Over the last few weeks, over 1,000 students across the state have attended events as part of the LEI (Leadership, Exploration and Inspiration)聽program developed by ClimbHI in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

The first time I heard of the LEI program was in 2013 during my junior year at President William McKinley High School. I had such a wonderful experience that when I had the opportunity to go back again my senior year, I went for it.

Now, I鈥檓 in college at Kapiolani Community College and will be getting my associate鈥檚 degree in Hospitality and Travel Industry this semester. I will be moving on to UH West Oahu to get my bachelor鈥檚 degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in hospitality and tourism. The LEI program has a powerful message to my generation on how important the hospitality industry is, as well as how we can do well in the field.

Aloha Welcome to Hawaii Honolulu Airport1
People come to Hawaii to rejuvenate themselves. We all can help to make their visits special. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Back in my junior year of high school, I remembered there was so much aloha spirit at the LEI program. The selfless acts from all the vendors, hotels, mentors, and volunteers to help out and educate high school students on what types of opportunities are out there. It was a good time being behind the scenes of a hotel. It showed me what jobs are offered in the hotel industry and how beautiful Hawaii is.

When I was a kid, I knew nothing about the hospitality industry. Usually, kids are shown careers that are basic and something they are familiar with. What I have learned from the hospitality industry is you help heal people mentally without expecting anything in return.

People from all around the world come to Hawaii and spend a lot of money here because they need to rejuvenate from wherever they came from. That鈥檚 what interests me most about this industry. Before wanting to be in this field, I wanted to be in the medical field because I love the idea of helping others.

But I鈥檓 not the type of person that loves studying and memorizing things. I鈥檓 more of a hands-on learner. So, in my junior year, I joined the hospitality and tourism academy at my high school and that’s how I had the opportunity to attend the LEI program.

Something I got out of the LEI program was the benefit that employees get from working in the industry as well as the results of their hard work. In college, I was able to learn more about what the industry has to offer. I notice that I鈥檓 the happiest when I鈥檓 traveling. So now, I鈥檓 leaning towards more of the travel industry side.

I want to be able to see the world and learn about other cultures, foods, and lifestyles. Over time I want to settle down and work for a hotel. While I鈥檓 working, I want to be able to save money on the side for my own business. I want to be able to open my own cafe or restaurant in the future.

This year, I had the opportunity to intern with the LEI program. It was such a wonderful experience. It reminded me of why I want to be in this industry. Something that touches me and that is still on my mind is meeting the students at Kula Aupuni A Kahelelani Aloha. They greeted us with a Hawaiian chant as well as leis, hugs and a tour of their school.

The school was mixed with all ages and they showed so much aloha. The feeling that they gave to me is something I will always carry and hope to pass on through my lifetime. The LEI program has also given me the opportunity to meet other interns with the same interest as me.

We got to know each other in a short amount of time and worked hard together to help put the events together. The memories made are something I will cherish.

From my experience with the program, I would recommend this to everyone. From high school students to come and learn about the industry to college students to help out by interning, mentoring or volunteering. Also, there is the opportunity for more businesses and hotels to show youth what the industry has to offer.

As a whole, we can maintain Hawaii鈥檚 reputation of aloha and have a better understanding of it. What makes Hawaii different from other destinations is the people, culture and food. But most importantly it is the way we make our visitors feel. The way you make someone feel can鈥檛 be replicated. With everyone sharing the sense of aloha, it makes their trip memorable and leaves them with the feeling of wanting to come back again.

What local residents can bring to the hospitality is open arms. Treat everyone as if they are family and educate the hospitality industry on our culture. Many people invest their money and time to come to Hawaii because they know we provide a safe, fun and happy atmosphere. It鈥檚 important to maintain that image. The hospitality industry plays an important role in our community by providing more jobs and opportunities. With everyone doing their part, it will benefit Hawaii鈥檚 future.

Thoughts on this or any other story? Write a Letter to the Editor. Send to news@civilbeat.org and put Letter in the subject line. 200 words max. You need to use your name and city and include a contact phone for verification purposes. And you can still comment on stories on.

Community Voices aims to encourage broad discussion on many topics of community interest. It鈥檚 kind of a cross between Letters to the Editor and op-eds. This is your space to talk about important issues or interesting people who are making a difference in our world. Column lengths should be no more than 800 words and we need a current photo of the author and a bio. We welcome video commentary and other multimedia formats. Send to news@civilbeat.org.聽The opinions and information expressed in Community Voices are solely those of the authors and not Civil Beat.

Support Independent, Unbiased News

Civil Beat is a nonprofit, reader-supported newsroom based in 贬补飞补颈驶颈. When you give, your donation is combined with gifts from thousands of your fellow readers, and together you help power the strongest team of investigative journalists in the state.

 

About the Author

  • Bill Khau
    Bill Khau is a student at Kapiolani Community College obtaining his associate's degree in the area of聽Hospitality and Travel Industry. He attended the LEI Program in 2013 and 2014 as part of the hospitality and tourism academy at聽McKinley High School. He is currently an intern with ClimbHI, which created and implements the LEI Program.