Exchanging Ideas with State Senator Glenn Wakai, Tourism Chair

On Tuesday, January 17, HLTA's Government Affairs Committee welcomed State Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, to speak with the committee about his legislative priorities this session in regards to the hospitality industry. The Senator shared similar priorities to the HLTA, including leveling the playing field between hotels and transient vacation units, creating an airport authority, and dedicating a portion of the TAT towards combating homelessness in resort areas. He spoke candidly, creating an intimate environment prime for open discussion.

After the session with Senator Wakai, HLTA President & CEO Mufi Hannemann and Government Affairs Committee Chair Chris Tatum opened HLTA's 2017 legislative priorities up for discussion, shared additional interests formulated by hospitality stakeholders, and invited the committee to offer input. 

HLTA is looking forward to an exciting and productive legislative session, and we are inviting our members to help us kick it off by participating in Tourism Day at the Capitol on February 21, 2017. On February 3, HLTA is planning to hold its Lei Day at the Capitol visiting all the offices with a reminder flyer of our Tourism Day.