Visitor Industry Gives Rice

MHLA News Release

The Maui Hotel and Lodging Association (MHLA) distributed 25,000 pounds of rice throughout Maui County in November.

The annual “Rice for the Holidays” program began in 2009 when MHLA partnered with Jim Coon of Trilogy Excursions in their annual giveaway of turkeys to the residents of Lanai by adding a five-pound bag of rice with the turkey.

Since then the program has expanded to provide rice for food distributions on Maui and Molokai. In 2011, Hana was added to the distribution. The rice was distributed on Lanai and Molokai Saturday, Nov. 21; and will be distributed in Hana on Friday, Dec. 4. Additionally, on Maui the rice is being distributed through “Feed My Sheep.”

MHLA partners with many of its members to make this food distribution possible including COSTCO Wholesale, Young Brothers and Island Movers.

“This year charitable giving has never been more important because of how the pandemic has affected everyone’s income,” said MHLA Executive Director Rod Antone. “COVID-19 canceled a number of our events this year that would have benefited students and kupuna, but this event at least was able to be held safely through the use of masks and social distancing.

Mahalo to all of our partners who despite hard financial times, still found a way to give back to the community this year.”

The Maui Hotel and Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the Visitor Industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities and scholarships, and gives back to the community via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education golf tournament and Kupuna Dinner. For additional information, contact MHLA at 244-8625.