Deadline Approaching for Member-Exclusive Scholarships
As another busy week wraps up, I would like to take this moment to remind our membership that applications for the HLTA Member-Exclusive Scholarships are due on Monday, April 30th.  Any dependent of an employee, entering an accredited post-secondary institution, is eligible and welcome to apply. We will grant two scholarships of $2,500: one for an Allied Member, and one for a Lodging Member. Again, applications are due on Monday, April 30th. For further questions, please click here or contact Jessica Caires of my staff at [email protected]. ​

Kauai Response
 
With Emergency Management as a key priority of the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, I have always said it isn’t a matter of “if”, but a matter of “when”.  We saw this reflected this past weekend when Kaua‘i was hit with record-breaking rains causing extensive flood damage to the northern part of the island.
 
Our stakeholders and partners on the Garden Isle have been heavily involved with the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts helping service the hundreds who are currently located in regions inaccessible by ground transportation. The response from the community has been truly inspiring, and HLTA is proud to say that members of our Kauai Chapter have been front and center in representing the visitor industry.
 
Our hotel partners have contributed thousands of dollars to non-profit organizations, given over a hundred cases of water to impacted areas, and are facilitating canned food drives to donate to local shelters, but that’s just the beginning.  We’ve also logged the following donations: bags, boxes, cases, and pallets worth of bed sheets, bath towels, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, trash bags, and laundry detergent.
 
In addition to these contributions, our members have put boots on the ground in the packaging of these donated goods at Hanalei Airport, to be airlifted into the areas hit hardest by the storm.  A prime example are the department teams from The Cliffs at Princeville who have dedicated their time and energy to help with such efforts. With more rain in the forecast and grounds still slick, I would like to take this moment to remind everyone that though there are donations pouring in now, there is still a lot of work to be done.

 We'll continue to monitor the situation very closely and look to identify other ways that we can help our loved ones and friends on Kauai get back on their feet again. In the meantime, I would like to again commend our HLTA Kauai Chapter Board, who has led by example during this time of crisis and need.  Not only have they supported their associates who have been impacted, but they have gone above and beyond the call of duty to lend a helping hand in their fellow communities… after all, “we’re all in this together.”

 
Edwin K. Hastings Scholarship Awarded to UH Manoa TIM Student
 
This past Wednesday, the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Tourism Industry Management (TIM) School held its annual networking event, Na Kukui Netlinks, at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. The ballroom brimmed with student excitement as they gathered, eager to network with leaders from the hospitality industry. 
 
As you know, the UH TIM program’s curriculum prepares students to not only work but excel in various jobs within the industry and the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association was honored to present our Edwin K. Hastings Scholarship to a well-deserving TIM student, Jared Matsuki.  Jared is a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School and is currently a junior in the TIM program. He’s employed with Prince Waikiki Resort and presently serves as president of Eta Sigma Delta, a prestigious international hospitality honor society that recognizes the scholastic achievements of students who are pursuing a degree in the field.  Jared is also one of the fifteen participants in our Generational Mentoring Program and is paired with HLTA Board Member Craig Anderson of the Mauna Kea Resort. 
 
Congratulations Jared, and best wishes on your continued success!
 

​Honolulu City Council Bill 6 (2018)
 
Also on Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council’s Committee on Budget heard Bill 6 (2018) which aims to amend Section 29-16.6, revised Ordinances of Honolulu, to exclude the public nuisance exception of having objects such as rolling kiosks on the sidewalks in the Waikiki Special District.  The bill  has grown legs and is rapidly progressing through the City Council with strong backing from the visitor industry.  Last month, the bill passed second reading in front of the full council with unanimous support and was subsequently passed this week through the Committee on Budget with all present members voting aye.  The measure is now slated to go before the full council for final reading on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.  We send our mahalo to all our members and industry partners who have been actively engaged in the legislative process and are advocating for this important issue.        
 
Cabaret Licensing
 
In response to action items developed from our Visitor Public Safety Conference, WIA's executive director Rick Egged and Councilmember Trevor Ozawa have joined me in facilitating round table meetings with the Honolulu Police Department and the independent “cabaret licensed” operators in Waikiki. While we are in early stages, our discussions have been promising. Stakeholders attending our meetings include cabaret establishments, their property owners, HPD, WBIDA, WIA, and the military. We are working towards reaching amicable solutions in keeping Waikiki safe for visitors and residents alike.

