Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association

A non-profit organization representing Hawaii's lodging and tourism industry. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, supporting local lodging businesses, and advocating for policies that enhance Hawaii's tourism sector.

CCI Score

-35.74

0.02% April 18

Latest Event

Controversial Political Maneuvering at HLTA

The article reports that under former leader Mufi Hannemann, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association spearheaded a crackdown on vacation rentals designed to benefit hotel interests, a move now linked to allegations of corruption, resignations, and the defunding of key traveler programs, creating broader uncertainty in Hawaii's travel sector.

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TOADIE

Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association is currently rated as a Toadie.

-30 to -44 CCI Score

Companies scoring in this range actively seek to please authoritarian regimes. They offer proactive support and assistance in exchange for preferential treatment, compromising ethical standards for business gains and political favor.

Latest Events

MAR

28

2025

Controversial Political Maneuvering at HLTA
-44.73

The article reports that under former leader Mufi Hannemann, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association spearheaded a crackdown on vacation rentals designed to benefit hotel interests, a move now linked to allegations of corruption, resignations, and the defunding of key traveler programs, creating broader uncertainty in Hawaii's travel sector.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

March 28

The HLTA’s role in aggressively pushing policies that suppress vacation rentals to favor established hotel interests reflects a form of problematic public and political behavior. This controversy, marked by allegations of corruption and a loss of transparency, undermines democratic policy processes in the tourism sector.

Hawaii Travel Crisis Grows: Corruption, Resignations, Defunding Risks Ahead
-40

Executive Political Engagement

March 28

The involvement of former HLTA leader Mufi Hannemann in orchestrating these policies illustrates concerning executive political engagement. His actions contributed to a climate of uncertainty and organizational turmoil that signals a troubling alignment with corporate political interests rather than public accountability.

Hawaii Travel Crisis Grows: Corruption, Resignations, Defunding Risks Ahead
MAR

28

2025

Audit Raises Questions Over Discounted Services by HLTA
-35.00

A state audit revealed questions regarding $14,000 in discounted and comped services provided by the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association for events linked to former HTA Chair Mufi Hannemann, prompting his resignation and raising concerns over ethical business practices and accountability.
MAR

27

2025

Controversial Freebies and Resignation Amid Audit Findings
-43.37

Mufi Hannemann resigned as chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board amid allegations involving the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association's public safety conference and a related meeting, where procedural deficiencies allowed for free food and rental discounts at the Convention Center. The unsigned reservation forms and delayed billing raised significant concerns about lack of transparency and potential undue influence in event approvals.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 28

The resignation of the board chair amidst allegations indicates a problematic public and political behavior, as it reflects issues of accountability and potential abuse of influence. The unresolved approval processes and questionable use of HTA space undermine public trust and suggest a failure in proper ethical oversight.

Hannemann resigns as HTA chair amid allegations of freebies
-60

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 28

The audit highlighted serious procedural deficiencies including unsigned reservation forms and delayed billing for events reserved as HTA space, suggesting unethical business practices. Such irregularities can foster an environment of favoritism and potential undue influence, undermining transparency and accountability in organizational operations.

Hannemann resigns as HTA chair amid allegations of freebies
MAR

26

2025

HLTA CEO Resigns Amid Freebie Spending Inquiry
-19.87

Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association, resigned as chair of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority after board members questioned his handling of a $14,000 free food expense related to a public safety conference at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. The inquiry raised concerns over the organization’s financial practices, with no record of payment for services rendered.
+5

Public and Political Behavior

March 28

The resignation comes after a thorough board inquiry, suggesting an effort to restore accountability in public and political behavior. While the leadership change may help reaffirm democratic oversight, the initial mismanagement raises questions about earlier governance practices.

Hannemann Resigns As Chair Of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Amid Freebie Inquiry
-50

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 28

The controversy centers on the mishandling of a $14,000 expense for food and beverages, where no payment record was found. This lack of proper financial accountability and transparent billing practices reflects problematic business behavior that undermines ethical responsibility.

Hannemann Resigns As Chair Of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Amid Freebie Inquiry