​MHLA Announces New 2026-2027 Board of Directors

WAILUKU, MAUI – On September 10, 2026, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) announced the elected 2026-2027 Board of Directors during their annual meeting at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Every year, members vote on candidates nominated by MHLA property and allied businesses to form the governing board that directs the voice of the visitor industry.

“We have leaders who really care about their impact,” says John Pele, MHLA Executive Director. “This visitor industry is essential to the Maui community, and we are in good hands.”

Eighty attendees took part in the MHLA Annual Membership Meeting & Trade Show, where fourteen allied vendors showcased products and services, MHLA gave a review of the year’s work, and a forum featured candidates from State Districts 11 and 14. In addition to the Westin Maui, sponsors of this event included Encore, Southwest Airlines, Maui Fruit Jewels, Venture Physical Therapy, Nathan Hindman Photography, Integrity Building Consultants of Hawaii, Hawaiian Discovery Furniture, Allana Buick & Bers and media sponsors: Maui Photo Hub and Pacific Dream Photography.

Guest of Honor, State House Representative Tyson Miyake, gave the official induction of the following 2026-2027 MHLA Board members:

• Stephen Bennett, President of Trilogy Excursions
• William Bethel, General Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations
• Naomi Cooper, Deputy Director of Maui Hotel and Lodging Association (non-voting)
• Eric Duff, Dual General Manager at AC Marriott Hotel & Residence Inn
• Richard Elliott, General Manager at Andaz Maui
• Fred Findlen, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
• Myra Galinato, Vice President at Blue Hawaiian Activities
• Stephen Hinck, Area Managing Director & General Manager of the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
• Kaleo Kenui, General Manager at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
• Melissa Lee, Hotel Manager at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
• Gregg Lundberg, General Manager at Courtyard Marriott – Kahului Airport
• John Pele, Executive Director of Maui Hotel and Lodging Association (non-voting)
• Aaron Placourakis, President & CEO of AMP Restaurant Group
• Michael Pye, Fairmont Regional VP of Hawaii & General Manager of Fairmont Kea Lani
• Chris Rabang, Market General Manager – Westin Vacation Club, Maui & Marriott Vacation Club, & Island of Hawaii
• Angela Vento, General Manager of Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott Maui
• Maile Wong, Vice President & Region Manager of First Hawaiian Bank

*Representing Melissa Lee in the event was Angela Berkey, Director of Recreation at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

For more information on the MHLA Board of Directors, visit mauihla.org.

Photo (1) Credit: Pacific Dream Photography; Photo Caption: MHLA Board of Directors Installation

Photo (2) Credit: Maui Photo Hub; Photo Caption: Forum Panel with Keynote Speakers: Sne Patel, Pa’ele Kaikona, Sheila Walker and Terez Amato

Photo (3) Credit: Maui Photo Hub; Photo Captions: Attendees at the MHLA Annual Membership Meeting & Trade Show, Westin Maui ballroom