MEDIA RELEASE

The 36th annual Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association Visitor Industry Charity Walk raised a record $1,745,001.

“Our visitor industry did an outstanding job this year to raise funds for Hawaii’s non-profit charities and organizations,” said Kelly Hoen, this year’s Charity Walk chairman and general manager of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort. “We appreciate everyone’s generosity in creating a lasting difference in the community.”

A total of 14,281 walkers on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island participated in the fundraiser that generates monies for hundreds of local charities. Maui raised the most funds of any of the Islands for the fourth consecutive year with an impressive $767,495 a record for the Island.

“Hawaii’s support is vital in making the Charity Walk an annual success. These Walks have a positive impact on the Islands, and our visitor industry takes pride in sharing the Aloha to the community,” said George Szigeti, president of HLTA.

The breakdown of money raised and number of walkers by island is:

* Kauai: 2,000 / $215,241
* Oahu: 7,000 / $390,000
* Molokai: 200 / $66,830
* Lanai: 185 / $29,217
* Maui: 3,196 / $767,495
* Hawaii Island: 1,700 / $276,218

Total: 14,281 / $1,745,001

Molokai and Lanai’s Charity Walks took place May 3 and Maui and Hawaii Island’s Walks were May 10. Oahu and Kauai wrapped up the event May 17.

Charity Walk had a new initiative this year with the island mayors. The mayors of Kauai, Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii Island squared off in a friendly competition to raise money for its local charities.

The county with the largest percentage growth over last year, wins. The victor will receive bragging rights and a special, handcrafted koa wood slippah plaque.

The winner will be announced in mid-June.

Sponsored by the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association along with its lodging and travel partners, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and SummitMedia LLC; the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk is one of the largest fundraisers in the state, providing an opportunity for Hawaii’s visitor industry to collectively give back to its local communities.

Since its inception in 1978, the Charity Walk has raised more than $28 million for Hawaii charities.