KEVIN KANESHIRO
Sales & Promotions Manager of Vacations Hawaii
Hawaii's AMAZING LEADERS! MEET SOME OF
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(702) 776-6900 Federally Insured by NCUA * Personal term loan offer valid as of 9/1/19 and may be modified or canceled at any time. Valid for loan amounts from $1,500 to $30,000. Membership ($5 in Regular Savings) required. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Your loan approval and APR are based on credit-worthiness. Example: monthly payments on a $2,500 loan could be as low as $211.36 for 12 months. Offer includes a 0.24% discount for automatic payment from an APFCU account or a Division of APFCU account. New loans only. No refinancing of existing APFCU or its Divisions loans. Other restrictions may apply. See branch for details on applicable fees, and for other available rates and terms.
Entertainment at the opening included ta by Las Vegas Kamin
9
Al16oha
IN THE BANK
14 28
is still the only Hawai‘i-based says Aloha Pacific Federal financial institution with a branch Credit Union President and CEO in Las Vegas, or anywhere on the Vince Otsuka. “But it’s not all or more than 80 years, continental United States. about money. We do what’s t’s been a commitment There were many reasons right and that’s why people he core of Aloha Aloha Pacific believed itself a come to us. Delivering value Federal Credit Union’s good fit for Las Vegas. The city to our members is top priority. its members, and is a longtime It’s at the core of stone of the financial favorite vacation our mission and ’s long legacy of “Our philosophy at A three-monthcommitment guide to events to in Sin City Kellan Briones, Owner of Premierof destination members in reaching Aloha Pacific centers Hawaii Barbershop Hawai‘i residents, banking with aloha.” cial goals. Over those on community and the who flock to the Since 2010, ha Pacific has imbued knowledge that we are Lucky You! “ninth Hawaiian that commitment, to banking with aloha Deena Tearny, Founder & CEO of Pacific Point all stronger together Island” to the threaded into the thing it does and every – and that includes tune of more than DNA of all of Aloha provides, from personal Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union in Vegas financially stronger.” 260,000 annually. Pacific’s Hawai‘i nd business banking, Garret Sugai, Vice President of Health Plan With its relatively branches, has also Service & Administration at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii ual loans and home low cost of living and housing extended to the Las Vegas loans, and online and Kevin Kaneshiro is focused on the ninth island compared to Hawai‘i, Las community with the success of nking. Vegas is alsoFounder/Advisor the top migration the credit union’s first branch Kathy Inkinen, of Inkinen hilosophy at Aloha & Associates for Hawai‘i residents destination outside the Hawaiian Islands, nters on community Lauren Chun, Owner/Manager of originally in Summerlin and now relocating from the Islands. nowledge that weThe are Firm Pilates Three years after opening at the Sansone Richmar Plaza r together – and that Julie Hong, Senior Associate of Booz in Henderson. Aloha Pacific in Henderson, Aloha Pacific nancially stronger,”
ng with aloha.
CONTENTS 6 Calendar 8
Boyd Winners
9
Aloha in the Bank
22 Cutting with Compassion 24 IT Girl
26 Man with a plan
14 Up the Ante
28 Change it up
16 RAIsing the bar
32 woman in stem
18 healthcare
The business of keeping Hawai‘i healthy
Allen Hamilton
18 Hospitality Prodigy
2 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Margo Mau Bunnell, General Manager of Roberts Hawaii
has consistently g membership in La its commitment t aloha and range o appealing to form residents and the The Henderson b fulfilled a goal of credit union’s mo business and port popular with Haw Even the lead Pacific’s Henderso is a former Hawai Joy Viana was we branch manager i with more than 25 career experience financial industry, with her valuable understanding an needs of credit un with Hawai‘i ties a “People come Pacific because w providing the bes our members. Bu that we provide a sense of aloha alo say Viana. “We’re the opportunity t Henderson comm Vegas is not just H island’ to us. It’s o Since opening Aloha Pacific also outside O‘ahu to islands via a merg Credit Union on K and a new branch year, looking forw the financial need communities for y Strengthened in the credit union
M
aybe the best person to look into helping your parents move is you.
It’s not always easy to convince them to leave the house they’ve lived in all these years. Much less to investigate some alternatives. Perhaps that’s your first step. Find out about all the ways Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani supports well-being in body, mind and soul. Whether mom likes to stay busy with friends and activities like tai chi or dad enjoys morning walks and chef-prepared meals, come see why Pohai Nani is somewhere they’d be happy to live. So this time, when you talk to them about it, just maybe, they’ll listen. Schedule a tour to experience Pohai Nani for yourself. Call (888) 623-9499 or visit PohaiNani.com.
The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (the Society) and Owner comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, familial status, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status or other protected statuses except as permitted by applicable law, in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities, and in staff and employee assignments to individuals, whether carried out by the Society directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which the Society arranges to carry out its programs and activities. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2018 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved. PAKDAAR: Nu saritaem ti Ilocano, ti serbisyo para ti baddang ti lengguahe nga awanan bayadna, ket sidadaan para kenyam. Awagan ti 1-866-477-5343. PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng Tagalog, maaari kang gumamit ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang bayad. Tumawag sa 1-866-477-5343. 192150
aloha
Most of you currently show your driver’s license to get through TSA checkpoints. Some of you may be using your State ID card or even a passport to clear Security. But do you know that if you’re 18 years of age or older, effective October 1, 2020, which is less than a year away from now, if you don’t have a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or another form of federally accepted identification such as a passport, TSA will not allow you to board your flight. In brief, if you want to continue using your driver’s license or State ID as identification to fly after October 1, 2020, it’ll need a GOLD STAR on it. How can you avoid being turned down for travel or not be allowed in military base or Federal Facility which requires federally acceptable identification? 1. Don’t procrastinate. It could take several months to get that gold star so don’t wait until the last minute. 2. Apply in person at a Drivers’ Licensing Center (Kapalama, Kapolei, Koolau, Wahiawa, Waianae) or Satellite City Hall (Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge, Windward City) on Oahu. For more information visit Honolulu.gov/csd or to make an appointment log on to alohaq.org 3. When applying in person, bring the required documentation with you. (Original or certified copy of your birth certificate or valid US Passport. Social Security card or a W2 form or pay statement. Two proofs of current physical Hawaii address.)
