Mufi's Message 9.13.2019

Marriott Business Council Meeting

Mahalo to Marriott International for inviting me to give another legislative update at their Business Council Meeting. Being that one of the major pillars of what we do at HLTA is advocacy on behalf of our association members and the visitor industry as a whole, it is always great to talk story directly to industry members on the legislative matters that we are prioritizing at the State and County levels. My remarks covered a number of issues ranging from transient vacation rentals to "overtourism" to the TAT to Property Taxes and to the Airport . 

If you or your organization would be interested in having me give a legislative briefing, please do not hesitate to reach out to the HLTA office. It is critically important that we are all aware of the challenges currently facing the visitor industry so that we may be prepared to effectively address them.

Ka 'Ikena Is Just Around the Corner

The 8th Annual Ka ‘Ikena Reception is fast approaching! The menu has been finalized and I am sure that you will love it. The KCC students have decided to focus on French cuisine, taking special care to choose dishes that represent the entirety of French cooking and the French homeland.​

​Let’s  have a strong showing from hoteliers and restaurateurs to show these students that their futures are bright within our industry. Please reserve your seat for this event as soon as possible. You may reserve your ticket at the link below. ​

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER For Ka 'ikena 2019

Charity Walk Allocation Events

In an effort to recognize some of the organizations that stood out at this year's Visitor Industry Charity Walk, I have been presenting these groups with an oversize check to match my oversize gratitude for all of their hard work and fundraising this year. It has been encouraging to interact with them and to learn just how important these funds can be to small groups of people who are trying to make big differences. It truly drives home the impact that Charity Walk has on a year to year basis.

This past Monday, I delivered a check to Hawai'i Arts Alliance in a special ceremony at Kalihi Kai Elementary School. The local arts advocacy group immediately gifted a portion of their Charity Walk allocation sum to Kalihi Kai in support of the school's Turnaround Arts Program which uses arts integration strategies in specific schools. This was an especially touching event for me as I attended Kalihi Kai Elementary School in kindergarten and first grade.  ​

​I also recently visited with the Hawai'i Chapter of The Compassionate Friends. This nonprofit provides friendship, solace, and hope to families who are grieving after the loss of a child. The organization was founded more than 40 years ago in England and has grown to include more than 600 chapters around the world.

Finally, I met with members of Aloha Medical Mission, a group that, over the past several years, has become a strong participant in Charity Walk. This volunteer-driven organization is based in Hawai'i and provides free health care to under-served populations around the state and beyond. Their services include everything from free dental clinics to surgical teams that are sent to developing countries around the Pacific. ​