​Lei Day at the Capitol

Mahalo to those of you who came out to join us at Lei Day at the Capitol yesterday to share beautiful lei provided by The Orchid Lei Company with the legislators.  A huge mahalo to Sukit Kanaprach of The Orchid Lei Company for donating the lei. Our group arrived at the Capitol early on Monday morning to make sure we could greet each of the legislators with a lei to wear during the Governor’s State of the State Address. We also handed out HLTA’s legislative position statements (found on our website here) as well as a save the date invitation to Tourism Day at the Capitol, which will take place on February 21. We hope many of you will join us for our 3rd annual Tourism Day to meet and greet the legislators and apprise them again on our top four priority issues this legislative session: the Airport Corporation, Transient Vacation Rentals, Homelessness, and Public Safety. This year we will continue to have an exciting trade show around the 4th floor of the Capitol as well as a breakfast with the legislators. We will no longer hold an informational session with the legislators in the morning as we have done in years past and instead share our key issues with the legislators during breakfast. Mahalo to Pohai Ryan of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association for helping us coordinate Tourism Day at the Capitol each year. This one promises to be another great event! If you want to learn more about participating or would like to have a booth, please feel free to contact Jared at jhigashi@hawaiilodging.org. 

​HLTA Priority Issues
This legislative session, HLTA has four priority issues we will be focusing our advocacy efforts on this legislative session: Airport Corporation, Transient Vacation Rentals, Homelessness, and Public Safety that I shared with the public on our Tourism Tuesday radio show yesterday. We recently posted the details of each issue on our website here. We have also listed our “Watch List” items detailing issues that would negatively impact our industry and could potentially be brought up during the session. If you have any questions about our priority issues or watch list, contact Jared at jhigashi@hawaiilodging.org or myself.

Lei Day
Today was the Opening Day of the State Legislature, but for those who were not able to head down to the Capitol to meet and greet your legislators, we encourage you to join HLTA at Lei Day at the Capitol this coming Monday, January 22, 2018. This year we have decided to welcome legislators with a beautiful lei provided by The Orchid Lei Company the same morning as the Governor’s State of the State Address. We will meet at the Capitol Rotunda bright and early at 7:45am so each of the legislators can have their lei on prior to entering the Chamber Floor for the State of the State Address. RSVP to join us at Lei Day here. 

HLTA Missile Alert Survey
I’m sure Saturday’s ballistic missile alert came as quite a scare to everyone. We remain thankful that the incident was indeed a false alarm, but I think we can all agree that action must be taken now more than ever to ensure that our visitors remain confident in choosing to visit our islands. As I have mentioned before, HLTA has been in the process of planning a Tourism Public Safety Conference scheduled for February 27 in response to recent reports of crimes against visitors, and I’m sure we will now be incorporating a “lessons learned” element to the workshop in response to Saturday’s event. We also sent out a brief survey to our membership to gain feedback on the emergency actions that were taken by various hotels and businesses last Saturday. Click here for the survey if you did not already fill it out. Please submit your response no later than Friday, January 19, 2018. If you would like to further discuss emergency protocols in situations such as this, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will likely be having conversations with Hawaii Emergency Management soon to share your recommendations and gain additional feedback on what we all can do to be better prepared in an unlikely event that a disaster should occur.

Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry honored the best-of-the-best of its employees at the 28th Annual Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana (the hard-working people) Awards. Nearly a thousand employees, family members, and industry representatives from throughout the state gathered for the luncheon ceremony, which was sponsored by the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA) and held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort on January 11.

Mufi Hannemann, HLTA president and CEO, said, “We’re very proud to recognize the people who are the heart and soul of our visitor industry. They number in the tens of thousands across the state, and this year we have been able to recognize 60 of the finest individuals across small, medium, and large hotels throughout the state. All of the Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana honorees embody the aloha spirit at work and in the community, and we cannot be more thankful for their contributions to the success of our industry.”
Recipients of HLTA’s accolades are selected based on nominations submitted by their supervisors and co-workers, and are judged on the basis of outstanding and exceptional service to lodging guests, co-workers, and the community.

A total of 67 awards were presented at the event, emceed by KHON2 co-anchors Howard Dashefsky and Marisa Yamane.