Volume 11 | Issue 4 | WINTER 2019
PUBLISHER Naomi Hazelton
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Christie Honore Alexandra Katsahnias
ART DIRECTOR Chase Nuuhiwa
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dave Miyamoto Tony Grillo
ADMINISTRATION Sally Shaner
PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Alexandra Katsahnias
INTERN Kiana Simpson
For additional information on REAL ID documents and requirements, please refer to the document guide at Honolulu.gov/csd Remember don’t wait until the last minute. Feel free to ask one of our agents for additional information.
Bill Smith Vice President / General Manager Vacations Hawaii
ELEMENT MEDIA INC. 1088 Bishop St. #1130 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 737-8711 info@elementmediahi.com
VACATIONS HAWAII 1585 Kapiolani Blvd. Ste. 900 Honolulu, HI 96814 (808) 591-4777 boydvacationshawaii.com
©2019 by Element Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in Las Vegas Bound do not reflect the opinions of Element Media or Vacations Hawaii.
Las Vegas Bound
Thank you for choosing Vacation Hawaii! 4 LAS VEGAS BOUND
@vegasboundmag
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LAS VEGAS
NOVEMBER NOV 1-3
LAS VEGAS HOLIDAY CRAFT AND GIFT FESTIVAL
With an array of holiday decorations, ornaments, clothing, ceramics, candles, photography, jewelry, specialty foods and much more, this family-friendly craft show has something for everyone. Santa and his elves will also be ready and waiting to help shoppers find exactly what they’re looking for! World Market Center | $5 Lvcraftfestival.com | 702.656.2337
NOV 6-16
JOHN FOGERTY
LAS
VEGAS C A L E N D A R
Not only does this year mark the legendary Woodstock Festival’s 50th anniversary, it also marks Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty’s half-century onstage. His new concert, “My 50-Year Trip”, celebrates these anniversaries with an evening that highlights fan-favorite songs, like “Proud Mary”, “Born On The Bayou”, and Fogerty’s original Woodstock set list, combined with a montage of vintage photography and Fogerty’s own stories from one of the greatest musical gatherings of all time. Wynn Las Vegas | From $54 Wynnlasvegas.com | 702.770.9966
NOV 22-30
MARIAH CAREY
After the original success of her “All I Want For Christmas Is You” residency at the Beacon Theatre in New York back in 2014, Mariah Carey brought the holiday cheer to Las Vegas for the first time in 2017. Now, the best-selling female artist of all time is back to relaunch her acclaimed holiday show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this November and ring in the holiday season with some of her timeless hits. Caesars Palace | From $55 Caesars.com | 855.234.7469
6 LAS VEGAS BOUND
DECEMBER DEC 5 – 14
NOV 7-10
NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
MADONNA
The best-selling female solo touring artist of all time is returning to Las Vegas with her “Madame X” tour, featuring songs that celebrate the singer’s love for Latin music and culture, as well as other global influences. This is Madonna’s eleventh concert tour and marks the first time she is touring smaller venues since 1985’s “The Virgin” tour, in order to develop a more intimate experience with her fans.
Organized annually by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the National Finals Rodeo is the premier championship rodeo event in the nation, showcasing the talent of the PRCA’s top 15 individuals as they compete for the world title. Thomas Mack Center | From $73 Nfrexperience.com | 702.260.8605
DEC 13 – 24
Caesars Palace | From $55 Caesars.com | 855.234.7469
THE NUTCRACKER
NOV 26 – DEC 1
DR SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
The Smith Center | $30 – $128 thesmithcenter.com | 702.749.2000
The Smith Center | $30.95 - $189.95 thesmithcenter.com | 702.749.2000
DEC 28
JAY LENO
The Host of TV’s Emmy Award-winning and top-rated “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” is back to perform his hysterical stand-up show at The Mirage as part of their Aces of Comedy series. Tears of laughter are bound to be shed with this king of comedy showcasing his hilarious world-famous monologues, stories, and roasts. The Mirage | From $59.99 mirage.mgmresorts.com | 800.963.9634
JAN 7 – 12
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
JANUARY
Set your mind on island time as you experience a slice of paradise in Margaritaville! The heartwarming and hilarious musical, based on a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, revolves around a part-time bartender and singer who falls for a career-minded tourist. Featuring unforgettable songs by Jimmy Buffet, Margaritaville comes alive in its first national tour to emphasize that “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere”!
LASVEGASCALENDAR
Featuring hit songs such as, “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas”, from the iconic original animated series, the Grinch comes alive to steal Christmas away from Whoville on the Smith Center stage this winter. This heart-warming musical, as narrated by Max the Dog, reveals the timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas.
Unfolding a magical tale through a dreamy world of waltzing snowflakes, a sugar plum fairy, and enchanted forests, The Nutcracker follows the journey of Clara and her Prince as they fight mischievous rodents and travel to faraway lands. This perennial holiday classic remains one of the most popular ballets worldwide, glittering with holiday cheer and celebrating the beauty of dance.
The Smith Center | $30 – $128 thesmithcenter.com | 702.749.2000 LAS VEGAS BOUND 7
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PHYLLIS K.
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Downtown (702) 366-1101 1225 N Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Northwest (702) 645-2957 11525 Nu-Wav Kaiv Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89124
LAS VEGAS BOUND 9
Aloha
IN THE BANK
Banking with aloha.
