, 2021
"Legislators defer measure relating to Safe Travels program," Hawaii Tribune-Herald, March 23, 2021
"Rapid growth in Hawaii arrivals stresses Safe Travels coronavirus screening," KHON2, March 23, 2021
"Hawaii tourism gains momentum," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 23, 2021
"Experts: Uptick in spring break visitors a sign that tourism economy is on the mend," Hawaii News Now, March 23, 2021
"Visitor industry on the lookout for sex trafficking, gambling in Waikiki," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 21, 2021
"Crime rates in Waikiki have plummeted and police and visitor industry leaders want to keep it that way," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 21, 2021
"The Conversation: Chasing Rainbows in Hawai‘i," Hawai'i Public Radio, March 19, 2020
"Is Hawaii Tourism Getting Close To Pre-Pandemic Levels?," Travel Pulse, March 17, 2021
"Hawaii shores inundated with visitors as spring break drives up travel," Hawaii News Now, March 15, 2021
"Annual visitor public safety conference to discuss topics like crimes, homelessness and COVID-19," KITV, March 15, 2021
"Hawaii public safety conference will address COVID-19 and homelessness," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 7, 2021
"Hawaii hotel leaders, union push for vaccine eligibility," West Hawaii Today, March 5, 2021
"Hawaii’s hotel industry wants workers vaccinated now," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 4, 2021
"Hawaii’s hospitality industry prepares for spring break influx of visitors," KHON2, March 2, 2021
"A year of COVID-19: Key leaders in Hawaii’s pandemic response recall the challenges they faced," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 28, 2021
"‘We’re Really Celebrating Tier 3’: Honolulu Eases Restrictions On Businesses," Honolulu Civil Beat, February 24, 2021
"VIDEO: Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association CEO Mufi Hannemann and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts CEO Jeff Wagoner join the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Spotlight Hawaii," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 24, 2021
"Hawaii hotel occupancy remained flat in January," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 23, 2021
"Hawaii Quarantine Kapu Breakers say mask wearing an issue in tourist areas," KHON2, February 22, 2021
"Hotel workers aren’t yet eligible for COVID vaccines in Hawaii. Should they be?," Hawaii News Now, February 19, 2021
"Some Hawaii hotels report business boost from travelers extending stays or escaping U.S. winter storms," KITV4, February 19, 2021
"Hundreds rally on Kauai to call for tourism reopening," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 19, 2021
"Some want a unified Hawaii travel program, critics argue it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution," Hawaii News Now, February 18, 2021
"Tourism’s slow recovery prompts call for ‘unified travel rules,’ but not everyone is on board," Hawaii News Now, February 18, 2021
"SB1286 would make travel program uniform statewide," The Garden Island, February 18, 2021
"Honolulu County, HLTA partner to launch public health campaign in Waikiki," Pacific Business News, February 12, 2021
"Proposed bill would establish uniform Safe Travels program across the state," Pacific Business News, February 11, 2021
"Honolulu officials unveil new banners highlighting rules of COVID-19 safety," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 11, 2021
"Health banners along Kalakaua Avenue advocate coronavirus safety," KHON2, February 11, 2021
"Statewide Safe Travels bill is alive," The Garden Island, February 10, 2021
"Proposal To Scrap Kauai’s Two-Test Protocol For Arriving Travelers Advances," Civil Beat, February 9, 2021
"Bill to unify travel rules draws opposition on Kauai," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 10, 2021
"Lawmakers explore the idea of unifying pre-travel rules across the counties," KHON2, February 9, 2021
"Column: Striking balance between public health, economic recovery," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 9, 2021
"House Leader Lays Out Proposals For Accountability, Land And Tourism," Civil Beat, February 3, 2021
"Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green seeks looser rules for vaccinated travelers," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 30, 2021
"Lt. Gov. Green sends re-opening proposal to Gov. Ige," KHON, January 29, 2021
"Waikiki hotel offering guests a personal concierge to navigate Hawaii's pre-travel testing," KITV, January 29, 2021
