Charity Walk goes over the top

PO‘IPU — When Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa General Manager Michael Murphy presented a check for more than $20,000 to the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association Kaua‘i Chapter, he had no idea the efforts of the Hyatt associates broke the record for the Kaua‘i Visitor Industry Charity Walk.

With the award that represents the Hyatt’s overall fundraising performance for the walk, and the associates’ efforts, Kaua‘i HLTA Director Samira Siale said the charity walk collection is at $570,000.

“This amount is greater than the highest-collection totals Kaua‘i has achieved at any of our charity walks,” Siale said. “It’s also $110,000 more than our goal for this year’s walk.”

Money raised during this 44th annual fundraising effort by the HLTA Kaua‘i Chapter stays on the island to benefit nearly 60 local nonprofit organizations.

Ike Cockett, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay Kaua‘i, served as chair for the walk that took place May 6 in Lihu‘e.

“The good news is that Ike said he’ll be back to chair next year’s walk,” Siale said.

In addition to providing funds toward the charity walk, the Hyatt also announced its first ever Kamehemeha Day program that will take place at its Seaview Terrace on Sunday, the actual Kamehameha holiday.

The ceremony starts at 5 p.m. with the traditional procession and protocol, followed by music, dance and more, to end at 7 p.m.

Led by Keola Worthington and a trio of musicians, the Kamehameha celebration will feature chanting, drums, conch shell blowing and island-style music.

Kumu Hula Troy Allen Hinano Lazaro and Halau Ka Pa Hula O Hinano will showcase the true essence of hula during this cultural celebration, the Hyatt said.