F
or more than 80 years, it’s been a commitment at the core of Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union’s service to its members, and the cornerstone of the financial institution’s long legacy of assisting members in reaching their financial goals. Over those years, Aloha Pacific has imbued its pledge to banking with aloha into everything it does and every service it provides, from personal banking and business banking, to individual loans and home mortgage loans, and online and mobile banking. “Our philosophy at Aloha Pacific centers on community and the knowledge that we are all stronger together – and that includes financially stronger,”
is still the only Hawai‘i-based says Aloha Pacific Federal financial institution with a branch Credit Union President and CEO in Las Vegas, or anywhere on the Vince Otsuka. “But it’s not all continental United States. about money. We do what’s There were many reasons right and that’s why people Aloha Pacific believed itself a come to us. Delivering value good fit for Las Vegas. The city to our members is top priority. is a longtime It’s at the core of favorite vacation our mission and “Our philosophy at destination of commitment to Aloha Pacific centers Hawai‘i residents, banking with aloha.” on community and the who flock to the Since 2010, knowledge that we are “ninth Hawaiian that commitment, all stronger together Island” to the threaded into the – and that includes tune of more than DNA of all of Aloha financially stronger.” 260,000 annually. Pacific’s Hawai‘i With its relatively branches, has also low cost of living and housing extended to the Las Vegas compared to Hawai‘i, Las community with the success of the credit union’s first branch Vegas is also the top migration outside the Hawaiian Islands, destination for Hawai‘i residents relocating from the Islands. originally in Summerlin and now Three years after opening at the Sansone Richmar Plaza in Henderson. Aloha Pacific in Henderson, Aloha Pacific
Entertainment at the grand opening included taiko drumming by Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko.
has consistently grown its membership in Las Vegas with its commitment to banking with aloha and range of services appealing to former Hawai‘i residents and the community. The Henderson branch also fulfilled a goal of growing the credit union’s mortgage lending business and portfolio in an area popular with Hawai‘i expatriates. Even the leader of Aloha Pacific’s Henderson branch team is a former Hawai‘i resident. Joy Viana was welcomed as branch manager in April 2018, with more than 25 years of career experience in Hawai‘i’s financial industry, bringing with her valuable expertise in understanding and serving the needs of credit union members with Hawai‘i ties and roots. “People come to Aloha Pacific because we focus on providing the best service to our members. But it also helps that we provide a genuine sense of aloha along with it,” say Viana. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve the Henderson community. Las Vegas is not just Hawai‘i’s ‘ninth island’ to us. It’s our home.” Since opening in Las Vegas, Aloha Pacific also expanded outside O‘ahu to the neighbor islands via a merger with Kekaha Credit Union on Kaua‘i in 2018 and a new branch on Maui this year, looking forward to serving the financial needs of these communities for years to come. Strengthened by a firm belief in the credit union movement’s
Kahu Vincent Iokimo Souza blessed the Henderson branch at the May 2016, grand opening.
emphasis on “people helping people,” Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union – founded in 1936 as Honolulu City and County Employees Federal Credit Union by workers who were not being served by financial institutions of the era – currently serves its 60,000 members out of 13 branches
and a staff of 196 employees. In Las Vegas, as with all of its Hawai‘i branches, Aloha Pacific respects and values the sense of place of each of the communities it serves, believing that doing so is a cornerstone of its success in those communities. All of this adheres to another longtime company maxim.
When you have aloha, anything is possible.
LIVING ALOHA
Up the Ante KEVIN KANESHIRO Sales and Promotions Manager VACATIONS HAWAII by LAUREN MCNALLY photo DAVE MIYAMOTO
B
ased on his long tenure hyping Las Vegas as sales and promotions manager for Vacations Hawaii, you might think Kevin Kaneshiro always had his sights laser-focused on the ninth island. But growing up in Kaneohe as part of the local Nazarene church, a close relationship with Sin City was hardly part of the plan. After high school, it was practically a given that Kaneshiro would attend Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego—it was the closest one of that denomination—so he packed his bags with vague designs for a career in architecture. Flying home after his freshman year in 1984, he landed a summer gig at Vacations Hawaii, planning to return to San Diego in the fall. At the time, the agency had just taken on American Airlines as an account, managing ground handling for the airlines’ inbound product from all over the country. It was a big endeavor—big enough that Kaneshiro opted to stay in Hawai‘i rather than head back to the mainland at the end of the summer. As part of a small travel agency escorting tour groups on trips and cruises around the world, Kaneshiro was accustomed to wearing a lot of hats. But when casino giant Boyd Gaming bought Vacations Hawaii in 1995 and the agency became a predominantly wholesale charter service serving the sizable ninth island market, it became Kaneshiro’s full-time task handling marketing and promotions for Vacations Hawaii charters from Hawai‘i to Boyd Gaming’s California, Fremont and Main Street Station casino hotels in downtown Las Vegas. Now, Vacations Hawaii is practically a household name among the Las Vegas bound senior market, carting nearly 2,000 Hawai‘i residents to Las Vegas each week. Part of Kaneshiro’s job is taking care of Boyd Gaming’s top casino guests, sending Vacations Hawaii VIPs to events, parties and UH games and maintaining the kind of brand loyalty that drives Hawai‘i people to Boyd Gaming’s downtown casinos in droves and has landed Vacations Hawaii on the Star Advertiser’s Hawaii’s Best list for seven years in a row. “Every day is different,” Kaneshiro says. In Hawai‘i, his day-to-day includes handling Vacations Hawaii’s TV, radio and print marketing and promotions, as well as numerous event sponsorships throughout the year. Two or three times a year, it includes heading to Vegas to do radio broadcasts and film telecasts like Hawaii News Now’s recent Sunrise morning show filmed at the Cal in September. But more often than not, he’s in Vegas for pleasure, not business. “I love to gamble, so Vegas is a good place for me—or a bad place,” he laughs. Michael Jackson ONE is his favorite Cirque du Soleil show at the moment, and he has a soft spot for the Donny and Marie Osmond show at the Flamingo, having grown up watching the Donny & Marie show. 14 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Getting to promote my favorite destination and keep up with what’s going on in Vegas is a dream come true.”
+ VACATIONS HAWAII KEVINKANESHIRO@BOYDGAMING.COM
“One of the biggest draws for our younger market is the value,” Kaneshiro says. “Realizing you can stay downtown and still go see Bruno Mars on the Strip. A lot of our customers who go five, six or even seven times a year are gamblers. They probably don’t care as much about entertainment or dance clubs, but I think the younger market certainly does.” Now in its final stages, the Cal’s multi million-dollar renovation has been a big draw for the company’s under-50 market. There’s also the recent revitalization of downtown Las Vegas, which includes an abundance of new bars, eateries, shops and live music venues in its progressive Fremont East district. “Getting paid to promote my favorite destination and keep up with what’s going on in Vegas is a dream come true,” Kaneshiro says. “Our customers love the product and so serving them is really fun and rewarding, too.” It’s certainly made navigating the ups and downs of his more than 30 years with Vacations Hawaii that much easier. “When times get hard, just keep walking one step at a time,” Kaneshiro says. “Keep persisting and you’ll get through it. I tend to be a very positive person, so finding the positive side of any situation has helped me a lot in dealing with customers or situations in general.” Luckily, Kaneshiro has plenty of fond memories to draw from. Like Vacations Hawaii’s first million-dollar keno win—a local guy from ‘Ewa Beach who picked his numbers based on a combination of his children’s ages—and crowning former Miss Universe Brook Lee when Vacations Hawaii ran its Miss Vacations Hawaii pageant, a preliminary for Miss Hawai‘i, in the late ’80s and early ’90s. “I was just a little hapa kid from Hawai‘i who lucked out on a summer job that ended up to be my career,” Kaneshiro says. His mother—a practicing Nazarene—has even warmed up to Sin City, having on several occasions allowed her son to show her the non-gambling side of Vegas. “She’s even asked, ‘When’s our next Vegas trip?’” Kaneshiro laughs.
