Thousands walk the islands to raise money for Hawaiian charities

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – More than 2,000 people on Oahu walked from Magic Island through Waikiki and back for a good cause.

“Over 100 Oahu charities are supported with this event. And we can do our small part, it just makes a big difference,” said Mike Rompel, franchisee of Domino’s Pizza Hawaii.

The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association‘s 43rd Visitor Industry Charity Walk returned in person this year, with events at the War Memorial Sports Complex on Maui, Vidinha Stadium in Lihue, Kauai, and the Waikoloa Bowl in the Queen’s Marketplace on the Big Island.

“To see people getting up, you know, the countless volunteers that are here, obviously in the hot sun, the volunteers who are signing people up and making sure everyone is doing it in a safe way. It really goes to the heart and you really know the spirit of the law is Aloha and Well,” said Mufi Hannemann, President/CEO of HLTA.

Hannemann said HLTA expects to raise more than $2 million for charities nationwide, including youth sports center Epic Training and Development.

“They have been down for a couple of years, most of them have not been able to work. We are one of them. It’s great to have something like this where everyone comes together to support the community,” said Tina Scotty of Epic Training and Development.

In Honolulu, hikers were rewarded with food from Aloha Harvest, Domino’s Pizza and other sponsors.

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