"Waikiki hotel launches new program to help travelers with Safe Travels," KHON, January 28, 2021
"New restriction on international travelers could slow down recovery of Hawaii tourism," KITV, January 26,2021
"Kauai employment suffers under restrictive travel policies," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 18, 2021
"HAF EAT THINK DRINK Virtual Event – Reimagining Tourism,"KHON2, January 11, 2021
"Hawaii businesses fear unemployment tax increases will ruin their economic recovery," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 9, 2021
"Kauai travel rules change – again – as Hawaiian islands struggle with tourism, pandemic," USA Today, January 5, 2021
"Kauai expects slow economic recovery after tourism resumes," West Hawaii Today, January 5, 2020
"Ige has no plans to ease testing rules for visitors, despite calls to do so from tourism industry," Hawaii News Now, January 5, 2021
"Economic recovery for Kauai likely to be slow going," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 4, 2020
"Lackluster Hawaii tourism widens losses for hotels," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 20, 2020
"Donations beef up food distributions," The Garden Island, December 18, 2020
"Proposed Home Lands casino would allow golf course, theme parks, sporting events," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 17, 2020
"Traveling fixes urged during economic travails," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 14, 2020
"Hawaii forecasts visitor arrivals and spending to more than double next year," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 5, 2020
"Has The Hawaii Tourism Industry Lost Its Clout?," Civil Beat, December 2, 2020
"COVID committee suggests Safe Travels modification," The Garden Island, December 1, 2020
"Occupancy grows at Hawaii short-term vacation rentals, outpacing hotels," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 5, 2021
"Hawaii travel restrictions might loosen as CDC guidelines change for those fully vaccinated," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 3, 2021
"Hawaii to consider changes to Safe Travels program after latest CDC guidance," Travel Weekly, April 2, 2021
"Hawaii visitor industry urges governor to loosen travel restrictions after latest CDC guidance," KHON2, April 2, 2021
"Hawaii explores use of vaccine passports for inter-island travel," USA Today, April 1, 2021
"Rental car shortage in Hawaii spikes prices in the hundreds," KHON2, March 31, 2021
"Hawaii moving forward using coronavirus vaccine passport for travel," KHON2, March 30, 2021
"Reformed gang member fatally shot in Aiea," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 29, 2021
"Struggling businesses hopeful spring break brings tourist spending," KITV4, March 25, 2021
"Bill that would allow statewide travel restriction plan deferred," West Hawaii Today, March 23, 2021
"Legislators defer measure relating to Safe Travels program," Hawaii Tribune-Herald, March 23, 2021
"Rapid growth in Hawaii arrivals stresses Safe Travels coronavirus screening," KHON2, March 23, 2021
"Hawaii tourism gains momentum," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 23, 2021
"Experts: Uptick in spring break visitors a sign that tourism economy is on the mend," Hawaii News Now, March 23, 2021
"Visitor industry on the lookout for sex trafficking, gambling in Waikiki," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 21, 2021
"Crime rates in Waikiki have plummeted and police and visitor industry leaders want to keep it that way," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 21, 2021
"The Conversation: Chasing Rainbows in Hawai‘i," Hawai'i Public Radio, March 19, 2020
"Is Hawaii Tourism Getting Close To Pre-Pandemic Levels?," Travel Pulse, March 17, 2021
"Hawaii shores inundated with visitors as spring break drives up travel," Hawaii News Now, March 15, 2021
"Annual visitor public safety conference to discuss topics like crimes, homelessness and COVID-19," KITV, March 15, 2021
"Hawaii public safety conference will address COVID-19 and homelessness," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 7, 2021
"Hawaii hotel leaders, union push for vaccine eligibility," West Hawaii Today, March 5, 2021
"Hawaii’s hotel industry wants workers vaccinated now," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, March 4, 2021
"Hawaii’s hospitality industry prepares for spring break influx of visitors," KHON2, March 2, 2021
"A year of COVID-19: Key leaders in Hawaii’s pandemic response recall the challenges they faced," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 28, 2021