LAS VEGAS BOUND 15
LIVING ALOHA
+
THEFIRMPILATES.COM
Raising the Bar
LAUREN CHUN Owner THE FIRM PILATES STUDIO
by CHRISTIE HONORE photo DAVE MIYAMOTO
16 LAS VEGAS BOUND
In
2009 Lauren Chun found herself going to the gym a lot. The former lawyer recalls working out six days a week for up to three hours at a time as a stress reliever from the brutal demands of her job as an attorney at a boutique law firm. “I was working six and a half years and I was burnt out,” said Chun. Waking up before the sun rose and returning home after the sun had set, Chun was constantly thinking about her cases and subsequently suffered insomnia. She frequently went grocery shopping at 10:30pm. “It was just day in and day out,” said Chun, “I just would go home and when I had free time I would just sleep.” Since the partnership track in law culminates in seven years, the firm began inquiring about Chun’s future plans. She was faced with the serious decision of whether to become a partner at the firm and commit to a long-term career in law. “You can do it when you’re young and hungry for money and you want to prove something,” said Chun, “but after that time you ask, can I really do this for the next 30 years of my life? I couldn’t see myself doing that” For her firm that was the wrong answer. Coinciding with the economic recession, Chun was “cut from the top” and decided to use the opportunity to make a major change and pursue a career in fitness. At the time Chun had already been doing mat pilates for six or seven years at Crunch Fitness’s iconic Sunset Blvd. location where celebrity instructors included the likes of pilates gurus Jenette Jenkins and Ellen Barret. She decided to become certified herself and completed her student teaching in studios in LA, Carlsbad, and Honolulu. After a period of working in a chiropractor’s office as an independent contractor, she opened her first studio, aptly named “The Firm Pilates,” in Hawaii Kai, which has since relocated to Kahala. “Opening up a business in Hawaii is very hard,” said Chun, “especially since I’m the first person in my family to be an entrepreneur, so I didn’t have that support.” Fortunately her legal background enabled her to review and negotiate contracts herself, but when it came to moral and financial support in many ways she was on her own. She invested her
savings into the business and took out at OHA loan for additional financing, blocking out negative comments from those advising a more practical path. “People said ‘10% of the businesses survive, the rest all fail’ and [I thought] well I don’t have an option because this is my savings, this is how I see myself providing for myself and being independent,” said Chun. Her determination paid off. This June her Kahala studio just celebrated it’s 8th anniversary of serving a diverse clientele, from seniors to scubadivers. “One of the good things is we have small classes, so it’s more individualized attention where people are often intimidated by bigger classes or just walking in,” said Chun, “and I’ve now grown a male clientele and they still want to do privates or they don’t want to be put into a class just yet right off the bat.” Chun’s studio teaches both mat and reformer pilates, a type which utilizes a large piece of spring loaded exercise equipment called a reformer to help support a users limbs and focus in on core muscle work. Chun also has additional pieces of equipment which accommodate a variety of physical limitations a client may have that could otherwise be a barrier to their ability to do pilates. “For my seniors [pilates] helps to recruit the proper muscles in doing daily tasks,” said Chun, “it’s really just using your body efficiently and in a way that you’re able to do your daily tasks without hurting yourself, especially as you get older.” Though Chun has drastically transformed her lifestyle and level of happiness since her days as an LA lawyer, Chun does recognize similarities between the skills required for both law and pilates. “I think mostly being an attorney it’s communicating with people, reading their body language so getting to know different personality types and the kind of tells. The other thing with law is it’s like a logical progression of the steps you have to take in analysis,” said Chun, “here I’m doing the same, I’m assessing, I’m observing, and then I’m doing what I think they need to correct their body positioning or whatever pain they’re having.”
I’m the first person in my family to be an entrepreneur” LAS VEGAS BOUND 17
HEALTHCARE
CORALIE CHUN MATAYOSHI CEO American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region
What prompted the switch from law to humanitarian aid? I have served as a volunteer and worked with volunteers my entire life, and I feel a deep sense of commitment to helping others. I started my career as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division in Washington D.C. In private practice, I did pro bono work and led public service projects as president of the Young Lawyers Division. As executive director of the Hawai‘i State Bar Association, I promoted access to justice, alternative dispute resolution and even mobilized volunteer lawyers to help Hurricane Iniki victims. I love new challenges, and when the opportunity arose to serve the largest humanitarian service organization in the world, I felt a longing to expand my reach to the broader community. The mission of the Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. I feel blessed to be able to use my best talents to make a difference. 18 LAS VEGAS BOUND
What’s something people may not know about the American Red Cross? We are chartered by Congress to respond to disasters big and small— one every eight minutes nationwide, and every four days in Hawai‘i—and provide emergency communication between deployed military service members and their loved ones in times of crisis. We work side by side with firefighters, police, civil defense and military to fulfill this humanitarian mission, yet we are not a government agency and receive no funding from the federal or state government for disasters. Instead, we rely on the generosity of the public to provide critical services to our community. You’ve been CEO of the Hawai‘i region for 16 years. How has Hawai‘i’s disaster preparedness needs changed during that time? A lot has changed—storms are more severe (e.g. hurricanes, floods, wildfires), there are ever-increasing threats to our homeland (e.g. 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing) and the serious consequences of multiple deployments are being felt (e.g. PTSD, multiple amputees). So in addition to responding to bigger and more frequent disasters, our focus is on prevention— installing free smoke alarms, preparing
keiki for disasters, teaching people lifesaving skills and how to escape home fires—and building resilient communities where neighbors come together to prepare and take care of one another. We are also doing more to support military service members and their families through reconnection workshops, suicide prevention and veteran support. More and more, we are communicating preparedness information through social media and through our Emergency, First Aid, Pet First Aid and Hero Care apps. Hawai‘i has weathered several natural disasters over the last couple of years. What strengths or weaknesses were revealed and how do you plan to use that knowledge going forward? Hawai‘i is the most isolated population on the face of the earth, yet many of us are not prepared. When— not if—a Category 5 hurricane strikes our islands, there won’t be enough shelter space, so people need to prepare their homes to shelter in place. Those living on the coastline, atop mountains or in high rises may be in worse shape, and small businesses need a backup plan. Storms are only going to get worse, so the time to get ready is now. You deployed to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. How often are you on the front lines? Although we are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, we rely heavily on volunteers who comprise 95 percent of our workforce. Volunteers are the ones who respond to everyday disasters. When larger disasters strike—like the Japan earthquake and tsunami, Marco Polo fire, Kīlauea eruption and Hurricanes Lane and Olivia—we are all working nonstop. I always know that it’s something serious, like a tsunami coming, when my disaster director calls me at 1 a.m., and we all head to the office. This is our pledge—to be here whenever and wherever help is needed.
