MPI Aloha Chapter : News

Island of Oahu Updates
• Welcome to Hawaii, Michael Scherbert, Account Director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki handling the East Coast market. Michael comes to us from the island of San Francisco!
• The J.W. Marriott Ihilani announces Hawaii's newest meeting venue, The Pavilion at Ihilani, the new 18,000 square foot "flexible space" for functions of up to 2000.
• The Kahala Hotel & Resort has added MaryAnn Rataj in the capacity of Senior Sales Manager to its team led by Elaine Macy, Director of Global Incentive Sales for Preferred Hotel Group.
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa has hired Christian Jacoby as Director of Sales. Welcome to Hawaii, Chris!
• Haunani Maunu-Hendrix is now Vice President, Sales for the Pacific Islands Institute.

Big Island of Hawai'i Updates
• Mauna Lani Bay Resort welcomes Kerstin Busse as Director of Sales & Marketing and Pauline Uchimura as Sales Manager.
• Four Seasons Hualalai's new sales additions include Colin Daley, Jenny Stitz and Chicago-based Patrick Smith.
• Hapuna Resort has hired a new Director of Sales, Dan Conklin
• Hawaii welcomes Frank Manchen, the new Director of Sales & Marketing for Hilton Waikoloa Village along with his new in-market team represented by Robert Korin, East Coast, Jessica Colmenares, Northern California and Liz Bernstein revving up Southern California. Hawaii expert, Ben Kekuna, is on-property as Senior Destination Sales Manager.
• Marriott In-market Salespeople representing both Wailea and Waikoloa now include Elizabeth Linn handling the Pacific Northwest and Michela Dimond servicing Southern California & the Southwest.
• Great news! Hulihe'e Palace has reopened its doors after an extensive renovation, that followed significant damage experienced in the October 2006 earthquake. Hulihe'e Palace is one of only three royal palaces in the United States.

Island of Maui Updates
• Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has added Rhoderika Miranda as Senior Account Executive responsible for all markets in the East Coast.
• The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort is now represented by Juan Pablo Garcia as Director of Group Sales
• The Grand Wailea Resort announces plans for $250 Million Renovation.
• Maui Prince Resort management steps down and is replaced by Benchmark Hospitality Group as management company for the new Makena Beach and Golf Resort.
• The Westin Maui Resort & Spa welcomes Chris Anderson as Sales Manager covering the Southwest Market.
• Klint Kolbu has been promoted to Assistant Director of Catering and Convention Services at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Congratulations!
• The Four Seasons Resort Maui has completed the addition of its gorgeous new infinity pool overlooking the blue Pacific.
• David Paul's Island Grill is now open at 900 Front Street in Lahaina featuring "New Island Cuisine" consisting of island-fresh, organic, natural and sustainable products wherever possible.
• Carol Contreras of Maui Dive Shop announced the arrival of the new Ali'i Nui, their beautiful, 65-foot, 99-passenger catamaran out of Ma'alaea Harbor.

Island of Kaua'i Updates
• St. Regis Princeville Resort celebrated its Grand Opening on October 1st, 2009!
• Hector Rubio has been named Director of Catering and Convention Services of the St. Regis Princeville Resort.
• The new Kauai Grill at the Princeville Resort will be headed up by Chef John Georges' chain of restaurants slated for opening in mid to late November.
• Gay & Robinson Sugar Company, the island's last sugar mill has announced it will be closing down permanently marking the end of sugar production on the Island of Kaua'i.