Mufi's Message, 8.3.18

Political HIP: Meet the Candidates

​I would like to send a big mahalo to everyone who attended our Hospitality Industry Pau Hana event this past Thursday at Lucky Strike Social Honolulu.  The evening was filled with ono pupus, complimentary bowling, and of course lively conversation!  As we are in an election year, I took the opportunity to tie this particular HIP event to our mission of advocacy.  With just over a week left until the primary elections, I saw this as a perfect opportunity to have HLTA’s endorsed candidates come out to meet our members.  As we rolled into the night, I gave our honored guests an opportunity to address the attendees.
 
I’d like to give a big shout out to the candidates that travelled both near and far to join us that evening.  A warm mahalo to Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Ford Fuchigami - who was representing Governor Ige, Senator Lorraine Inouye, Rep. Tom Brower, Rep. Romy Cachola, Rep. Sharon Har, Rep. Sam Kong, Rep. Lei Learmont, Rep. Bob McDermott, Rep. Gene Ward, Councilmember Trevor Ozawa, Kika Bukoski, Bobby Bunda,  Scot Matayoshi, and Pohai Ryan for attending our event and taking the opportunity to talk story with our members.  On behalf of the HLTA, I would like to express our gratitude for your continued support of the hospitality industry and wish you the best in the upcoming elections!
 
A special mahalo to our host Lucky Strike Social Honolulu’s General Manager Gordon Chow, and his team, for the exceptional service, and to Sukit Kanaprach of The Orchid Lei Company for the generous donation of beautiful lei.  

Vote in the Primary Election

As of this past Monday, July 30 through Thursday, August 9, registered voters are able to visit early walk-in voting locations within their respective counties to cast their ballots for the primary election. This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure that you as a voter take advantage of your right and responsibility to vote.
 
If you’re on the island of Oahu, you can walk-in and vote at Honolulu Hale or Kapolei Hale, Monday through Saturday, 8am-4pm. If you’re on another island, please click here for a list of your early voting locations. To check your voter registration status, or for more information, please visit elections.hawaii.gov or call 453-VOTE (8683).

Announcing Our 191st General Membership Meeting

​This year, we are pleased to announce that our 191st General Membership Meeting (GMM) will be held at the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina from October 11-13.  Kudos to Four Seasons General Manager Charlie Parker , who when I first broached the subject of having our GMM at his property has been working zealously with us to make it happen... We will have many activities for our members to participate, learn, exhibit, and enjoy; including a golf tournament, an industry lunch and learn, and government forums. If you are ready to register, or would like to see our tentative calendar, please click here. We look forward to seeing you in Ko Olina! 

Drake Biel Donates to Jefferson Elementary

​Last month, HLTA’s Oahu Chapter raised a record $1,400 through their annual Back-to-School Supply Drive at Kahala Mall for Ali’iolani and President Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools. These funds and school supplies could not have been collected without the hard work and support of our members, including a generous donation of $1,000 from Allied member, Drake Biel of Drake Biel and Associates.  Today, per Drake’s request, we presented President Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Principal Garrett Zakahi with gift cards valued at $1,000 to go towards purchasing supplies needed throughout the school year.  Mahalo Drake for the contribution to your alma mater, and for the support you have provided the keiki and the community.