Mufi's Message - October 2, 2020

October 2, 2020

Aloha,

In today's edition of HLTA's Candidate Spotlight, I wanted to highlight just a handful of the county level candidates for Honolulu. Below, you will find the three candidates for the Honolulu City Council that have been endorsed by HLTA. Esther Kia’āina (District 3), Jacob Aki (District 7), and Augusto 'Augie T' Tulba (District 9) are first-time candidates for the City Council and each of them brings a wealth of different experiences to the table. All three impressed us during both the primary election cycle and our endorsement process, and I am excited to see how they will serve their communities should they be elected.

The HLTA Statewide Endorsement Committee was impressed by both candidates for the Honolulu mayoral seat. Although we ultimately decided to remain open during this election, we are going to share information about both candidates leading up to Election Day. This week, we are featuring Rick Blangiardi, the former general manager of Hawaii News Now. Rick has extensive experience in the private sector and would bring both leadership and a vast network of relationships to Honolulu Hale. During his interview with our committee, Rick made clear that he was ready and willing to work with tourism industry stakeholders throughout our economic recovery.

Be on the lookout for our feature on Keith Amemiya next week.

In the sections below, you will be able to access their campaign websites, review the tourism-centric questionnaire that they submitted for possible endorsement, and hear a special message recorded by the candidate which can be viewed by clicking their headshot.

Moving forward, Candidate Spotlights which will be sent out twice a week through my message posts. You may also visit our endorsement page to view info on each of our endorsed candidates.

Rick Blangiardi
Candidate for Honolulu Mayor
Campaign Website
HLTA Questionnaire

Esther Kia’āina
Candidate for Honolulu City Council District 3
Ahuimanu, Heeia, Haiku, Kaneohe, Maunawili, Kailua, Olomana, Enchanted Lake, and Waimanalo
Campaign Website
HLTA Questionnaire

Augusto 'Augie T' Tulba
Candidate for Honolulu City Council District 9
Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Mililani Town, West Loch, Iroquois Point, and portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach
Campaign Website
HLTA Questionnaire

Jacob Aki
Candidate for Honolulu City Council District 7
Kalihi, lwilei, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Hickam,
Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island
Campaign Website
HLTA Questionnaire

Volunteer Request

On October 23rd, HLTA will again partner with Aloha Harvest to host a food distribution event for hospitality workers and their families. In order to maintain social distancing, this will be a drive up event held at Aloha Stadium. 

At past distributions, we have been extremely fortunate to have so many volunteers show up to help out. If you would be interested in joining us as a volunteer at our next event, please fill out this form. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact HLTA Director of Membership & Special Projects Ashley Yonamine at ayonamine@hawaiilodging.org.

Mahalo,
​Mufi