John Murphree, a server at Cafe Hanalei, is the first recipient of the Po’okela Award for Excellence. The award is part of a new program at the hotel similar to an employee of the month program, only with more emphasis
John Murphree, a server at Cafe Hanalei, is the first recipient of the Po’okela Award for Excellence.
The award is part of a new program at the hotel similar to an employee of the month program, only with more emphasis placed on employees’ community-service ethic.
He started his career at the Princeville Resort in December 1995. His fellow associates nominated him for this award because of the joy they receive from working with him.
“John is a very pleasant and uplifting person to work with,” his co-workers said in their nomination letter.
“His spirit and friendliness toward fellow employees and guests makes him a great team player, and asset for our hotel. He goes the extra mile to help out.
“John’s rapport with our guests is outstanding. He shares his love for Hawaiian music and activities with our patrons. He lets guests use his special-cut CDs so they may enjoy cruising around listening to local music while they enjoy the sights.
“John’s attendance record is great. He is also our Cafe Hanalei plastic recycling person. Every month he takes out loads of plastic to be recycled, containers which would otherwise have been thrown away.”
In addition to the CDs he has created, he also designed a card with a Hawaiian wedding toast that he presents to newlyweds and anniversary couples as a keepsake after toasting them in Hawaiian.
Whenever possible, Murphree gives this card to the father of the bride or groom in advance of a wedding ceremony, so they can present the Hawaiian wedding toast to the couple themselves.
Murphree also spearheaded a beach clean-up at Hanalei Bay on July 5th last year, to pick up the fireworks trash left over from the holiday celebrations, and plans to make this an annual StarCare community project.
Princeville Resort is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Each Starwood hotel participates in “StarCare for the Community,” encouraging employees to take part in community-service projects.
