Mufi's Message - July 7

Homeless Repatriation Program

Aloha,

On Sunday, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser ran a human interest piece that told the story of a homeless individual who was reunited with his family through a "tourism-funded repatriation program" that began back in 2014. Repatriation has been strongly recommended and supported by HLTA as another effective tool to utilize in our quest to combat homelessness, To date, non-profit groups on Maui, Kaua'i, and O'ahu have taken advantage of the program.

The program, which requires homeless individuals to pay a portion of their airfare and be matched with a friend or family member who agrees to assist them, has been highly successful since its inception. To date, more than 700 homeless individuals have been reunited with their families or friends and sent home. Of these individuals, only 2% have returned to the islands in any capacity.

HTA made possible through funding with the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai'i to return the aforementioned individual back to his home. ​

Tony Ruivivar

Tony Ruivivar is pictured above receiving HLTA's Na Po'e Pa'ahana Legacy Award in 2017. Also pictured are Aston Waikiki Sunset GM Dean Nakasone, left, and Trump International Hotel Waikiki GM Scott Ingwers

I was saddened to learn of Society of Seven leader Tony Ruivivar’s recent passing. I had been a huge fan ever since high school. SOS was one of the featured stars on the Waikiki strip back in the day. Thousands of locals and visitors would flock to the Outrigger to take in their show. Tony was a dear friend of my brother Nephi and I was fortunate to have SOS perform at many of my events in the past. The Legacy Award was the last big honor that the SOS received. 

HLTA Membership Scholarship

It is the final week to submit your applications for the
HLTA Member Scholarship!
 
As we have in years past, we will be awarding two $2,500 scholarships this year- one to the child of an Allied Member and one to the child of a Active Member.

This scholarship is open to the children of HLTA members who graduated from high school in 2020 and have been accepted to a university, college, vocational, or technical school. 

The application can be downloaded at this link and is due no later than Friday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the HLTA offices at (808) 923-0407 at any time. Applications can be sent to jcaires@hawaiilodging.org.

Mahalo,
​Mufi