HEALTHCARE
TOM DELANEY Chief Operating Officer Hawaii Dental Service
You’ve been with HDS since 1985. How has the organization evolved over the last 30 years? We have leveraged technology to improve the efficiency, flexibility and quality of the products and services HDS provides to our customers. Our systems and processes have evolved continuously over the last 25 years to provide capabilities that were unanticipated when I first started at HDS. We have seen changes in the dental benefit marketplace where employers increasingly want products specifically designed to their requirements. Our members trust us with their oral health. I take pride in the systems we have implemented with our local IT development team to apply extensive review of the dental services rendered to our members. This ensures that the dollars spent on their oral health care are used in an efficient and effective way. What’s the most valuable lesson or piece of advice you’ve drawn upon over the course of your career? Early in my career, one of my mentors advised me to solve problems 20 LAS VEGAS BOUND
from the inside out. First, I try to understand the business challenge. Second, I try to understand the detailed behavior of the underlying application or process. Third, I try to test potential solutions against both the business needs and the underlying technical constraints to arrive at an optimal solution. I have found this to be extremely useful when solving technical challenges. Now that I deal with more operational issues, I have found it to be an equally useful technique. What’s new at HDS Foundation? HDS Foundation works with various nonprofits and organizations across the State of Hawai‘i to increase access to oral health care in underserved communities, improve oral health education and prevent oral disease. One of HDS Foundation’s recent projects is a pilot program with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health and the University of the Pacific to incorporate teledentistry on Hawai‘i Island and Maui. Teledentistry provides a way for underserved communities to access dental care at schools, transitional housing communities, nursing homes and other community sites. Other projects include incorporating oral health education into community programs for keiki and seniors and providing local community health centers with the resources to expand access to dental care and serve more people.
What are some of the biggest ways technology is changing dentistry? Technology has always improved the way dentists perform various treatments. Digital imaging and tools to increase the efficiency and predictability of dental procedures are among the new technology dentists are using these days. For HDS, we’re focused on security. Conversations with our members have been circling around the strategies we employ to keep their personal health information confidential. Our small team of developers and security experts diligently improve the ways in which we secure member data and maintain privacy. They train every single HDS employee on cybersecurity, conduct daily assessments and tests against our systems and have created a strong culture of cybersecurity and awareness. What’s your favorite part of the job and why? The best part of my job is getting to see large projects move from conception to implementation. HDS is a small organization by most standards, but this does not dampen our commitment to provide our customers with the best possible dental plan in Hawai‘i’s marketplace. To deliver on this commitment, our organization must be constantly improving. I have the good fortune to lead a team of dedicated and creative professionals. This has enabled us to continue to innovate and improve the dental plans we offer. What advice would you give someone looking to get ahead in your industry? My introduction to the insurance industry was through designing and developing computer systems. By working with business people who are experts in their areas of responsibility, I was able to piece together a broad understanding of how all the individual pieces of an insurance company connect and interoperate. This knowledge is invaluable in my current leadership position here at HDS. I don’t believe this is the singular path for someone who is looking to get ahead in the insurance industry, but it worked for me!
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P L AY C A R E • L O D G I N G • G R O O M I N G • T R A N S P O R T
LIVING ALOHA
Cutting with Compassion KELLAN BRIONES Owner >> PREMIER BARBERSHOP HAWAII by CHRISTIE HONORE
S
eeing Kellan Briones in his element at Premier Barbershop’s hip Ala Moana location, it’s hard to believe that he spent ten years in the austere suit-clad world of corporate finance. The barbershop’s laidback, on-trend aesthetic radiates from it’s sick faded cuts to the exclusive Anti-Social Social Club tees and hoodies that hang in the waiting area. Having left the bank for a more flexible CFO position at Island Hauling with the hopes of starting his own venture, Briones met barber Rodney Ballesteros, who opened Briones’ eyes to the viability of starting a local barbershop. Ballesteros is now Briones’ business partner and Premier’s head barber. As a commercial lender and branch manager, Briones managed a portfolio of 300-400 customers. He now oversees a total of 17 barber chairs between both locations, which seat everyone from business owners and professionals, to kids, high schoolers, and the military. “Having helped so many businesses, everybody kind of follows the same formula,” said Briones, “I think it just becomes more about what the strengths are of the owner. I want to think my strength is customer service.” Briones also has a strong background in management, something he didn’t anticipate utilizing so heavily at Premier. But as a small business owner, he’s realized an important part of keeping customers happy is keeping his barbers happy. “I think it’s just showing [the barbers] what kind of growth there is, not just at the barbershop but in life,” said Briones, “it’s trying to use our network that we’ve developed. We let them know that it’s available to them to grow as people and 22 LAS VEGAS BOUND
individuals, not just as barbers” Premier’s heavy involvement with local nonprofit events is just one of the ways Briones exposes his barbers to Hawaii’s network. Premier has held pop-ups at events benefiting Make-a-Wish and Shidler College of Business among others, bringing barbers out of the shop and into the community. “I don’t think [we’re] a typical barbershop,” said Briones “What I want them to see is if you have any questions, if you need anything, don’t be afraid to ask because we probably know somebody that can help.” Premier has taken their popup concept beyond just charity events, collaborating with exclusive streetwear labels on launches of limited edition items to expand the shop’s brand. Recent collaborators have included Baseballism and Pai‘ea Projects, who recently released gear repping Briones’ alma mater, Kamehameha, for the school’s alumni week. The exclusive collection featured a kapalama jersey, a Kamehameha T-shirt, and a Pai’ea hat, and was released at a pop-up event complete with food from Zippy’s and beer from Honolulu Beerworks. Briones was inspired to further diversify the barbershop’s offerings after seeing the opportunities presented by their new Ala Moana location. Occupying a special medical-grade room with a staff of RN’s and a medical director, Premier’s Medispa was the perfect addition to their Ala Moana location. The spa’s services include laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, fat reduction, and facials for both men and women. Though overall most of Premier’s services cater to men, According to Briones the medispa has
Don’t worry about the money, just worry about taking care of everybody and it should all work out.”
