Mufi's Message - March 17, 2021

Vaccination Webinars

Aloha,

The early reports regarding the vaccination of local hospitality workers has been outstanding. I am beyond pleased that so many of the men and women who represent the backbone of our industry are actively seeking out the vaccination so quickly. As a reminder, appointments are contingent upon local vaccine supply, so, if your associates haven't been able to get an appointment, please continue to encourage them to check online or call for openings.

Despite the early success of Phase-1C of the vaccination schedule, HLTA and HTA will still be co-sponsoring two webinars that will be held tomorrow with Department of Health Deputy Director Cathy Ross. These webinars are aimed at hotel GMs, HR directors, and those Allied members who will be scheduling vaccinations for their staff. Originally slated to specifically discuss the logistics of the vaccine rollout, the webinar will now also allow for Deputy Director Ross to answer questions about the ongoing process.

These webinars have been scheduled for March 18, 2021 at the following times:

• Webinar 1 - Lodging Members - 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Presenter: DOH Deputy Director Cathy Ross
• Webinar 2 - Allied Members - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Presenter: DOH Deputy Director Cathy Ross

If you cannot attend, or cannot send a representative to these meetings, please rest assured that both sessions will be recorded, and we will share the recording with our members.

Woman of the Year

HLTA Women in Lodging & Tourism Committee Advisory Board Members from left: Ameresco Account Executive Dricka Thobois, Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei Director of Sales & Marketing Kelly Kitashima, 2021 Woman of the Year Julie Morikawa from ClimbHI, International Market Place General Manager Breana Grosz, HVCB Director of Membership Karen Wataru Nakaoka, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide Market General Manager Angela Nolan who raised their glasses to WIL's Woman of the Year at virtual venue sponsor International Market Place.

​Congratulations to HLTA's Women in Lodging & Tourism Committee, led by HLTA Board Member Angela Nolan, on their wonderful virtual event that honored 2021 Woman of the Year Julie Morikawa, the president and executive director of ClimbHI. No stranger to Hawaii’s hospitality industry, her local nonprofit organization works to inspire students to finish high school and pursue higher education by exposing them to possible career paths and the processes necessary to achieve these goals.

This year's iteration of our annual event raised monies to benefit ClimbHI and National Public Radio. It included music from 'Elua Kane and guest mixologist Alicia Yamachika who crafted a cocktail for the evening’s festivities. ​

Welcome!

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to our newest HLTA board member Ha'aheo Zablan. Ha'aheo is the general manager of the Kaimana Beach Hotel and has an extensive history in our local lodging industry including stints at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, 'Aulani, and the Kahala Resort & Hotel. He took over the top job at the Kaimana Beach Hotel in 2020, and we are looking forward to working closely with him in the future.

Mahalo,
​Mufi