HONOLULU – Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry honored the best-of-the-best of its employees at the 29th annual Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana (the hard-working people) Awards on Thursday.
“We’re proud to recognize the hard-working individuals who are the heart and soul of our visitor industry,” said Mufi Hannemann, HLTA president & CEO. “They number in the tens of thousands across the state, and this year we’ve been able to recognize more than 60 of the best across small, medium, and large hotels throughout the state. All of the Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana honorees embody the aloha spirit at work and in the community, and we are truly grateful for their contributions to the success of our industry.”
Recipients of HLTA’s accolades are selected based on nominations submitted by their supervisors and co-workers, and are judged on the basis of outstanding and exceptional service to lodging guests, co-workers, and the community.
This year’s Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana award winners and runners-up from Kauai are:
Small Property (under 200 rooms)
1st Place – Brian Perreira, Lawai Beach Resort
Front Office Person of the Year
2nd Place – Kalili Pavao, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Housekeeping Person of the Year
Small Property (under 200 rooms)
1st Place – Elvira Valmoja, Lawai Beach Resort
Security Officer of the Year
Medium Property (200-450 rooms)
1st Place – James LaFave, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
3rd Place – Donald “Dondi” Viquelia, Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club
Small Property (under 200 rooms)
1st Place – George Tandal Sr., Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu‘u
