January 2023

Monthly News & Updates

2023 Legislative Session Opening Day

The 32nd Legislative Session kicked off on January 18, 2023 with its first in-person ceremony since COVID-19 led to social distancing. HRA's Executive Director Sheryl Matsuoka was an invited guest of Speaker Scott Saiki. Sheryl was recognized during the ceremonies for her work during the pandemic on the Special COVID Select Committee. HRA maintains good working relationships with many legislators as we advocate on our member's behalf for and against legislation affecting our industry. We are proud of these important relationships we have cultivated over the years.

HRA's Government Relations Committee is planning an active and engaged session and will provide updates to our membership on important bills affecting the food service industry.

You Are Invited!

HRA's Annual Legislative Meet & Greet is your opportunity to talk story with Hawaii government officials fostering great connections with our leaders to hear first-hand accounts from our restaurants about the business climate in Hawaii.

Monday, January 30th

5:30pm to 7:00pm

Central Pacific Bank TidePools

220 South King Street

Tickets $25

RSVP is Required

Hawaii SUTA Rates Are Going Up, Are You Prepared?

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) in Hawaii has announced that State Unemployment (SUTA) taxes will be increasing, effective January 1, 2023. Are you prepared for this change?

With the cost of doing business in Hawaii at record highs, it is important to keep labor costs in line with revenue.

Make sure you are aware of what your SUTA rate is and that you start paying the correct amount. This is critical. If you pay the wrong amount, you may be subject to fines and penalties.

Need help with your SUTA rates? We’ve got you covered! When you partner with Makai HR you can get on with the business you are trying to grow while we take care of your employee needs from payroll to taxes, health insurance benefits and worker’s compensation. You’ll also gain peace of mind that you are compliant with all of Hawaii’s employer laws (if you’ve ever looked you know that the list is very long, and changes happen).

Companies that partner with a PEO like Makai HR, benefit from 7-9% faster growth, 10-14% lower employee turnover; and they are 50% less likely to go out of business. Contact Makai HR today to get started! https://makaihr.com/ref-meeting/ or email scott.lichtenstein@makaihr.com.

HRA's 75th Anniversary Celebration at International Marketplace

On December 6, 2022, over 140 HRA members, guests, and community leaders gathered at International Marketplace to celebrate an important milestone in HRA's history.

The celebration was in true HRA style - lots of great food and drinks, and most importantly, networking and connections that make HRA events not to miss!

Among the dignitaries in attendance were newly sworn-in Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth, and Speaker of the House Scott Saiki. Also in attendance were Past HRA presidents, Victor Lim, Greg Maples, Mike Miller, Tom Jones, Dirk Koeppenkastrop & Ryan Tanaka, who were honored for their outstanding work in organizing, unifying, representing, and supporting the Hawaii restaurant and foodservice industry.

The Dine Around format allowed guests to visit seven amazing International Marketplace establishments including Skybox Waikiki, Kuhio Avenue Food Hall, Shore Fyre, Moani, and Crackin Kitchen, with featured deserts by Il Gelato and Liliha Bakery. Drinks were provided by Tipsy Tiki, Elixir G Gingerita, Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Mahalo to our event sponsors HMAA, First Hawaiian Bank, Makai HR, Coca-Cola Hawaii, RNDC and Kaiser Permanente.

2022 HRA Membership By The Numbers

• In 2022, membership revenue exceeded budget by 18%
• In 2021, membership revenue exceeded budget by 10%
• In 2022, we gained 96 new members, a record for new members in one year
• 31 of these new members were due to our exclusive HMAA PPO Health Plan
• 2022 member renewals outpaced 2021 renewals by 23%

HRA’s strength is not only reflected in our sheer numbers, but also in the dedication and commitment of our board of directors, our committees, and our active membership, proving that a collective voice can make an impact in our community and reflect upon Hawaii’s restaurants and the food service industry in a positive way. 

Reserve Your Booth for the 2023 Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show

Have you registered your booth for Hawaii's Official Hospitality Trade Show happening March 23-23, 2023 at the Hawaii Convention Center? The show provides excellent opportunities for creating new business leads, networking, and showcasing your product or service to qualified attendees.

Reserve your booth today!