Diego Bagusto (Cook) is named as Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s Employee of the Year in the Alu Like category.  Diego leads by quiet example, and with over 30 years of service, has become the invisible backbone of the Culinary department.  Executive Chef, Tom Muromoto, describes Diego as being, “a dynamite worker and very well respected among his peers and supervisors.  He is a model employee and has made a significant contribution to the hotel.”

Capturing the Employee of the Year award in the Ho’okipa category is McLord Rabino (Waithelp) of the Food & Beverage department.  As a 15-year veteran of the Hotel, “McLord is great at making guests feel right at home,” says F&B Director, Tom Fairbanks.  “He is attentive and has the uncanny ability to anticipate the needs of his guests.”  One flash of his bright and charming smile will put any guest at ease!

Kimberly Une (Assistant Manager) is honored as the Employee of the Year in the Kukui category for her outstanding commitment to excellence, inspirational leadership, and devotion to her staff.  Creative and resourceful, Kim has the mentality that “anything is possible”.  Although Kim is by nature a soft spoken individual, she exudes confidence and creates a nurturing environment for her team.   Evelyn Chang, Director of Rooms describes Kim as being, “Bright, compassionate, and a go-getter.  She is an outstanding leader that gives from her heart to her team as well as the community.”

Employee of the Year Winner, Nani Mendoza, is a team player and dedicated to her role as the Director of Guest Services  “Nani is proactive in delivering guests expectations, maintains an excellent rapport with all of our vendors, and extremely supportive of other departments,” says Lori Sablas, Director of Po’okela.  Nani has a “can do” attitude and is never afraid to take on additional responsibilities. “Nani is 110% committed to the needs of the hotel.   She is dependable, an excellent communicator, and always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”