Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2014 - (Page 17)

NEWSBriefs Hospitality Industry Pledges $1 Million to PVS The Outrigger Enterprises Group has entered a partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS), pledging $500,000 in support to further the - The Hokule'a (Star of Gladness) in PVS Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia Mamala Bay, just off Waikiki Worldwide Voyage of exploration and educational programs. The pledge launches "Navigating the Way-The Next Generation," which includes fundraising efforts, cross marketing and global hosting at Outrigger Hotels and Resorts throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii and Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP also have announced a five-year partnership with PVS. Their $500,000 gift consists of a $250,000 cash contribution and another $250,000 contribution through in-kind support and individual fundraising efforts. Jointly totaling $1 million, these contributions from the Hawaii hospitality industry will further the Society's efforts to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging, as the sailing canoes Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia prepare for next year's journey to the South Pacific. HFWF Donates Big to Local Charities The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (HFWF) presented checks to 10 nonprofit beneficiaries totaling $228,500 on Nov. 22 in a special presentation at the Halekulani hotel. Since its inception in 2011, HFWF has raised nearly $700,000 for local nonprofit organizations. The net proceeds raised during the third annual festival, held in September on the islands of Oahu and Maui, were Hawaii chefs and restaurateurs Alan Wong awarded to the following: and Roy Yamaguchi show off the check Culinary Institute of the representing the proceeds raised at the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. Pacific ($80,000), Hawaii Agricultural Foundation ($70,000), Maui County Farm Bureau ($20,000), Leeward Community College Culinary Arts Program ($20,000), Paepae o Heeia ($10,000), Papahana Kuaola ($10,000), Hawaii Culinary Education Foundation ($7,500), Maui Culinary Academy ($5,000) and Hawaii Seafood Council ($5,000). In addition, HFWF will donate $1,000 to The Ocean Institute in memory of Rick Hadley, an early supporter who shared the festival's vision of food sustainability in Hawaii. Starwood Names New Regional PR Director Stephanie Dowling Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has named Stephanie Dowling regional director of public relations for Hawaii and French Polynesia. She worked previously as director of public relations and advertising at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., director of public relations and marketing for the Art Institute of Phoenix and senior researcher-field producer at NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. Dowling earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science from the University of South Dakota. She replaces Marsha Wienert, who has relocated to her home on Maui. Art at the Parc The Waikiki Parc Hotel, in partnership with the University of Hawaii, is showcasing a rotating art exhibition of sculpture by student artists and recent graduates. The hotel is currently exhibiting Bamboo Forest, the work of artist Ashley Huang displayed on pillars lining the hotel's Parc Promenade. The free public exhibition ends February 28, when a new artist will be introduced. Artist Ashley Huang says her "The opportunity to continue exhibition, Bamboo Forest, a partnership with the university is a reflection of her personal narratives and experiences. is an ideal platform by which to support the arts, allowing guests to enjoy a truly unique experience on a local level," said General Manager Julie Arigo. Hotel Wins Eco-Friendly Award The Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) has presented the Pacific Beach Hotel a Hoowehiwehi award for its eco-friendly guest water bottle program. The program provides each guest with a reusable water bottle upon check-in that can be refilled at various stations located throughout the hotel. The program eliminates an estimated 350,000 bottles per year from ending up in a landfill. The WIA distributes Hoowehiwehi awards yearly to honor those in the community whose projects possess the key components of the Revitalization of Waikiki plan, which began in 2001. Miki Wakai Joins HTA The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has hired Miki Wakai as a tourism brand manager. Wakai will oversee Hawaii's largest international market, Japan. She will work collaboratively with the HTA's contractor, Hawaii Tourism Japan, to ensure that marketing efforts are in line with the HTA's strategic plan. "Miki's experience will be valuable as Miki Wakai we look at innovative ways to grow this mature market and reach two million Japanese visitors by 2016." said Mike McCartney, president and HTA CEO. Wakai received a bachelor's degree in international studies from Hawaii Pacific University. www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com 17 http://www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2014

Talk Story with George Szigeti
Maui Ho‘okipa No Ka Oi
Hawaii’s Food & Beverage Superstars
All Systems Go!
Featured Department: Engineering
New Restaurants
Clean Talk with Rose
News Briefs
Association News
Marketplace

Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2014