Mufi's Message 10.11.2019

Final Call to Register for GMM

While the normal registration period for HLTA's 192nd General Membership Meeting has closed, you can still register to join us at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort by clicking the button below. We have a full weekend of educational and networking opportunities that you do not want to miss out on. I am most looking forward to seeing you all next week.

Click Here to Register for Gmm

Campaign for a Safer Community

Hoʻōla Nā Pua, a local nonprofit organization that combats sex trafficking, is partnering with the Hawai'i Tourism Authority and HLTA to host free, four-hour seminars on O'ahu, Maui, Hawai'i Island, and Kaua'i during the first week of November. The workshops will include industry-specific topics such as "Defining Trafficking & Exploitation," "Tourism Industry as Key Partners in Protecting Our Community," and "Responding, Reporting and Action Steps." 

The seminars are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• November 4: O'ahu (Royal Hawaiian Hotel)
• November 5: Maui (Westin Maui Resort & Spa)
• November 6: Hawai'i Island (Natural Energy Lab of Hawai'i
• November 7: Kaua'i (Sheraton Kaua'i Resort)

If you are interested in attending one of these events, please you can register by clicking here. Please register no later than October 29.

30th Annual Na Po'e Pa'ahana Awards

Each year, the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association hosts the Na Po'e Pa'ahana Awards to honor individuals who have contributed to the visitor industry through their professionalism, their engagement with the community, and the way in which they have consistently embodied the Aloha Spirit. These are the employees who continue to make Hawaii a premier destination. Our industry relies on their dedication and commitment to providing stellar service to all those that visit our islands. This year's Na Po'e Pa'ahana Awards has been scheduled for January 9 at the HiIton Hawaiian Village.

The nomination period is now open and will run through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 1. In eight of the ten award categories, finalists will be recognized in small, medium, and large-size lodging properties. These categories include:

• Bell/Valet Person of the Year
• Housekeeper of the Year
• Security Officer of the Year
• Front Desk Person of the Year
• Food & Beverage Person of the Year
• Engineer & Maintenance Person of the Year

Property size categories are broken down as follows:

• Small Properties - Under 200 Rooms
• Medium Properties - 200-450 Rooms
• Large Properties - Over 450 Rooms

The Manager of the Year and the Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year awards there will each have one set of finalists.

To nominate one of your outstanding employees for this year's Na Po'e Pa'ahana Awards, please click here.

Samaritan Counseling Center - Hawai'i

Mufi is pictured above with Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii Executive Director Rachelle Chang and President Rev. Dr. George Clifford.

Last night, I attended a mahalo reception that the Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii hosted for their supporters. The organization, which provides counseling at little to no cost to people in need, is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. In the time since their establishment, the Samaritan Counseling Center has helped more than 8,000 people improve their well-being and have facilitated nearly 74,000 hours of counseling and compassionate care.

Congratulations and mahalo to the Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii, their staff, and all of their supporters on 30 outstanding years of service.