Mufi's Message - January 29, 2021

'Alohilani Resort Concierge Service

From left: HLTA Chair Cheryl Williams; HVCB President & CEO John Monahan; Mufi Hannemann; HTA President & CEO John De Fries; Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi; Highgate Hawaii Senior VP Kelly Sanders; V2 Medical Group CEO Jeff Gable, V2 Medical Group Managing Director Pualani Gable, and their team.
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Aloha,

​Yesterday, the 'Alohilani Resort announced the launch of its new concierge service that will help travelers navigate the COVID-19 testing process. As we all know, finding a trusted partner and obtaining timely test results has been a major cause of concern for prospective travelers. Now, through a partnership with local pandemic management agency V2 Medical Group, 'Alohilani customers will be able to source an at-home test, schedule a tele-health appointment to administer the test, and receive their results in time for their flight.

This is an innovative solution from the 'Alohilani. My congratulations to Highgate Hawaii Senior VP Kelly Sanders, our very own HLTA Chair Cheryl Williams, 'Alohilani General Manager Matthew Grauso, and the V2 Medical Group led by Jeff and Pualani Gable for the successful launch! ​

Lt. Gov Josh Green

Lieutenant Governor Josh Green addresses the HLTA membership at the  192nd General Membership Meeting at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on October 18, 2019.

This coming Tuesday, the HLTA Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee will meet with Lt. Governor Josh Green to discuss specifics on the State's vaccination schedule and to advocate for hospitality workers to be among the earliest individuals to be vaccinated. This is a critical discussion and it is important to protect the men and women who are the backbone of our industry as early as possible.

I look forward to this session with the lieutenant governor and encourage our board and committee members to attend the meeting if at all possible. ​

State of the Industry

Recently, two travel industry leaders issued their annual State of the Industry addresses from a national perspective. U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Roger Dow provided an update on the current travel climate. His remarks, which can be viewed here, covered a number of pressing issues currently facing the industry including the following:

• The extent of the economic impact being felt by our industry as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The need to prioritize the control of the virus while also seeking out federal relief and stimulus.
• The unveiling of U.S. Travel's Power of Travel Policy Platform.

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American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO William "Chip" Rogers also delivered his annual address which reported on AHLA's 2021 State of the Hotel Industry Report which can be viewed in its entirety here. AHLA's report provides a status update on the lodging industry as well as a detailed outlook for the coming year. ​

Mayor Billy Kenoi

Pictured from left: Former Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalho; Former Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares; Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann; Former Hawai'i Mayor Billy Kenoi

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Hawai'i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi earlier this week. During my time as mayor, I enjoyed a close working relationship with Billy along with former Mayors Charmaine Tavares and Bernard Carvalho.  We formed the Hawai'i Council of Mayors that became the basis of an unprecedented collaboration never witnessed before in the state of Hawai'i.  From the State Capitol to Washington D.C. we were united as a team, speaking with one voice on behalf of our counties. 

I was fortunate to have known Billy so well and my deepest condolences go to his wife Takako, their children, and the entire Kenoi 'ohana during this difficult time.

KHON2: Friends say Kenoi was sharp, witty, funny in final days, 

Mahalo,
Mufi