Pau Hana program to celebrate visitor industry

The Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association is setting aside one night a month for members of Hawaii’s visitor industry to visit with each other.

HLTA is partnering with SKY WAIKIKI, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii.com to launch the “HIP: Hospitality Industry Pau Hana” program. Starting July 6, the first Wednesday of each month, from 5 to 7 p.m., will be dedicated to fellowship, networking and celebrating achievements.

First-year University of Hawaii head football coach Nick Rolovich will make a guest appearance at the industry’s kickoff event.

“HIP is yet another way for us to say mahalo and to recognize our employees who work tirelessly to make sure our state’s No. 1 industry continues to thrive and drive our state’s economy,” HLTA President and CEO Mufi Hannemann said in a statement.

At each event, HLTA will recognize one outstanding industry member with a Kahiau (selfless generosity) Award. Thelma “Kehaulani” Kam, director of cultural services at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki, will be the first honoree for her 38-year involvement with HLTA’s annual Charity Walk. She also has served as Starwood’s point person for its Aloha United Way campaign. Kam has worked at Starwood for 43 years.

“There is no way our annual Charity Walk drive would be successful without dedicated and committed volunteers like Kehaulani,” Hannemann said. “She has gone beyond the call and stands as an excellent role model of a hospitality industry employee who strives to give back to her community.”

Kelly Sanders, area managing director for Starwood Honolulu, said, “There’s nobody else that has the passion and drive to make sure that people understand why Hawaii is special. She does such a great job in talking to people and relaying the meaning of the aloha spirit. She’s a blessing not only to Starwood and our hotel and our chain, but really the state of Hawaii.”

David Kennedy, chief revenue officer of the Star-Advertiser, praised the Pau Hana program.

“We recognize and appreciate that hospitality is our main economic driver,” Kennedy said. “This is another solid idea by HLTA that will strengthen our hospitality sector, and we are happy to be a part of it.”