On behalf of the HTA board of directors and staff, I would like to extend a warm aloha and mahalo to Mike McCartney, who left the HTA on Nov. 20 to become chief-of-staff for Governor-elect David Ige.

Having served as the HTA president and CEO since 2009, Mike has helped to lead Hawaii's visitor industry from economic downturn to a robust recovery with year-over-year record-breaking visitor arrivals and spending. The success of our tourism economy over the past five years is a testament to his leadership and collaboration. Read more

HTA Welcomes Fred Atkins to its

Board of Directors

The HTA is pleased to welcome a new member
of its board of directors, Fred Atkins, who will
be representing the island of Kauai. Atkins' appointment was effective as of Oct. 8, 2014 and attended his first board meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014.

"Fred's appointment to the board of directors

will be a tremendous addition to the HTA and Hawaii's tourism economy," said Aaron Sala, HTA board chair. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise of our visitor industry and the island of Kauai. We look forward to welcoming him, as the HTA looks to continue the momentum of one of the largest economic drivers for the state." Read more

Final Ahamele Concert to be Held at Lanikuhonua on Dec. 20

On Saturday, Dec. 20, the HTA will host the last of the 2014 Ahamele: Monthly Hawaiian Music Series at Lanikuhonua in Ko Olina. From 5-10 p.m., this free concert event will feature entertainment by Anuhea and friends, Weldon Kekauoha, Del Beazly Trio, Huewa and Halau Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae, in addition to a fashion show featuring designers Ida Teiti (Tiare Teiti) and Louisa Ngum (Honey Girl). For more information about this event, visit www.lanikuhonua.org.

2014 E-Bulletin Survey

Every year, we strive to improve our stakeholder communications via the HTA monthly E-Bulletin, news releases and alerts, among other updates. Therefore, we would appreciate you taking a couple minutes to complete a survey to let us know what information you would like to receive from us.

Click here to take the survey

HTA recognizes the use of the 'okina ['] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō[ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai'i such as Lāna'i). However, HTA respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses. Due to technological limitations, this current communication may not include all Hawaiian diacritical markings.