Tsunami warning puts unparalleled preparedness, coordination of Hawai‘i hotel industry on full display

Travelers to the Aloha State and kamaʻāina alike should feel confident in choosing Hawai‘i hotels as their home away from home, knowing world-class safety protocols are in place, especially following their response to the July 29 tsunami.

“I am incredibly proud of the swift and comprehensive response demonstrated by Hawai‘i’s hotel industry in the face of the recent tsunami warning,” said Hawai‘i Hotel Alliance President Jerry Gibson in a release. “Our hotels’ ability to mobilize even before an official warning was issued, and their seamless coordination with state and county officials, truly highlights our unwavering commitment to the safety of our guests, employees and our communities.”

The alliance launched in February 2021 as an advocate for Hawai‘i’s hotel industry, focusing on sustainable tourism, workforce development and policy engagement.

Gibson offered several highlights from the hotel industry’s response to the July 29 tsunami that was generated by a massive magnitude-8.8 earthquake that struck off the east coast of Russia in the northern Pacific Ocean.

Pre-emptive mobilization

Long before any wave activity was expected to reach Hawai‘i (the first tsunami wave arrive sometime by about 7:10 p.m. or shortly after July 29 at Hanalei Bay along the North Shore of Kaua‘i and then 7:17 p.m. along the coastlines of the other islands), member hotels of Hawai‘i Hotel Alliance already activated their comprehensive contingency plans.

This enabled properties to swiftly initiate safety protocols and prepare for evacuation.

Seamless coordination

In an unprecedented display of coordination, Hawai‘i’s hotels worked hand-in-hand with state and county officials to execute well-rehearsed plans.

This collaborative approach facilitated the effective implementation of inland and vertical evacuation procedures within resort zones.

Leadership collaboration

Successful mobilization was a direct result of strong leadership and unified efforts.

Gibson, American Hotel and Lodging Association and Hawai‘i Hotel Alliance board member Jeff Wagoner and American Hotel and Lodging Association spokesperson and Hawai‘i Hotel Alliance Chief Advocate Kekoa McClellan worked closely with Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka to ensure seamless communication and execution throughout the state.

Care, calm and aloha

Hawai‘i’s hotels handled the situation throughout the potential crisis with exceptional care, calm and aloha.

Their primary focus remained on maximizing the safety and well-being of everyone on property and within the affected communities.

“The Hawai‘i Hotel Alliance wishes to reassure the public that the safety of visitors and residents is always paramount,” Gibson said in the release. “This recent event serves as a testament to the Hawaiian hotel industry’s robust emergency preparedness and its ability to respond effectively to potential threats, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.”