2017 Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality & Foodservice Expo

​Mahalo to all our members and partners who participated in the 2017 Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality, & Foodservice expo this past Wednesday and Thursday! It was fantastic to see the many familiar faces supporting our state's number-one industry! A big mahalo to members Soderholm Sales & Leasing (pictured bottom left) and Tropical J's (pictured bottom right) for their sponsorship towards HLTA's lounge exhibit and educational events. Scroll down for highlights.

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Recipients of HLTA Pouhana Hokele Scholarship recognized at board of directors meeting

The scholarship recipients of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association Pouhana Hokele Scholarship were recognized during HLTA's full board of directors meeting on Wednesday. The $1000 scholarships, which underwent a name change this year, went to Bree Blake of Kapi‘olani Community College (KCC) and Trent Sakuma, who also attends KCC. The HLTA Pouhana Hokele scholarship recipients were selected by the Pauahi Foundation for their native Hawaiian ancestry and aspirations to .pursue a career in the visitor industry with an emphasis on hotel management. 

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Microfridge mini-fridge and microwave donated to Waikiki Community Center

​A generous donation by Microfridge was presented to Waikiki Community Center in partnership with HLTA. Microfridge turned to HLTA for a recommendation on a nonprofit agency to award with a brand new mini-fridge and microwave. Waikiki Community Center has been a longtime supporter of HLTA's Charity Walk, and recently started a new education program.  

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Women in Lodging & Tourism bring awareness to issue of human trafficking

HLTA's Women in Lodging & Tourism committee held an educational session entitled "Human Trafficking: Recognizing the Signs & Taking Action," featuring moderator Jerry Dolak, director of security and safety at Outrigger Resorts and panelists Jessica Munoz, founder and president of nonprofit Ho‘ola Na Pua; Kevin Takata, administrator of the criminal justice division of the state Department of the Attorney General; and Renata Del Moral, victim assistant specialist from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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Engineers Advisory Council sheds light on king tides and sea level rise

​HLTA's Engineers Advisory Council meeting was held in conjunction with a symposium on king tides and sea level rise, featuring moderator Dean Nakasone, vice president of HLTA, and panelists Dolan Eversole, Coastal Processes Specialist of the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program; Bert Takahashi, Chief Engineer of the Sheraton Waikiki Resort; and Sam Lemmo, Administrator of the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands.