Hotel industry group seeks to boost charity walk funds

Hawaii’s lodging industry is gearing up to make this year’s annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk its largest ever.

The event, which has raised more than $24 million for local charitable institutions since its inception in 1978, collected a record $1.45 million last year when 12,312 walkers across the islands supported the event.

"We definitely have to beat last year’s total," said Statewide Chairwoman Julie Arigo, general manager of the Waikiki Parc Hotel and chairwoman-elect of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association. This year "is a very exciting year because its one of the industry’s best years since the 2007 peak."

More than 200 local charities will benefit from the walks, which began Saturday on Molokai and Lanai, where participants raised nearly $30,000.

"Giving back to the community is part of HLTA’s mission," said George D. Szigeti, association president and CEO. "The money raised in Hawaii stays here."

In the past, charities such as Aloha Independent Living, Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaii Opera Theater, Honolulu Zoological Society, Moanalua Gardens Foundation, Special Olympics Hawaii and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii have benefited from the event.

On Saturday, walks will take place on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii island. The largest walk will take place on Oahu May 18. The 6.2-mile walk starts at Ala Moana Beach Park’s McCoy Pavilion. Participants will wind through hotel checkpoints, which will provide entertainment and snacks. At the event’s end, Sheraton Hotels Waikiki will serve plate lunches and provide entertainment by 2 Big Hawaiians Charge by Da Pound.

Sponsored by the association, the Honolulu-Star-Advertiser, COX Media Group Honolulu and other lodging and travel partners, the event is open to all, not just lodging industry employees. Walkers can sign up at www.charitywalkhawaii.org. A minimum donation of $25 is required.

In addition to the walks, other fundraising events are taking place, including the Concert on the Lawn at Hilton Hawaiian Village Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The concert will feature local artists such as Duncan Kamakana from NBC’s hit show, "The Voice," John Cruz, Raiatea Helm, Maunalua and Taimane. Tickets are $25 for general seating and $50 for VIP seating. For tickets, call 947-7955, or go to HiltonHawaiianVillage.com/Mele.

For information on upcoming charity walks or related events, see www.hawaiilodging.org. For more information, contact the association at 923-0407 or email info@hawaiilodging.org.