Mufi's Message, August 24th

​Dear HLTA members:

As Hurricane Lane makes its way towards the Hawaiian Islands, we ask that you all stay vigilant and informed of the storm’s ever-shifting condition throughout the remainder of this week. The storm’s impact on our state is still pending, but I urge everyone to prepare as best you can, and to kokua those who need help if you are able.  

Lane is currently a category 4 hurricane traveling at a speed of 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph.  There are currently hurricane warnings in effect for Hawai‘i County, Oahu, and Maui County, with a Hurricane Watch in effect for Kaua‘i County.  With the constant shifting of the storm’s path, speed, and wind condition, please check the resources listed at the end of this message regularly for the most up-to-date information on Lane.

* As an additional note for members residing in the City & County of Honolulu, the Honolulu City bus will be ceasing operations as of 6:00 pm Thursday (8/23) evening.  With the storm expected to last 36 hours, please plan on the bus service to be out of operation through Friday (http://thebus.org).

While preparations are important, the personal safety of people is always our priority.  It is my hope that everyone remains calm and has disaster plans in place, both at home and at work, wherever that may be.

We encourage you to help your associates/family members become familiar with your emergency plans, and to review them thoroughly.  We also strongly suggest that you prepare a 14-day survival kit, as we are in the midst of hurricane season.  Please click here to download HiEMA's 2-week preparedness brochure.

The HLTA office will be operating with limited staff over the next two days, as I know many other businesses are, in an effort to encourage our staff to prepare their families and homes for Lane. If the Visitor Industry Command Center is activated, we will have a presence at the Convention Center as well.

To all our members, family, friends, and loved ones, please stay safe through the impending storm.

Aloha ke akua,

Mufi Hannemann                                    
President & CEO