Masako McCarter
By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – Masako McCarter, an administrative assistant at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, was named the Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year at the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s (HLTA) Na Poe Paahana (the hardworking people) awards luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki.
McCarter was selected to receive the lodging industry’s top annual award based on her exceptional professionalism, service on the job at The Royal Hawaiian and outstanding community service.
“Masako McCarter is a kind soul, whose integrity and generosity comes though in everything she does,” wrote Kelly Hoen, general manager of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel who nominated McCarter for the award. “Her selfless service to the Royal Hawaiian, its guests and the people of Hawaii comes from the heart and is inspired by the gratitude she has in her own life. She loves people and considers it an honor to be able to help them.”
The Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year award was one of nine awards presented at the annual statewide luncheon honoring Hawaii’s top hospitality industry employees.
“We congratulate Masako on her outstanding achievement in being named the best of the best in our industry,” said Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association. “Our winners and finalists are an example of the thousands of employees that make Hawaii so special.”
Recipients of HTLA’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 hotel guests, co-workers and the community. This year was the 22nd annual luncheon.
Nearly a thousand people attended the luncheon that was emceed by Shannon Scott and Lina Girl Langi of KCCN FM 100 radio.
Na Poe Paahana award winners and runners up are:
Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year
In the category won by Masako McCarter, the other awardees were:
2nd Place – Roy Yokoyama, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
3rd Place – Chris Kiaha, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa
Bell/Valet Person of the Year
1st Place – Ronald Casallo, The Westin Maui Resort and Spa
2nd Place – Chad Nakamura, The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort
3rd Place – Kaimi Kaneholani, St. Regis Princeville Resort
Engineering/Maintenance Person of the Year
1st Place – Richard Coloso, Grand Wailea
2nd Place – Nelson Galano, Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
3rd Place – Virgilio Ganal, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa
Food & Beverage Person of the Year
1st Place – Guy Becicka, The Westin Maui Resort and Spa
2nd Place – Terry Harris, Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
3rd Place – Philipina Flores, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
Front Office Person of the Year
1st Place – Hiroe Yanagisawa, The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort
2nd Place – Michelle Aquino, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
3rd Place – Brad Momohara, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
Housekeeper of the Year
1st Place – Marylou Raquel, Hilton Hawaiian Village
2nd Place – Shufen Ng, Waikiki Resort Hotel
3rd Place – Cristiana Mamuad, Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Manager of the Year
1st Place – Lynette Eastman, Aqua Waikiki Wave and Waikiki Pearl
2nd Place – Kelly Zane, Sheraton Waikiki
3rd Place – Brendan Tsukiyama, The Westin Maui Resort and Spa
Security Officer of the Year
1st Place – Larry Triplett, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
2nd Place – Matthew Neely, Sheraton Waikiki
3rd Place – Harvey Keanoano, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
Allied Member of the Year
Bank of Hawaii was named Allied Member of the Year. The organization was recognized as a valuable member of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association for its support of Hawaii’s visitor industry and the community.