Mufi's Message, 7.27.18

Pohai Ryan for OHA Trustee

One of HLTA’s longstanding members and close friends, Pohai Ryan, former Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association and a former State Senator, is currently running for one of three Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) statewide At-Large Trustee seats.  In her past capacity as the head of NAHHA, Pohai has actively engaged with HLTA’s initiatives and programs.  As a member of the HLTA Government Affairs Committee, Pohai has helped launch our Tourism Day at the Capitol event.  Subsequently, she also chaired the event every year since its inception in 2016.  In addition to her commitment displayed in our advocacy efforts, Pohai and her team have also been active with our Visitor Industry Charity Walk and have participated as a sponsor for our annual Citizen-Scholar Awards on multiple occasions. 

We send a big mahalo to Pohai for her hard work at the helm of NAHHA, and for her participation with our association. We encourage you to seriously consider her candidacy to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and we wish her the very best in all her future endeavors!

Denny's Opens on Corner of Kuhio and Kapahulu Avenues

​The Diamond Head entrance to Waikiki just gained a new gem.  A beautifully-designed “Denny’s” franchise has opened its doors and kitchen to the Kapahulu concourse, adding another appealing touch to the area fronting the Honolulu Zoo.  The nearly 5,000 square foot, “Hawai‘i” vibe restaurant is inserting another 120 jobs to the Waikiki district and will serve up their popular comfort food round the clock.  As a valued addition to the Kuhio/Kapuhulu intersection, I am sure that we will see a resulting effect of new development in the area, as well as an increase in public safety. 

I was able to attend their grand opening on Wednesday, featuring some ono and tasty specialties by Chef Chai Chaowasaree and was pleased to see many familiar visitor industry faces at the welcome event.  Congratulations to my long time friend, former First Hawaiian Bank honcho, Don Horner and Medhat Bechay and his lovely wife Maria on their successful opening; we look forward to many future pancake and waffle runs.

Save the Date! HIP Wednesday, 8/1 

HLTA members at the HYPE Membership Drive and Mixer at Lucky Strike Social Honolulu.

​Our upcoming Hospitality Industry Pau Hana is an event you’re not going to want to miss! Besides it is very timely , as more and more people are doing absentee voting and not waiting to vote on August 11 - Primary Election Day. Mark your calendars for next Wednesday, August 1 from 5pm to 7 pm at Lucky Strike Social Honolulu (in Ala Moana Shopping Center) for our Political HIP: MEET THE CANDIDATES!

HLTA-endorsed candidates will be in attendance to meet and mingle with all of you. Please join us for an evening of networking, ono grinds, and complimentary bowling. Registration is still open, you may register for HIP HERE. I look forward to seeing you all there! 

Pictorial Membership Directory

​One of the many benefits that HLTA provides is our coveted Pictorial Membership Directory. This annual member exclusive, produced in partnership with Trade Publishing, is a large production, and we need your help. If you are the primary HLTA contact for your business, please update your contact information with us, either via this Google Form or submit this PDF to Melina at mhicks@hawaiilodging.org by Friday, August 3rd. We appreciate your prompt assistance in this endeavor, as we aim to have these printed and available as soon as possible.