"‘We’re Really Celebrating Tier 3’: Honolulu Eases Restrictions On Businesses," Honolulu Civil Beat, February 24, 2021
"VIDEO: Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association CEO Mufi Hannemann and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts CEO Jeff Wagoner join the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Spotlight Hawaii," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 24, 2021
"Hawaii hotel occupancy remained flat in January," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 23, 2021
"Hawaii Quarantine Kapu Breakers say mask wearing an issue in tourist areas," KHON2, February 22, 2021
"Hotel workers aren’t yet eligible for COVID vaccines in Hawaii. Should they be?," Hawaii News Now, February 19, 2021
"Some Hawaii hotels report business boost from travelers extending stays or escaping U.S. winter storms," KITV4, February 19, 2021
"Hundreds rally on Kauai to call for tourism reopening," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 19, 2021
"Some want a unified Hawaii travel program, critics argue it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution," Hawaii News Now, February 18, 2021
"Tourism’s slow recovery prompts call for ‘unified travel rules,’ but not everyone is on board," Hawaii News Now, February 18, 2021
"SB1286 would make travel program uniform statewide," The Garden Island, February 18, 2021
"Honolulu County, HLTA partner to launch public health campaign in Waikiki," Pacific Business News, February 12, 2021
"Proposed bill would establish uniform Safe Travels program across the state," Pacific Business News, February 11, 2021
"Honolulu officials unveil new banners highlighting rules of COVID-19 safety," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 11, 2021
"Health banners along Kalakaua Avenue advocate coronavirus safety," KHON2, February 11, 2021
"Statewide Safe Travels bill is alive," The Garden Island, February 10, 2021
"Proposal To Scrap Kauai’s Two-Test Protocol For Arriving Travelers Advances," Civil Beat, February 9, 2021
"Bill to unify travel rules draws opposition on Kauai," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 10, 2021
"Lawmakers explore the idea of unifying pre-travel rules across the counties," KHON2, February 9, 2021
"Column: Striking balance between public health, economic recovery," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 9, 2021
"House Leader Lays Out Proposals For Accountability, Land And Tourism," Civil Beat, February 3, 2021
"Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green seeks looser rules for vaccinated travelers," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 30, 2021
"Lt. Gov. Green sends re-opening proposal to Gov. Ige," KHON, January 29, 2021
"Waikiki hotel offering guests a personal concierge to navigate Hawaii's pre-travel testing," KITV, January 29, 2021
"Waikiki hotel launches new program to help travelers with Safe Travels," KHON, January 28, 2021
"New restriction on international travelers could slow down recovery of Hawaii tourism," KITV, January 26,2021
"Kauai employment suffers under restrictive travel policies," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 18, 2021
"HAF EAT THINK DRINK Virtual Event – Reimagining Tourism,"KHON2, January 11, 2021
"Hawaii businesses fear unemployment tax increases will ruin their economic recovery," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 9, 2021
"Kauai travel rules change – again – as Hawaiian islands struggle with tourism, pandemic," USA Today, January 5, 2021
"Kauai expects slow economic recovery after tourism resumes," West Hawaii Today, January 5, 2020
"Ige has no plans to ease testing rules for visitors, despite calls to do so from tourism industry," Hawaii News Now, January 5, 2021
"Economic recovery for Kauai likely to be slow going," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 4, 2020
"Lackluster Hawaii tourism widens losses for hotels," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 20, 2020
"Donations beef up food distributions," The Garden Island, December 18, 2020
"Proposed Home Lands casino would allow golf course, theme parks, sporting events," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 17, 2020
"Traveling fixes urged during economic travails," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 14, 2020
"Hawaii forecasts visitor arrivals and spending to more than double next year," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 5, 2020
"Has The Hawaii Tourism Industry Lost Its Clout?," Civil Beat, December 2, 2020
"COVID committee suggests Safe Travels modification," The Garden Island, December 1, 2020
