Industry Thoughts

​Opening Day of Legislature Recap

Naomi Cooper on January 19th, 2024

On Wednesday, we attended the opening ceremony of the Hawaii State Senate. Senator Ronald Kouchi, President of the State Senate and representative of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau district, gave a moving speech on the current focus of this yearʻs legislative session. Senator Kouchi, noted that “Although not all of us are from...

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Housing for Maui

Naomi Cooper on January 11th, 2024

The last few weeks of 2023 emphasized the overwhelming need of housing provisions for displaced residents impacted by the wildfire. While many groups sorted through ideas presented from private and public sectors, stories and findings presented at a few key meetings led to recent responses by county and state leaders. On...

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Maui Economy 2023

Naomi Cooper on January 4th, 2024

Weeks ago, we took part in a meeting with House of Representatives Lahaina Wildfire Interim Working Group. A Final Report named "Laulima for Lahaina" was published that outlines key issues and recommendations based on their research. The pdf is available

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Recap of ​Meeting with Hawaii State Legislature's House of Representatives Jobs and Business Working Group

Naomi Cooper on October 30th, 2023

On October 26th, we met with House Representatives who listened to the concerns of our industry properties, restaurants, breweries, retailers, and boating/ocean charters of West Maui. Led by the Maui Chamber of Commerce, notable leaders met at Leilani’s on the Beach who generously hosted an informal style “talk story” on the lanai with ono...

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Tourism Sentiment in Re-opening of West Maui

Naomi Cooper on October 9th, 2023

On October 8th, a phased reopening to tourism began for West Maui resort and hotel properties. We all recognize the situation's sensitivity and the need for all impacted, displaced, or at loss to indeed grieve

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MHLA's Maui Wildfire Response & Recovery

Naomi Cooper on September 26th, 2023

In wake of the Maui Wildfires, on August 8th, MHLA immediately reported to Maui’s Emergency Operation Center as requested, engaged with partners to initiate evacuations, and produced daily communications to members including a dedicated webpage, multiple e-blasts, and social media efforts. Since this disaster, MHLA has helped collect industry data, connect resources, and secure property...

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