Charity Walk is right around the corner and I am pleased to announce that helping us celebrate 40 years of giving, as our 2018 Charity Walk Honorary Chair, is Rick Blangiardi, General Manager of Hawai‘i News Now.  Blangiardi and his team at HNN have been strong supporters and sponsors of our Charity Walk.  Blangiardi, in particular, has championed solutions and funding for homelessness which is in line with HLTA's goals and objectives. 
As a reminder, May 5th kicks off our Charity Walks on Lanai and Molokai. It continues May 12th on the Big Island, Kauai, and Maui and our 40th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk efforts culminate here on Oahu on May 19th. On behalf of our overall Statewide Chair, Glenn Vergara, mahalo to all of you for continuing the "Tradition of Giving." We commend your early fundraising initiatives and your on-going efforts to make our 2018 VICW the best one yet as we are all in this together! 

 
Speaking of Charity Walk, we are excited to announce that the first ever “Strike Out Homelessness" bowling tournament will be held on June 11th at the popular Aiea Bowl.  We invite you to join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition as we raise money to support local homelessness initiatives.  Registration for the event will be at 5 pm with the tournament taking place between the hours of 6 pm and 8 pm.  An awards ceremony will follow as we recognize the top team, the lowest scoring team, the single highest scoring bowler, and of course the best dressed team - get creative folks!
 
This bowling benefit is presented by Salem Media Group Hawaii who continues to be a key media partner for the Visitor Industry Charity Walk.  A majority of the proceeds from this event will go to benefit the Hawai‘i Hotel Industry Foundation and the Oahu Charity Walk’s non-profit groups dealing with homelessness.
 
For those interested in purchasing teams, please keep in mind that your contributions will count towards your 2018 Charity Walk total.

This past Monday our Vice President Dean Nakasone and our Director of Membership & Communications Melina Hicks participated in the LEI Program Career Fair at the Hawaii Convention Center.  They represented HLTA and shared our mission of providing education, advocacy, and philanthropy to the hospitality industry and informed the students of the many initiatives and scholarships that our association provides. 

The LEI Career Fair was hosted by students of Hawaii Pacific University in partnership with ClimbHI to educate and encourage Hawaii’s youth about pursuing a career in the visitor industry. The program started 7 years ago and continues to provide thousands of students statewide the chance to meet with industry professionals and to learn of the many career opportunities that are available to them here at home.
 
Later that evening , I had a chance to say thank you personally  to Julie Morikawa , the President and CEO of ClimbHI and her hard working staff and volunteers at their " mahalo dinner " at Side Street Inn - Kapahulu for making this program possible year-in and year- out. 

I would like to extend special recognition also to HPU’s Hospitality and Tourism Chair, Wendy Lam, and all the exceptional students involved for their hard work and commitment in helping ClimbHI put on this event. We commend all of them for their fine efforts in carrying out the mission of “providing Hawaii’s future with leadership, exploration and inspiration.”  Keep up the great work!
​

Lastly, I would like to remind you that applications for HLTA’s Member-Exclusive Scholarship are due on Monday, April 30, 2018.  This scholarship provides $2,500 to a legal dependent of an HLTA lodging member and an HLTA allied member.  This scholarship is geared towards graduating high school seniors who are pursuing higher education at an accredited US university or college.  For more information on our Member-Exclusive Scholarship please click HERE.
 
Other scholarship opportunities include our annual Clem Judd and Bob Holden scholarships which  are intended for current collegians. Deadline is June 29th and for more information, please email Jessica Caires of my staff at [email protected] or visit our website at www.hawaiilodging.org ​

HLTA meets with Tourism Chairs: Explanation of HB 2010
On Thursday the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association’s Board of Directors had the opportunity to hear from Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology Chair, Glenn Wakai, and House Tourism Chair, Richard Onishi, as they updated us on key tourism related measures at the legislature.  The conversation was lively and engaging as they shared their respective chambers position on our major priority issues such as transient vacation rentals, homelessness, the establishment of an airports corporation, and additional taxes on the hospitality industry.

