Did you find the hospitality industry or did the hospitality industry find you?

Being born and raised on O‘ahu, I was immersed in tourism growing up. From a young age helping our family business in Waikīkī, I was drawn to the hospitality industry and the ability it provided to connect with people from all around the world.

What do you think is the importance of the hospitality industry and how do you feel you fit in?

The hospitality industry is a global economic driver. It provides millions of job opportunities, supports local businesses, and helps to preserve the history/culture of a destination. We see this true especially here in Hawai‘i where the hospitality industry is the main economic driving force that sustains our economy. As someone who has worked in this industry for over 25 years, I do my best to give back by volunteering on various hospitality boards/associations to help tourism continue to thrive in Hawai‘i.

Are there any aspects that excite you the most about the hospitality industry and invigorate your team?

I think the impact our industry has to help support businesses on many levels is amazing. From the top luxury stores at our shopping centers, restaurants, art galleries, tour companies, our hard working farmers, and the many small locally owned businesses selling made in Hawai‘i products—everyone benefits from a thriving tourism industry. Personally, for myself and my team, when we are able to generate enough of the right business to fill our hotel’s occupancy or drive our restaurant covers, it helps all of our employees benefit by being able to work full schedules.

What do you feel are the most serious challenges facing the hospitality industry and how might they be resolved? What is the industry doing well?

With the advancement of technology, the expectation of making a travel experience easier, faster, and more personalized for our customers is a new challenge. Protecting a company’s data through cyber security, finding ways to become more sustainable in running our businesses, and developing the next generation of workforce are all ongoing challenges. I feel we are doing well as an industry to adapt in order to find solutions.

What do you envision will take place in the hospitality industry in the years ahead and how might the local industry adapt or change?

I believe the tourism industry will continue to evolve as it has for centuries in the many years ahead. Many alternative and less expensive destinations are starting to compete with traditional destinations all around the world, attracting the attention of the next generation of travelers. I think Hawai‘i and our hospitality industry will need to remain proactive, unique, and mindful in how we continue to promote our destination, and hopefully with the support of our government and community as well.