The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School) in the Shidler College of Business hosted its annual Ambassador L.W. “Bill” Lane Jr. and Mrs. Jean Lane Lecture on Sustainability on October 29, at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. The free event drew more than 100 attendees for an engaging conversation on regenerative tourism and sustainable business practices.
The lecture brought together approximately 30 students, 20 faculty members and members of the local business and tourism communities to explore how Hawaiʻi can lead the way in balancing economic vitality with environmental and cultural stewardship.
Audience members were invited to ask questions and engage directly with the panelists, sparking lively discussion about the intersection of sustainability, culture and commerce. Student attendees shared that the event deepened their understanding of what regenerative tourism looks like in action and how they can contribute to Hawaiʻi’s future.
“The discussion centered on topics that are critical to my future career opportunities, as well as how to position Hawaiʻi as a tourist destination in ways that respect our unique culture, fragile ecosystem and protecting limited resources,” said TIM junior Sally Citrawireja and a Hoʻoilina scholarship recipient. “Being from Maui, not only is this discussion top of mind, but I appreciated the opportunity to build relationships with hospitality leaders. These networking opportunities have personally led to me being offered internships and sparking lifelong mentorships, which I’m grateful for.”
This year’s discussion featured three distinguished panelists:
- Jerry Agrusa, TIM School professor, is an internationally respected scholar in hospitality and tourism. A Fulbright senior specialist, and recipient of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association Founder’s Award and Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association’s Nā Poʻe Paʻahana “Hospitality Educator of the Year,” Agrusa has published more than 100 papers and presented in more than 25 countries.
- Taylor Ledgerwood, TIM alumna and manager of the Kahala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture and the Arts at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, is a Shidler College alumna and Hoʻoilina scholar. Born and raised in Maunalua, she leads initiatives that connect sustainability, culture and community.
- John Morgan, president and general manager of Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve, is a sixth-generation Hawaiʻi resident whose leadership has guided Kualoa Ranch from a small family business into a global model of stewardship, education and diversified agriculture.
The panel was moderated by Xiaodan Mao-Clark, assistant professor at the TIM School, who guided the conversation on how education, collaboration and innovation can strengthen Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry while preserving its natural and cultural resources.
“Events like this remind us that Hawaiʻi has both the responsibility and opportunity to model regenerative tourism for the world,” said Shidler College Dean Vance Roley. “Bringing together leaders from industry, academia and the community helps our students see how business can drive meaningful change.”
The Lane Lecture Series was established in 2001 through a gift from Ambassador L.W. “Bill” Lane Jr. and his wife, Jean Lane, to address critical issues of sustainability in the travel industry. Each year, it brings together experts and the community to inspire the next generation of business and tourism leaders.
