Mufi's Message 1.24.20

HLTA Sex Trafficking Plan

The Hawai'i Lodging & Tourism Assocation recognizes that the lodging industry can play an outsize role in disrupting the scourge that is human trafficking. As such, we have put together a disruption plan and will continue to work with our elected officials and community partners to address this issue. To read our plan in its entirety, please click here. ​

HLTA Staff Announcements

I am pleased to announce that I have tapped Jason Paloma to be HLTA's new Senior Director of Operations. Jason will take over the responsibilities formerly handled by Edgar Palafox, who left our organization to spend more time with his wife and twin daughters.

Jason comes to HLTA from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs where he served as lead grants specialist. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with HMSA in a variety of senior roles. He is a former Pacific Century Fellow and a current member of the Hawai'i Sports Hall of Fame's executive advisory board. Jason will oversee our day-to-day office operations and help organize our numerous community engagement programs around the state.

I am also proud to announce that I have promoted Jared Higashi from Senior Director to Vice President of Government and Community Affairs. Over the past five years, Jared has been invaluable in helping me to forward HLTA's advocacy efforts. He will retain his government affairs duties and will also lead key events such as the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Na Po'e Pa'ahana awards, and the Visitor Public Safety Conference.

Lei Day at the Capitol

On Tuesday morning, HLTA held its annual Lei Day at the Capitol event. Each year, before the governor delivers the State of the State address, HLTA staff and members descend on the halls of the Hawaii State Capitol to deliver lei and our legislative packet and wish our state legislators all the best for a successful session. 

We had a great turnout of both allied and lodging members who joined us for the morning. Mahalo to all of our members who were able to make it!

I'd like to also send a special shoutout to Sukit Kanaprach and The Orchid Lei Company who donated all of the beautiful lei that we handed out on Tuesday. The Orchid Lei Company has always been a strong supporter of HLTA and has supplied us with the most amazing lei many a time. Mahalo Sukit!

Lastly, mark your calendars for February 21st as we bring our hospitality and aloha spirit to the big square building again at our annual Tourism Day at the Capitol. ​

Royal Hawaiian Center 40th Anniversary

Congratulations to The Royal Hawaiian Center which held its VIP Kick Off Party in recognition of the center's 40th anniversary.