Hawaii Hospitality - May/June 2013 - (Page 15)

Talk STORywith George Szigeti A Tradition of Kokua Aloha, It’s well known that tourism is the heart of Hawaii’s economy, pulsating energy into all parts of our community and helping to fulfill the hopes and dreams of kamaaina across the Islands. The industry is also recognized for its “heart” in serving Hawaii’s communities by supporting local charities, nonprofits and education. our signature community event is the Hawaii lodging & Tourism Association’s (HlTA) annual Visitor industry Charity Walk that has raised more than $24 million for local charitable institutions since its inception in 1978. Held on Kauai, oahu, Molokai, lanai, Maui and the Big Island, it is the state’s largest single-day fundraiser. In 2012, more than 12,412 walkers statewide raised a record $1,371,817. It’s more than just a matter of raising funds … it’s a lot of fun, too. It’s an opportunity for the hospitality industry ohana to get together and party. Participants pass by checkpoints manned by hotels providing entertainment and handing out food and snacks. Walkers can enjoy everything from malassadas to cookies, shave ice, strawberries dipped in chocolate and spam musubi. And that’s followed by a big lunch and more entertainment at the finish line. Which is why it’s the only walk that may make you gain weight. The 2013 Visitor Industry Charity Walk will be held Saturday, May 4, on Molokai and Lanai; Saturday, May 11, on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island; and Saturday, May 18, on Oahu. There are some mini-fundraiser prequels in support of the Charity Walk. For example, sunday, May 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., you can enjoy a Cinco de Mayo “Zumbathon” for just $20 per person (proceeds go to the Charity Walk) at the Hawaii prince Hotel Mauna Kea Ballroom featuring exciting music and popular licensed local instructors. You’ll find more special fundraising events online at hawaiilodging.org. All of the money raised in the Charity Walk stays in the Islands, and we’re happy to know that our collective effort makes a positive difference to the hundreds of nonprofits that support people in need across the state. statewide chair Julie Arigo, general manager of the Waikiki parc and HlTA chairperson elect, invites one and all to join in the 2013 walk for a morning of food, fun and a bit of exercise, with a minimum $25 donation. To find out how to sign-up, please visit charitywalkhawaii.org. While the Charity Walk is HlTA’s signature event, the association is also very active in the educational arena. HlTA sponsors internships, provides college scholarships, coordinates partnerships between member companies and schools, and supports learning in other ways. Industry representatives participate in career fairs, speak about tourism to students, and contribute to the community both professionally and personally. A prime example of the strong partnership between the visitor industry and schools can be found in our annual Citizenship award—a collaboration by the Department of Education, HlTA and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser—to honor outstanding seniors from each of Hawaii’s 42 public schools for their service to school and community. Recipients are standouts among their classmates that best exemplify the Department of Education’s vision of a model public high school graduate who, among other things, exercises the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. A $1,000 scholarship was awarded to a top senior from each school. In addition, the honorees were featured in the Star-Advertiser and saluted at a luncheon on April 11. Each honoree was being sponsored by an HlTA member and was seated with that member at the luncheon. We are proud to share in the goal of making Hawaii a better place to live for everyone. Mahalo! George D. Szigeti is president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA). www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com 15 http://www.charitywalkhawaii.org http://www.hawaiilodging.org http://www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hawaii Hospitality - May/June 2013

Hawaii's Female Chefs
War on Waste
Big Island Hookipa
Hawaii’s Little Touches
HRA Excellence Awards
Talk Story with George Szegeti
New Restaurants: Chef Chai and Liko Lehua Cafe
News Briefs
Association News

Hawaii Hospitality - May/June 2013