​Mahalo to all of our members who attended the 2nd Annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging and  Tourism Awards Friday evening!  It was a pleasure to see so many of you gathered to celebrate the achievements of our industry.

It was a beautiful evening at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Great Lawn, and celebrated the exceptional finalists who exemplify excellence in leadership within our industry.  I hope that you enjoyed the first-class entertainment from Tihati Productions, Keauhou, Miss Aloha Hula 2015 Jasmine Kalehiwa Dunlap, and Mana’o Company. 

This year, we introduced the Tourism Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals who have made profound contributions to the visitor industry, and to Hawaii as a state, over the course of their careers.  I could think of no one more fitting than our inaugural recipient, Dr. Chuck Yim Gee, Dean Emeritus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management.  Though Dean Gee was regretfully unable to attend, the former UH Board of Regents member and Pacific Asia Travel Association Gallery of Legends inductee gave his appreciative remarks via proxy, Clyde Min.  Congratulations, Chuck – it has been an honor to know you, to continue to learn from you, and mahalo for your lifelong contributions to the visitor industry.

Congratulations to all the nominees and finalists, but especial kudos to our winners of the 2nd Annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Awards:
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Cha Thompson, Leadership in the Industry: Contribution to Tourism by an Individual
Vicky Holt Takamine, Leadership in the Industry: Cultural Advisor
Keri Brown, Leadership in the Industry: Young Achiever
Raiatea Helm, Leadership in the Industry: Outstanding Individual in Music & Entertainment
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Agritourism: Agriculture Tourism Destination
Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market, Agritourism: Farmers Market
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Best Tourism Events: Agriculture Event Using Locally Grown Products
Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival, Best Tourism Events: Heritage & Cultural Event
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Achievement in Sustainability
Kualoa Ranch, Best Attractions/Activities
Roberts Hawaii, Major Tour & Transport Operators
Side Street Inn, Excellence in Food and Beverage: Casual Dining
Morton’s The Steakhouse, Excellence in Food & Beverage: Fine Dining
The ISO, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Boutique Hotel
Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Small Hotel
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Large Hotel
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Luxury Accommodations 

​On Wednesday February 20th, we hope that you will join us for the 4th Annual HLTA Tourism Day at the Capitol.  This is a popular event with our legislators, who turn out to mix and mingle, talk story and visit our mini trade show.
 
I encourage you all to participate; it is a great way for us to illustrate to our legislators the strength, diversity, and commitment to advocacy that is shared by the members of HLTA. We invite our industry executives to join us at our  annual legislative breakfast meet and greet at the Capitol from 8-9am, which will be well attended by our government leaders. Additionally, we encourage everyone to visit our mini trade show on the 4th floor from 9am-12 noon.
 
Should you have any questions about getting involved, please contact Jared at jhigashi@hawaiilodging.org.

​Tickets to the second annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards are going fast! If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, you’re not going to want to miss out on this event. The awards dinner will be held on March 1st at the Hilton Hawaii Village Great Lawn from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

We have a great lineup of entertainment that evening which includes a special showcase from Tihati Productions, a beautiful performance by Miss Aloha Hula 2015 Jasmine Kaleihiwa Dunlap and live music by The Mana’o Company.

To purchase tickets to the event please visit https://hnltix.com/events/hlta. We look forward to seeing you there.