Clarence Yee, Journeyman Tradesman at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, was named the Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year. “Yee has served 38 years in the industry, and is the most senior person at his resort. His selfless generosity, humility, and excellent teamwork shines not only with his fellow associates, but with everyone he meets,” said Hannemann.

The HLTA Allied Member of the Year was Alaska Airlines. Allied members are the non-lodging businesses of the HLTA. "Daniel Chun and Alaska Airlines are always extremely supportive of HLTA’s many events, including the Citizen-Scholar Awards, HLTA’s annual scholarship golf tournament, and Charity Walk. They are always willing to donate numerous prizes and sponsorships even when they are not asked," said Hannemann.

This year’s event introduced a new award for Excellence in Community Service, which was presented to Marriott International. Hannemann remarked, “In addition to supporting many of HLTA’s philanthropic efforts, namely the Charity Walk and Aloha United Way Fall campaign, this company has gone above and beyond in their own efforts to give back, from Hokule‘a to the Ala Wai watershed. Through the combined efforts of Starwood Resorts and Marriott Hotels, this chain of hotel properties has provided numerous sponsorships, participated in various fundraisers, and have held charitable events of their own for their employees and visitors alike, and for the betterment of the community." 

The 2018 Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana Legacy Award was presented to Robert Cazimero and posthumously to his late brother Roland of The Brothers Cazimero. “This dynamic music duo has truly put Hawaii’s hospitality industry on the map with their world-class music and entertainment. They have been superstars here at home and have performed around the world, from Japan to New York City’s Carnegie Hall, enticing visitors with their beautiful performances and aloha spirit,” remarked Hannemann.

This year’s Na Po‘e Paahana award winners and runners-up are as follows:
 
Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year
1st Place – Clarence Yee, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
2nd Place – Branden Gaspar, Waikiki Resort Hotel
3rd Place – Juanito Tomas, Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club

Manager of the Year
1st Place – Carol Lopes, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
2nd Place – Brandon Maeda, The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
3rd Place – Anderson Almario, Sheraton Waikiki
 
Bell/Valet Person of the Year
Large Property (Over 450 Rooms):
1st Place – Patricio (Peter) Santiago, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
2nd Place – George Sumida, Prince Waikiki
3rd Place – Benjamin Sarian, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Medium Property (200-450 Rooms):
1st Place – Oren Yamagata, Waikoloa Beach Marriott
2nd Place – Craig Shimizu, The Kahala Hotel & Resort
3rd Place – Nathan Brovelli, Aston at The Whaler on Ka'anapali Beach
 
Small Property (Under 200 Rooms):
1st Place – Rexie Butihi, Maui Beach Hotel
2nd Place – Tiki Uikirifi, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
3rd Place – James Winston, Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites
 
Engineering/Maintenance Person of the Year
Large Property (Over 450 Rooms):
1st Place – David Rickard, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
2nd Place – Trudenio Ramirez, Sheraton Waikiki
3rd Place – Nelson Tomas, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
 
Medium Property (200-450 Rooms):
1st Place – Terence Yamasaki, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel
2nd Place – Wayne Ohta, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
3rd Place – Rodney Young, Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club
 
Small Property (Under 200 Rooms):
1st Place – Xing Lin, Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
2nd Place – Ferdinand Lagundino, Lawai Beach Resort
3rd Place – Ben Simao, Marriott's Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu'u

Food & Beverage Person of the Year
Large Property (Over 450 Rooms):
1st Place – Roger Arrieta, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
2nd Place – Willie Aniban, The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
3rd Place – Thomas Rodrigues, Sheraton Waikiki

Medium Property (200-450 Rooms):
1st Place – Sharon Pacheco-Escobar, Waikoloa Beach Marriott
2nd Place – Nancy Dearborn, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
3rd Place – Debra Agdinaoay, Andaz Maui at Wailea
 
Small Property (Under 200 Rooms):
1st Place – Robert Bidigare, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
 
Front Office Person of the Year
Large Property (Over 450 Rooms):
1st Place – Melani Akuna, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
2nd Place – Kelly Stutzman, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
3rd Place – Byron "Keola" Makaiau, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

Medium Property (200-450 Rooms):
1st Place – Rebecca "Becs" Kaneapua-Alexander, Aston at The Whaler on Ka'anapali Beach
2nd Place – Denise "Dee Dee" Mikasa, The Kahala Hotel & Resort
3rd Place – Craig Pohl, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
 
