People on the Move for Monday, April 1, 2013

People on the Move for Monday, April 1, 2013

KCC instructor honored

PEARL CITY — Kaua‘i Community College faculty member Cheryl Fujii was presented with an award recognizing her work as Newsletter Editor of the Hawai‘i Business Education Association’s “hbea.org” quarterly publication.

WBEA Awards Director Allyson Saunders, and WBEA President Greg Colf, presented the “excellence in publications” award to Fujii in February at the Western Business Education Association conference in Ogden, Utah. It is the regional affiliate of the NBEA.

Fujii, who is an Instructor of Business Technology at Kaua‘i Community College, received the honor for her work in designing a publication that allows for regular contact among members, promotes professional and educational opportunities, and serves as a support network.

HBEA is a non-profit, professional organization for teachers of business and information technology as well as those businesses and organizations interested in the quality and training of Hawai‘i’s workforce. Its purpose is to promote business education and provide opportunities and to prepare students to use information technology and business skills in a global society.

Hawaiian Airlines names Cabin Experience director

HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines on Friday announced it has a new position of Director of Cabin Experience.

Renee Awana will serve as the first director of cabin experience. She is responsible for the design of Hawaiian’s in-flight cabin services and products system-wide.

“Hawaiian puts a high priority on the quality and comfort of our in-flight service, and Renee’s career in marketing and focus on delivering what customers want will be an asset to our continuous effort to innovate and preserve our industry leadership in onboard service,” said Blaine Miyasato, Hawaiian’s vice president of product development.  

Awana has 21 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy and development, advertising, public relations and business development in Hawaii and Utah. Prior to joining Hawaiian, she served as the vice president and head of marketing for Mobi PCS in Hawai‘i, and previously managed marketing efforts for companies in the wireless telecom, environmental and fitness industries.  

Awana was born and raised in Hawai‘i. She graduated with honors from both Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.

Kukui‘ula Club names manager

PO‘IPU — Known as “The Club”, the social and recreational hub of the South Shore Kukui‘ula development, has named Paul Horner as its new general manager.

According to the March 19 announcement, Horner is from Hawai‘i and is a Kamehameha Schools O‘ahu graduate. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from Northwestern University.

“I am both humbled and thankful for the opportunity to become a part of the outstanding team at Kukui‘ula,” said Horner. “I am looking forward to delivering on our promise to serve our owners, members and community with the special brand of aloha that has made the Island of Kaua‘i famous.”

Kukui‘ula President Brent Herrington said Horner a highly respected figure in the world of luxury resorts. He brings more than 30 years of luxury hospitality experience to Kukui‘ula, and was hired to build upon the community’s dedication to gracious Hawaiian hospitality.

“Paul is a deeply experienced professional, but is best known for leading from the heart,” said Herrington. “His warmth, enthusiasm and sense of aloha impressed all of us.

“There is a unique spirit of caring at Kukui‘ula that we are committed to nurturing and growing,” Herrington added. “We believe Paul will help us do that.”

Horner’s past management experience includes the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, and the Keauhou Beach Resort on the Big Island. He also worked with the Manele Bay Hotel and The Lodge at Koele on the island of Lana‘i.

On the Mainland, Horner served as general manager for The Carneros Inn in Napa, Calif. His plans are to provide strategic vision and guide the day-to-day operations at The Club at Kukui‘ula, which offers access to an adjacent golf course, sanctuary and The Plantation House.