HLTA Reaches Record High Fundraising Goals

Millions of dollars of funds were raised by the Hawai’i Lodging & Tourism Association this year, breaking previous association records.

A total of $2.2 million in funds supported 294 nonprofit organizations in Hawai’i.

“Hawaii’s visitor industry workers on all four island counties came through like champions this year for those in need,” said Mufi Hannemann, HLTA President and Chief Executive Officer. “The record $2.2 million in funds raised will collectively make a major impact in supporting programs that benefit our fellow residents, communities and way of life on all islands.”

Charity walks across the state helped give a boost to funds raised, including one on the Big Island in May that gathered 1,200 participants. The Big Island event raised $300,000 that allowed funds to be provided to 56 Big Island nonprofit groups and charitable organizations. Additional events were held on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Those events raised a combined total of $1.5 million.

HLTA also held a Hawai’i for Hawai’i concert on Oahu in May that raised $350,000.

Among the groups that were awarded money from the HLTA were the Alex & Duke DeRego Foundation, Brantley Center, Inc., Habitat for Humanity – West Hawai’i, Hope Services, and Hawai’i Island Home for Recovery.

Money raised on each island will stay within each of the islands to support local nonprofit and charitable organizations on a local level. Each county has a HLTA committee that decides on the charities, nonprofits, and organizations that will receive funding from the money raised.

“I would like to give a big mahalo to Darren Matsumoto of Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i who led this year’s efforts, along with the Hawai’i Island community for hitting another record-breaking year and providing help to deserving on-island charities that need the extra support,” said Hannemann.

Each year, HLTA holds its annual charity walks, one of the state’s largest fundraisers to support nonprofits and charitable causes. A total of more than 11,200 participants walked in this year’s events.