Mufi's Message - July 18, 2017

​Last week HLTA unveiled a new partnership with three aio Media owned magazines -- HONOLULU, Hawaii Business and HAWAII -- to launch an awards program that honors some of the top achievers in the tourism industry.
 
The candidates for this new awards program, called the aio Media Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Awards, will be based on public nominations in 16 categories including accommodations, restaurants, events, music, sports, culture and heritage, education and agritourism. A blue-ribbon selection committee will review the nominations and vote on the finalists in each category. The winners will be announced at an awards banquet to be held in mid-November.
 
Nominations are open to the public and can be made online at www.hawaiimagazine.com/hlta through August 31. We encourage you to nominate your favorite hotel properties, restaurants, events, and activities that you feel are deserving of this recognition. Self-nominations are accepted so don’t be shy to submit your own organization!
 
As our members know, HLTA gives due recognition to our industry through the Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana Awards, which takes place in January each year and honors the hard-working employees on the frontlines of our state’s lodging properties. The aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards is yet another way for us to recognize and say mahalo to the individuals and organizations that work tirelessly for our state’s number-one industry. The awards gala in November will be the perfect way to celebrate that longstanding commitment in harmony with HLTA’s 70th anniversary. We will be announcing the date and venue in the coming weeks and we hope you will be able to join us for this commemorative occasion.
 
Speaking of anniversaries, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club just celebrated their first anniversary with a 1st Birthday Lu‘au in partnership with the Wahea Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and protecting the fundamental aspects of Hawaiian culture. The birthday bash led by GM Lynette Eastman featured hula performances, Hawaiian music, lei-making, Hawaiian food by Mahina and Sun’s, and cultural demonstrations throughout the day.
 
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, which was started by the iconic Roy and Estelle Kelly 50 years ago, is also celebrating this year. To kick off their golden anniversary, the resort will celebrate with a special edition of Duke’s on Sunday – July 23 from 4-6 p.m. at Duke’s Waikiki restaurant. Henry Kapono will be playing and bringing along renowned guest performers. On the following night, a VIP “Golden Anniversary” event will take place at Blue Note Hawaii, with special performances from award-winning artists Makana and Henry Kapono. Outrigger will also honor Waikiki Community Center and Queen Emma Land Co. at the event. Congratulations to both The Surfjack and Outrigger Waikiki Beach for their exciting milestones!