Mufi's Message, 07.19.19

Total Charity Walk Numbers Are In: A New Statewide Record! 

This year, our 41st annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk once again set a new statewide record with $2.66 million dollars raised!
 
Now that the final numbers have been tallied, here’s where the Island by Island breakdown for the 2019 year:
 
Hawai'i Island: $382,000
Kauai: $451,051
Lanai: $66,362
Maui: $1,227,062
Molokai: $23,432
Oahu: $510,259
 
Which brings us to a precise total of $2,660,166! We could not have done this without your help.  Whether you were a walker, volunteer, or a donor, we send you our heartfelt gratitude. I know all too well that these events take a lot of your time and energy so I truly appreciate all your support in perpetuating our tradition of giving.
 
Next important step is the Allocations process. It’s always a joy to witness the hundreds of local 501(c)3s organizations who apply statewide for these grants on their respective islands receive their funds. Mahalo again for your kokua! ​

Oahu Chapter's Back to School Supply Drive A Success

This past weekend, our Oahu Chapter held their fourth annual Back to School Supply Drive at Kahala Mall.  HLTA Members and school faculty gathered donations of school supplies in support of local public schools: Ali'iolani Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, and Jarrett Middle School.
 
The successful Drive collected boxes of school supplies and raised $600.  There was strong attendance by both Aliiolani and Jefferson Elementary Schools, including Jefferson Principal Garret Zakahi, and Ali'iolani Vice Principal Tim Hosoda.
 
Congratulations on a job well done, Oahu Chapter, under the leadership of Chair Bonnie Kiyabu!  Mahalo for donating your time to assist our keiki. ​

HTA Survey 

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority is conducting a survey for their 2020-20205 Strategic Plan, and would appreciate your feedback.  The goal is to identify issues and opportunities for potential products, amenities, education, programs, or experiences that would benefit tourism on your island, as well as bolster the community’s economy.
 
If you’re interested, please click here to participate.  Completed surveys are due next Friday, July 26th.

HLTA, HTA, HPD Partnership on New Funding for Homelessness Initiatives 

Through the monies raised from our visitor industry charity walk primarily, we have been steadfast contributors to many organizations who deal with homelessness; clearly one of the most challenging problems of our times. 
 
On that note, we are excited to allocate some new funding for some substantive initiatives in combatting homelessness. We are following up and responding to what we heard  at our Visitor Public Safety Conference on March 28th,  from Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard, who  focused on the issues they have had with homelessness.  The Chief requested additional support from the industry to help HPD fulfill its mission in helping our communities. 
 
We will be holding a press conference next week at Kekaulike Mall in Chinatown to unveil these new funding initiatives. Stay tuned!