10 Sessions – the Most Ever – to Address How Hawaiian Culture is Transforming, Strengthening the Hawai‘i Experience
The Native Hawaiian culture and how its legacy continues to strengthen the experience of living in and visiting the Hawaiian Islands in modern times, will be a major point of emphasis at the 2016 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference, Sept. 26-30 (www.hawaiitourismconference.com).
Under the theme Transforming Tourism Together, the conference is being presented by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and hosted at the world-class Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, HTA director of Hawaiian cultural affairs, noted that in keeping with the theme’s spirit, there are 10 conference sessions – the most ever – focused on how the Native Hawaiian culture is transforming the way people experience the Hawai‘i of today (schedule below).
“Anyone who is committed to seeing the host culture of these islands thrive within the broad scope of Hawai‘i tourism will be interested in the topics being discussed,” said Ka‘anā‘anā. “The sessions will be inspirational, educational and reinforce our cultural connections to the state’s largest industry.”
Ka‘anā‘anā added that the Native Hawaiian culture is at the foundation of everything HTA does in promoting the Hawai‘i travel experience. “The cultural traditions of the Native Hawaiian people are what makes our islands such a desirable and welcoming destination to travelers worldwide.”
Altogether, the conference will feature 60 sessions covering a wide variety of topics important to the future of travel and the Hawaiian Islands. In addition to Hawaiian culture, other topics being addressed include the environment, climate change, technology, global marketing, and LGBT travel.
For more information and to register for the conference, visit www.hawaiitourismconference.com. Discounts are available for groups, educators and students. Optional island tours are available on the pre-conference opening day, Sept. 26.
Schedule of Hawaiian Culture Sessions
Sept. 27
Hawaiian Culture in Retail
9:45 – 11:15 a.m., Room 313
Moderator: Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
Speakers: Maile Meyer, Na Mea Hawai‘i
Kapono‘ai Molitau, Native Intelligence
Monte McComber, Royal Hawaiian Center
Description: Hear unique success stories from Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs on triumphs and challenges in the retail sector, with a focus on international consumers and the expanding marketplace
From Family Lands to Landmark Destinations
2:30 – 3:45 p.m., Room 311
Moderator: Pohai Ryan, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Speakers: John Morgan, Kualoa Ranch
Lani Weigert, Hawai‘i AgriTourism
Matt Yamashita, Sons of Hālawa
Pilipo Solatorio, Sons of Hālawa
Description: The evolution of Hawai‘i’s ‘ohana farms into sustainable tourism practices is a unique legacy. Learn how to overcome challenges particular to keeping a property viable while
turning them into destination opportunities.
Museums, Monuments and Mansions: The Transformation of Hawaiian History into Destination Attractions
4:00 – 5:15 p.m., Room 312
Moderator: Kainoa Daines, O‘ahu Visitors Bureau
Speakers: Albert “Chucky Boy” Chock, Kaua‘i Museum
Mahealani Bernal, Queen Emma Summer Palace
Sunshine Chip, Hulihe‘e Palace
Description: Learn about the process and community support that set a model for transforming historic properties into Hawaiian cultural cornerstones.
Sept. 28
Sharing Mo‘olelo of Resorts
9:45 – 11:15 a.m., Room 313
Moderator: Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, Hyatt Regency of Waikiki
Speakers: Daniel Kaniela Akaka, Mauna Lani Resort
Clifford Naeole, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Kahulu De Santos, Aulani, A Disney Resort
Description: The importance of embodying and honoring the Hawaiian sense of place in creating exceptional visitor experiences.
Cultural Heritage Tourism and Native Peoples
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Room 316
Moderator: Pohai Ryan, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Speakers: Edward Hall, AIANTA/BIA
Aimee D. Awonohopay, AIANTA
Maurice Manawatu, Maori Tours Kaikouru
Description: Collaborate on the growing interest in cultural heritage tourism and native communities, and how to share it with the world.
Aloha Today and Beyond
1:45 – 2:45 p.m., Room 312
Moderator: State Senator Brickwood Galuteria
Speakers: Peter Apo, OHA Trustee
John De Fries, County of Hawai‘i, Office of Economic Development
Description: This session examines the vision of Dr. George Kanahele and the role of Hawaiian culture in the tourism sector. The second portion of the session will attempt to define the
next generation of aloha by John De Fries.
Kūkākūkā: A Talk Story with Hawai‘i’s Cultural Specialists
3:00 – 3:45 p.m., Room 312
Moderator: Kainoa Daines, O‘ahu Visitors Bureau
Speakers: All Participants
Description: This session will give participants a unique opportunity to talk story and share their successes, challenges and emerging trends for cultural resources at Hawai‘i’s resorts and retail operations.
A Hawaiian Worldview: Practical Applications in Business
3:45 – 5:30 p.m., Room 312
Moderator: Doug Chang, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
Speakers: Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, Hawaiian Airlines
Corbett Kalama, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
Gordon Umi Kai, Avis/Budget
Description: Explores strategies for creating systemic change in the visitor industry that promote Hawaiian values.
‘Imi Noi‘i: Hawaiian Research and Resources for Today’s Hawaiian Cultural Resource Specialist
4:45 – 5:30 p.m., Room 312
Moderator: Hi‘ilani Shibata, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Speakers: Puakea Nogelmeier, Awaiaulu
DeSoto Brown, Bishop Museum
Cy Bridges, Kumu Hula
Description: Explores the essential resources of Hawaiian ‘ike, or knowledge, to access and utilize these materials.
About the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is responsible for strategically managing the State of Hawai‘i’s marketing initiatives to support tourism. HTA’s goal is to optimize tourism’s benefits for Hawai‘i, while being
attentive to the interests of travelers, the community and visitor industry. Established in 1998 to support Hawai‘i’s leading industry and largest employer, HTA continually strives to help ensure the sustainability
of tourism’s success.
For more information about HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org. Follow updates about HTA on Facebook, Twitter (@HawaiiHTA) and its YouTube Channel.
HTA Media Contacts:
Charlene Chan
Director of Communications
Hawaii Tourism Authority
(808) 973-2272 (o)
(808) 781-7733 (m)
Charlene@gohta.net
Patrick Dugan
Senior Vice President
Anthology Marketing Group
(808) 539-3411 (o)
(808) 741-2712 (m)
Patrick.Dugan@AnthologyGroup.com