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PREMIERBARBERSHOPHI.COM PREMIERBARBERSHOPHI@GMAIL.COM
attracted the attention of many of his customers’ female friends or partners, opening up a new segment of potential clientele. “It was definitely [about] utilizing the entire space that we had, so being at Ala Moana it was pretty central to kind of seeing all the revenue streams that complimented us,” said Briones. “On the mainland for sure they have medispas, even in Hawaii there are a bunch of medispas, but nobody focuses on men” Briones’ entrepreneurial drive and eye for business opportunities was fostered by his grandfather, who he considers a mentor. According to Briones, his grandfather started State Farm in Hawaii and also had a background in real estate and tai chi. “[He] was really focusing not just on the money side but just making sure that you help people,” said Briones, “I think that’s really helped me, because at times it would get so frustrating just because it’s business, but then you realize that it really affects so many other people than just you, so don’t worry about the money, just worry about taking care of everybody and it should all work out.”
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LIVING ALOHA
IT Girl
DEENA TEARNEY Founder & CEO >> PACIFIC POINT by CHRISTIE HONORE photo DAVE MIYAMOTO
D
eena Tearney isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. As founder and CEO of Pacific Point, an IT consulting firm that helps enterprises implement Salesforce, the leading company relationship management (CRM) software, she’s helping introduce high-level information technology to the land of the coconut wireless. With a background in coding, Tearney realized the future of business IT wasn’t building apps from scratch but implementing software quickly and effectively through the use of established CRMs. “I can’t imagine why anybody would want to build something from scratch these days unless you’re building something like virtual reality and AI,” Tearney says. When she moved to Hawai‘i 13 years ago to help local companies consolidate old systems onto a single platform, however, she quickly ran into difficulties recruiting the necessary talent for the job. “I was trying to build up a team, and I saw that it was very difficult to hire people who knew what I was talking about,” Tearney says. “The people who were familiar with enterprise technology and implementing software across enterprises were already employed. There’s just not a huge pool of people like there are in Texas or Los Angeles where I came from.” Though it was an obstacle, Hawai‘i’s geographic isolation created a niche Tearney was eager to fill. “You’re flying people to a tourist destination five hours from the mainland, with time-zone constraints and a lot of cost, and bill rates are already high,” Tearney says. “I remember thinking it would be cool to crack that nut and figure out a way to solve that problem for Hawai‘i, 24 LAS VEGAS BOUND
to bring high-value consulting to the state at a reasonable price point.” The solution she envisioned was Pacific Point. Biting the bullet financially, she recruited former colleagues from the mainland in order to establish a high standard of expertise from the beginning. “While it was very expensive to bring that type of talent, they really became the foundation for our company,” Tearney says. “They set the bar.” The company is now experiencing rapid growth and making headway on its mission of cultivating the next generation of local business and technology consultants by taking on interns from the University of Hawai‘i. The company has had four interns, some coming fresh from MBA programs, who Tearney believes are quick learners on the road to becoming successful consultants. Tearney’s other growth strategy required far more patience. While her company was still in its early years, she continued to bid on large proposal work in order to build a base of revenue. Despite losing many of the initial bids, her tenacity helped the company gain ground in Hawai‘i’s business community. “Anyone starting out should really go into it knowing that it takes an incredible amount of patience and time to build relationships and momentum to snowball,” Tearney says, “You’ve got to stick with it.” Gender discrimination is another barrier to entry for female entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Fortunately, Tearney’s clients care far more about her experience and approach than the fact that’s she’s a woman in a traditionally male world. “On the mainland, it’s a very male-dominated
It takes an incredible amount of patience and time to build relationships and momentum to snowball. You’ve got to stick with it.” industry,” Tearney says. “As a woman, I was always coached not to sit back. You’ve got to put your voice out there.” She has also ventured outside of the tech field, finding time to take an unexpected turn in fashion while simultaneously running Pacific Point. Driven by a desire to create, Tearney launched Umee Honolulu in 2006, a women’s clothing line she named after her grandmother. From attending L.A. fashion shows to meeting pattern cutters and selecting fabric, the project introduced her to an entirely different network and widened her skill set. “It was a great experience, and I was able to learn a lot about business, from marketing to sales to relationship building,” Tearney says. “We learn a lot about so many different industries because our customers are doing really cool things here, and they’re all very different. Just plugging in and learning how an industry works is actually one of my favorite things about being a consultant.”
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LIVING ALOHA
Man with a
Plan
GARRET SUGAI
Vice President of Health Plan Service & Administration KAISER PERMANENTE HAWAII
by LAUREN MCNALLY photo DAVE MIYAMOTO
A
s humble as he is sharp as a tack, Kaiser’s affable VP of health plan service and administration isn’t the type to call attention to his role as a key player in one of the most innovative healthcare systems in the country. A career in healthcare administration wasn’t even his plan from the outset. The turn of the millennium brought unprecedented demand for IT expertise within the healthcare industry, so after landing at First Hawaiian Bank for a time after college, Garret Sugai joined the stream of IT professionals who made the leap into healthcare and never looked back. He’s worn a lot of hats during his 17 years with the organization. Since joining Kaiser Permanente Hawaii in 2001, Sugai has held both technical and leadership positions at KP, including lead programmer and analyst in the health plan’s IT department and director of business development and analysis.