During the conversation one of the major bills that was brought up and discussed was House Bill 2010 which amongst other things would primarily redistribute the transient accommodations tax revenue from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to different agencies that deal directly with similar issues that HTA grapples with.  During his presentation, Senator Wakai took the time to really underscore the point that contrary to what some have been saying, this measure will not be taking away any of HTA’s allotted marketing funds that would cripple marketing campaigns of HVCB and its neighbor island chapters. He stated that the Senate’s intention is to transfer funds and the many mandates that HTA has accumulated over the years to the departments and agencies that have the capabilities of working on these tourism-related issues, such as the Department of Land and Natural Resource, the Department of Education, and the counties, to name a few.  This will allow HTA the ability to put a laser-like focus on marketing and conducting valuable research and reports.  For a better understanding of the reallocation of these funds and the intent of this measure, please see the Senate’s April 4th News Release which can be viewed HERE.  The House position on the other hand, according to Onishi, is that they believe the status quo should remain with the amount of money that is currently given to HTA. Given the disagreement in both chambers on this sensitive issue, I believe it’s safe to say that there will be some restoration of funds to HTA with marketing a major objective.
We convey our mahalo to both Tourism Chairs for taking the time to meet with our Board of Directors and we applaud them for their yeoman work in assisting us at the State Capitol.

​Hospitality Industry Pau Hana, honoring ABC Stores
A big mahalo to everyone who joined us at our HIP event at BASALT @ Duke’s Lane Market Wednesday evening. My staff and I were very happy to see so many of you come out to network with one another at the featured ABC Stores venue. That evening we presented ABC Stores President and CEO Paul Kosasa and his team with the Kahiau Award, in acknowledgement of their 54 years of dedication and commitment to the hospitality industry. In that time, it has become one of Hawaii’s most beloved convenience stores for visitors and residents. Additionally, Paul is one of the most active executives in Waikiki, in volunteering his time and efforts to greatly assist organizations such as HLTA, WIA, and WBIDA.
ABC Stores pride themselves for being The Stores with Aloha and always take care of their customers and 1700+ employees. Today, there are 76 stores throughout the Pacific from Hawaii to Guam, Saipan and Las Vegas, including new dining venues such as Island Gourmet Markets, Island Country Markets, Honolua Store and Dukes Lane Market & Eatery. I’d like to give a special thank you to Paul and his team at BASALT for hosting such a wonderful evening. We hope to see you all at our next HIP event!

​Generational Mentoring Mixer
At the beginning of the year, we launched the 2nd iteration of our Generational Mentoring program where fifteen general managers were paired with fifteen students from the tourism and hospitality schools of the following universities: University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, University of Hawai‘i West Oahu, Hawai‘i Pacific University, and Brigham Young University Hawai‘i.  This past Tuesday, Art Sarkissian of Here and Now Consulting joined me in bringing together the mentors, mentees, and professors involved with this year’s program for a networking mixer at the HLTA office.  The hour was filled with food and fellowship as the students got the opportunity to converse with their peers and most importantly, meet the select group of general managers partaking in the program.  We look forward to seeing the relationships between mentor and mentee flourish as we complete the second half of the program.  The Generational Mentoring graduation will take place on June 6th, the location is TBD.  

​Hospitality’s Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs: Negotiate LIKE A BOSS
Thursday night, our HYPE Committee facilitated Negotiate LIKE A BOSS, a panel to help our burgeoning young professional group advocate for themselves to the best of their ability. Trevor Bracher did a great job of moderating the panel, which featured the talented Corey Campbell (Akamai Training), Kazu Hayashida (Hilton Worldwide), and Michael Paulin (Paulin Group). These four speakers lent their expertise and professional opinion on a wide range of topics, from salary negotiation to preparation strategies. The sold out event, held at RAVISH at THE MODERN HONOLULU, was the third in the HYPE Committee’s LIKE A BOSS education series. I want to acknowledge all the hard work of our HYPE Committee, especially Allied Chair Marissa Ross and Lodging Chair Keri Brown. We are all looking forward to celebrating the 2nd anniversary of HYPE with them in June.