HPM is also working for its SHARP designation, which is the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program of the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division. “HPM being awarded this Governor’s Excellence in Safety award,” said Ellazar, “lets us know that we’re on the right track.”
Windermere, C and H announce merger
Windermere Island Properties LLC, a Big Island real estate company based in Kailua-Kona, has announced a merger with C and H Properties Inc., of Waimea.
The merger took place earlier this month, with the firms consolidating their operations over the next several months. The new company will be called Windermere/C and H Properties Inc. and will have nearly double the number of agents, with 15 agents from C and H Properties and 18 from Windermere Island Properties.
The principals of the company are also handling project sales for two high-end resort developments, Ke Kailani at the Mauna Lani Resort and Kaunaoa at the Mauna Kea Resort. C and H Properties was founded in 1981 by principals Bob Chancer and Steve Hurwitz. Hurwitz will assume the position of president of Windermere/C and H Properties Inc. Beth Richardson will remain as principal broker of the new entity.
No changes will be made to the buildings or business operating environments for either company. C and H Properties has operated out of its main office at the Opelo Plaza in Waimea for 20 years, and the principals of the company will continue to operate their two project sales offices at the Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea resorts. Windermere Island Properties opened a new custom-built office building on Walua Road in Kailua-Kona in July 2007.
For more information, call 329-2601.
Marriott resort receives accolades
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa was selected “Best New Property or Major Renovation” at the third annual TravelAge West Western Agents’ Voice of Excellence Awards gala dinner June 5 at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, Calif.
In addition, the oceanfront resort was chosen as an editor’s pick for “Best Resort for a Hawaiian Cultural Experience.”
Completed highlights of the more than $50 million renovation include all 555 refurbished guest rooms, suites and cabanas featuring Marriott’s “Revive” bed and linen collection, the new porte cochere and lobby offering a contemporary Hawaiian guest arrival experience, public areas, the 5,750 square-foot Mandara Spa and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment from cardio to free weights, purpose-built 12,000 square-foot Naupaka Ballroom, the newly remodeled Hawaii Calls Restaurant and Lounge, which provides an expanded outdoor lanai for ocean view dining, two pools including the newly built Infinity pool with lava pots and a children’s program.
Lanihau seeks design for anniversary T-shirt
Lanihau Center celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer. To commemorate this milestone, it is having a T-shirt design contest and the winner will receive $200 worth of gift certificates to Lanihau Center.
The contest is open to everyone. Designs must incorporate Lanihau Center’s logo and name, the number 20 in honor of the 20th anniversary, and must not be larger than 13-by-13 inches. The design will be imprinted in green on a white T-shirt. It can be submitted as an original, hand drawn design (must be drawn in black) or on a CD as a pdf or vector file. The winning design will become the property of Lanihau Center.
All entries must be dropped off at the Lanihau Center management office by Monday. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, contact Margo Takata at 960-1392.
Kona Village receives chamber award
Kona Village does not let its small size and “unplugged” environment deter it from achieving extensive national and international exposure. The resort’s marketing efforts were cited among reasons why the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce presented Kona Village with its annual Pualu Community Service and Business Leadership Award for Visitor Industry Marketing.
The 125 room resort on the Kohala Coast has managed within the past year to host film crews from The Fine Living Network (“All Girl Getaways”), The Food Network (“Food Network Caters Your Hawaiian Wedding” and “Dinner Impossible”) and The Travel Channel (“1,000 Places to See Before You Die” and “EcoLuxe” series) to film at the resort.
Each television production represented programming to millions of viewers that will promote Kona Village’s messages of environmental friendliness, luxury travel, Hawaiian culture and heritage in a variety of ways.
HPM wins governor’s safety excellence award
HPM Building Supply has been awarded the statewide Governor’s Excellence in Safety award, first place, for medium-sized employers in general industry.
The award recognizes Hawaii businesses and organizations that demonstrate excellence in safety and health systems that protect their employees in the workplace.
“It’s an outstanding achievement,” said Martin Ellazar, HPM corporate safety administrator, “especially considering there are many, many companies of our size. This award recognizes HPM as being a leader in safety, and the company’s progressiveness in achieving that.”
In 2007, HPM improved its safety record 55 percent from the previous year, as measured by lost workdays and workers’ compensation claim costs. The company completed this year’s first quarter with 87.5 percent fewer claims than last year.
“Our safety performance has improved since we became 100 percent employee-owned in 2006,” said HPM President and CEO Mike Fujimoto. “Our owner-employees have a vested interest in ensuring that everyone works safely because it directly affects our ESOP value.”
Companies and organizations are evaluated for the Excellence in Safety award based on three components: improvement or continued excellence in results; management commitment and employee involvement in the safety process; and a documented system for hazard analysis and hazard reduction.
HPM is also working for its SHARP designation, which is the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program of the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division. “HPM being awarded this Governor’s Excellence in Safety award,” said Ellazar, “lets us know that we’re on the right track.”