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KAISER PERMANENTE HAWAII GARRET.H.SUGAI@KP.ORG
Lowering healthcare costs is about delivering better care and giving people choices. That’s what we stay focused on—preventive care, early detection and ensuring that our care team is there in support of our members’ total health.” Now in his third year leading the health plan services and administration division, Sugai has a proven track record of navigating the industry’s challenging landscape with agility, resilience and effective collaboration. Besides guiding the organization through implementation of the electronic medical record, Sugai was active in another major reorganization within the industry: onset of the Affordable Care Act and subsequent establishment of the state’s health exchange. In his capacity at the time as director of membership administration, exchange operations and healthcare reform for Kaiser Permanente’s Hawai‘i region, Sugai was instrumental in the organization’s participation in the Hawai‘i Health Connector—the state exchange created in accordance with the ACA—as well as its transition to the federal system after the state exchange shut down in 2015. According to Sugai, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii had a distinct edge throughout this process. “Because we’re integrated, we were able to work really closely with our physician partners and nursing staff and prepare them for what was coming,” he says. Now, like all healthcare institutions making changes to improve quality of care for their patients, a big area of focus for Kaiser Permanente is catching more health issues upstream. “Part of that is making sure we’re reaching our members through all possible avenues,” Sugai says, another area in which Kaiser has a unique advantage “Kaiser Permanente is a big organization with a lot to leverage,” he says. “Because we’re in several states, we’re able to see how they’re advancing tech in other places and learn some of their best practices.” What they do know is that roughly 50 percent of KP members are eschewing traditional faceto-face interactions with their physician and
instead opting for some form of digital visit. Therein lies one of Kaiser’s most compelling value propositions—freedom of choice. Kaiser Permanente isn’t the only healthcare system challenging the traditional care delivery model, but it’s an area in which they’re leading the charge. “Some are all about the relationship and the face-to face interaction with their physician, and some would prefer to use an app,” Sugai says. “With our KP app, if you don’t want to talk to somebody or go in to the doctor’s office, you might not have to.” It all comes down to how you define choice. For Kaiser, it’s empowering people to take charge of how and when they receive the services they need, as well as providing high-quality care that safeguards their ability to choose. “You don’t want patients to find out about a condition so late in their lives that they no longer have a choice,” Sugai says. That level of care isn’t a job for one provider—at least, that’s the idea behind Kaiser’s longstanding model of integrated managed care. It takes an entire care team looking out for not only your physical health but also your mental and social well-being. “In our integrated model, health insurance and all our ancillaries are under one roof,” Sugai says. In other words, collaboration is in the organization’s DNA. “I think the focus right now is on our patients and making sure we’re delivering high-quality healthcare services,” Sugai says. “We believe that lowering healthcare costs is about delivering better care and giving people choices, and that reduced costs will come as a by-product of all of these things. That’s what we stay focused on— preventive care, early detection and ensuring that our care team is there in support of our members’ total health.” LAS VEGAS BOUND 27
LIVING ALOHA
Change It Up Kathy Inkinen Founder/Advisor INKINEN & ASSOCIATES as told to LAUREN MCNALLY photo DAVE MIYAMOTO
We tap Kathy Inkinen’s insight into the evolution of work as she prepares her executive search firm, Inkinen & Associates, for new leadership this June This past June, you stepped into an advisor role at Inkinen & Associates. Did your daughter [Kristi Inkinen Yanagihara, owner of Remedy Intelligent Staffing] consider taking the reins? We share an office with Kristi’s group, but we focus on senior-level recruitment. We found the space together three years ago hoping it might turn into a succession-planning venture, with Kristi eventually overlooking the two businesses. We didn’t end up going that route— the staffing side is very, very busy—but I was lucky enough to find a successor to move the company forward to serve the next generation of companies and candidates.
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There are a lot of job sites and other online resources available now to companies looking to fill vacancies. What’s the value of hiring an executive recruiter?
Were there a lot of other executive search firms at the time?
We look for people who are great performers. Our candidates are usually working, doing a great job and aren’t necessarily looking for a change but are open to it if they’re presented with the opportunity. They’re busy working—they’re not going online, seeing what’s available and posting their resume. So that’s kind of our niche.
There was less of a need for it. Employers promoted from within the company, and employees stayed at their jobs for a long time. But our world is moving and growing so very quickly now that certain positions aren’t necessarily a fit forever, from both the company’s and the employee’s perspective. Today, people are open to considering new positions because they want to learn more and grow faster, and companies are open to having new people come in and contribute fresh ideas, particularly at the executive and managerial level. They’re not necessarily giving an award to someone who’s been with them for 20 years. When I started this business, employers thought, why would I pay to hire somebody new when I can promote from within? But when the economy takes a turn and you’re looking for a new approach, you can’t reasonably expect an employee who’s been with you for 20 years to give you those ideas. Where would they come from?
What are some best practices for an executive joining a new company? A good executive is visible. Get to know your employees and make them feel they’re an important part of the family. There are different ways to do that now with electronic communications, but a personal visitation does so much. How has the landscape changed as it relates to women in the workplace? There’s many, many more women in the workforce than when I first started, both here and on the mainland. Early in my career, employers all maintained a policy of nondiscrimination, but sometimes they had their, let’s say, “preferences.” Women were considered less reliable as employees because of their role as caregivers. Even in maledominated professions now, more employers are not only open to hiring a woman but even prefer a woman for certain positions. They feel women sometimes manage [people] better or, more commonly, that they’re better multi-taskers. In this fast- paced, changing world, that’s important to an employer. It’s been 27 years since you founded Inkinen & Associates. What inspired you to do this work and what were you doing prior to starting the company? Prior to this, I ran two human resource departments, one at a luxury hotel and one at a bank. In those days, people’s tenures were very long, and I figured that would probably change. That I could be the intermediary in that transition by introducing employers to prospective employees, growing both the company and the candidate’s career.
Hardly any. Why Not?