Small Property (Under 200 Rooms):
1st Place – Tracy Pinnow, Ewa Hotel Waikiki
2nd Place – Janine Pagador, Lawai Beach Resort
3rd Place – Darwin Van Antwerp, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki

Housekeeper of the Year
1st Place – Wilfredo Galicha, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2nd Place – Arnel Tuazon, Hale Koa Hotel
3rd Place – Brittany Bilbrey, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Medium Property (200-450 Rooms):
1st Place – Delia Bernal, The Kahala Hotel & Resort
2nd Place – Ador Recaido, Aston Waikiki Sunset
3rd Place – Leah Cacay, Waikiki Resort Hotel
 
Small Property (Under 200 Rooms):
1st Place – Remedios Castillo, The Pagoda Hotel
2nd Place – Andrea Clemente, Aqua Oasis Hotel
3rd Place – Jocelyn Bato, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Security Officer of the Year
Large Property (Over 450 Rooms):
1st Place – Marvin Rabara, The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
2nd Place – Steven Sotelo, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
3rd Place – Jameson DeMello, Hale Koa Hotel

Medium Property (200-450 Rooms):
1st Place – Shawn Maxwell, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
2nd Place – Avlyn Moniz, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
3rd Place – Nathan Chun, OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
 
Small Property (Under 200 Rooms):
1st Place – Mark Pasion, Lawai Beach Resort
2nd Place – Shawn Uyeda, Marriott's Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu'u

Allied Member of the Year
Alaska Airlines was named the Allied Member of the Year. The company was recognized as a valuable member of the HLTA for its support of Hawai‘i’s visitor industry and the community.
 
Leader in Sustainability Award
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, for their exemplary sustainable practices which have been implemented in its daily operations for over 50 years.
 
Hospitality Educator of the Year
Charlene Navarro, Kauai High School, for her active engagement in Kauai High School’s Academy of Hospitality & Tourism and enduring support of Hawai‘i’s future hospitality leaders.
 
Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana Legacy Award
The Brothers Cazimero, for playing an instrumental role in Hawaii’s visitor industry through the field of culture, arts, and entertainment. 
 
Woman of the Year Award
Teri Orton, Hawaii Convention Center/AEG Facilities, for her leadership within the hospitality industry, community and HLTA’s Women in Lodging & Tourism committee.
 
Chef/Restaurateur of the Year
Colin Hazama, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, for his significant contributions to Hawai‘i’s culinary industry and the community.

​Ho’omaika’i Program:
One of the many benefits of being part of HLTA are the member to member discounts provided to connect our membership and provide opportunities to showcase the special qualities of your property, product, or service. This benefit, formerly known as the Affinity Program, is now being rebranded to the Ho‘omaika‘i Program. We will soon be sending out applications to list your discount offer so please stay tuned for the email.

aio Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards:
As we announced last year, HLTA and aio Media (parent company of HAWAI‘I, HONOLULU, and Hawaii Business magazines) are introducing a new awards program called the aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards to honor some of the top achievers in the hospitality industry. Public nominations were submitted to aio for selection by a blue-ribbon committee of judges, and finalists have been notified of their selection. There will be an awards gala on March 8, 2018 at the Hawaii Convention Center to recognize the finalists and winners of each of the 14 categories, spanning accommodations, restaurants, music, and more. Many of our HLTA members will be up for awards that night. Tickets for the gala are on sale now at www.hawaiimagazine.com/tourismawards18. A listing of the finalists can be found here.
 
January Events:
In addition to the much anticipated Na Po'e Pa'ahana Awards, there are a few other events open to members in the month of January. HLTA Kauai Chapter has their 13th annual Golf Tournament taking place on January 27 at The Ocean Course at Hokuala. The tournament raise funds to support educational and scholarship related incentives. Contact Jolene Ogle at 652-8924 or htla.kauai@gmail.com for more information. On January 31, HLTA Oahu Chapter will be holding a Coffee Talk & Tour at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei. Seats are very limited for this event so be sure to sign up when registration opens. Finally, our Tourism Tuesday radio is still going strong every Tuesday morning from 7am-8am on AM 690/94.3 FM. Our next guest will be Kelly Hoen (Outrigger Hotels & Resorts) on January 23. We still have an opening for January 31 in case anyone is interested in going on air that morning. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and I wish you all a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Productive New Year! Here’s to a fantastic 2018!!