What about today? Is there a lot more competition in your business? There is a lot more competition today than when I started, but I don’t believe there’s any other firm that does only executive search. They’re doing the whole gamut. We take about three months to complete a project because, number one, there are less high-level candidates than in the lower and mid-level job market. Secondly, there are more soft skills to consider at the executive level—it’s not only about industry experience. Personality, management style and communication style are more difficult to ascertain immediately. We do a lot of screening, vetting and getting to know the candidates. A mainland candidate, for example, might not make for a successful placement if they have no connection to Hawai‘i other than wanting warmer weather. It’s a different culture, it’s expensive, it might not be a good fit for the family. It’s equally important for us to get to know the company’s leadership style and corporate culture. Are they open to someone from another industry? What transferable skills would work well in this role? LAS VEGAS BOUND 29
LIVING ALOHA Are employers looking for different soft skills today than they were 30 years ago? Flexibility and ability to change are big ones. Employees weren’t considered loyal or valuable if they were at a job for less than 10 years. Today, companies want employees, especially managerial ones, with varied experiences. They’re looking for managers who are always considering how the world is changing and how the company can follow suit and remain competitive. Accountability is not necessarily only hours at work. Employers have begun focusing more on performance. What results is the employee bringing? Do they manage people well? What can they offer as the business grows or downsizes? Change is something I think both companies and employees are working towards. Sometimes it means more flexibility from the employer over where and when the job gets done. I knew of a great human resource director who I wanted to hire, but she had two kids and couldn’t work full time. Having someone join our staff of fulltime employees on a part-time basis was a major change for this company, but as employers, we have to be willing to be flexible as well. Even though she’s here only three days, it’s a non-issue because of the technology we have available. Before, when anyone went on a trip, we had to designate someone to take care of their portfolio in their absence. Now? We’re so connected, that’s not always necessary. I have a smart watch—at my age! Service is very, very important to us, so we are always in touch. That’s another thing that’s changed— people expect responses, fast. It’s no longer acceptable to wait until Monday.
A true leader is someone who goes above and beyond to contribute to the community at large, not just someone who leads people well or produces a good bottom line.”
Flexibility and ability to change are valuable qualities in any employee, not just those at the executive level. What are some indicators of leadership potential? I think a true leader is someone who goes above and beyond to contribute to the community at large, not just someone who leads people well or produces a good bottom line for their company. I like to see that kind of vision in young people and middle management as well as in executives. It tells me that it’s not just about the bottom line for them. We all live in this community, and with everyone’s participation we can become stronger. There are companies now that give employees hours of paid time to contribute to nonprofits. 30 LAS VEGAS BOUND
That’s kind of a new thing. Executives who set that example are true leaders, in my opinion. YOU’VE BEEN ACTIVE IN NUMEROUS NONPROFITS OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER. WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES, ORGANIZATIONS OR INITIATIVES YOU’RE INVOLVED IN AT THE MOMENT? In addition to helping with the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce as a board member and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i as a lifetime member, I’m involved in a women’s group
within the American Lung Association called Lung Force. People don’t know it, but lung cancer is the largest [cancer] killer of women. Since there aren’t indicators or pre-screenings like with breast cancer, many don’t find out they have it until it is very serious. A lot more research is needed, and research takes dollars, so it’s really an advocacy and communication effort. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. I’m still active after so many years in the University of Hawai‘i Travel Industry Management alumni association. Tourism is our main economic engine, and I believe we can “export” the aloha spirit by being models of good service in hospitality. Hospitality creates peace— the more people travel, get to know people from other countries and learn other languages, the more chance we have at living peacefully.
Another big initiative of mine is bringing people back home to live and work. It’s a challenge with our cost of living, but there are advantages to coming home and raising a family or building a career here after you go to the mainland for work or college, even if it means a reduction in salary. It would be nice if we could bring people home a little more aggressively, but that would entail not just solving our real estate crises but improving public transportation and so much more. We as a community need to solve these problems. While my work is focused on helping employers find good people to work for them, we should always be aware of ways we can work together to live better in this community. LAS VEGAS BOUND 31
LIVING ALOHA
Woman in STEM JULIE HONG Senior Associate BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON
by CHRISTIE HONORE photo DAVE MIYAMOTO
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hen environmental scientist Julie Hong was last at the state Senate, it wasn’t to provide testimony on climate change—it was to find out more information on human trafficking. Hong’s testimony was in favor of a bill that would require the state to maintain a database aggregating information on sex trafficking from the various organizations dedicated to fighting the issue here in Hawai‘i. While Hong’s primary function as a senior associate at Booz Allen Hamilton is managing the company’s infrastructure, energy, environmental and data science business in the Pacific Rim, she found out about the issue of human trafficking in Hawai‘i and had to take action. “We wanted to find a data science project in which we’re doing something to benefit society and do social good,” Hong says. “We couldn’t turn a blind eye to what was happening in our own backyard.” Hong’s work in anti-human trafficking is a voluntary effort, and her company has been utilizing its initiatives in data science training and strategic communications to provide nonprofit organizations with statistics on the issue’s local
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BOOZALLEN.COM HONG_JULIE@BAH.COM
There’s a lot of brain drain. We’re trying to figure out how to keep students here instead of going back to the mainland.”
impact. “When we think of trafficking, we think of Thailand, the Philippines, the women coming here and getting trafficked—and that is true, in some cases— but the majority are already here,” Hong says. “Several of those impacted are Native Hawaiians.” Hong has also been working to empower women in the energy sector as one of the five original members of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), a nonprofit organization that hosts a monthly forum on topics relevant to the energy industry. Founded in 2013 by Dawn Lippert, president and CEO of Elemental Excelerator, the group has grown to 300 strong, with partner organizations and other chapters emerging in Canada, Armenia and Maui. “Whenever we went to conferences and symposiums on energy, it was the men who were dominating the conversation,” Hong says. “We felt that we didn’t really have a voice. We wanted to have a safe place for women to talk freely.” WiRE has since become a valuable resource for job seekers as well as a vehicle to elevate capacity building and professional development. And it’s opened other doors, too—government agencies that typically don’t collaborate or share information freely have sought out members and past panelists thanks to relationships formed through WiRE. Through funding from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, WiRE has also begun providing scholarships for training opportunities and to send attendees to the annual C3E Women in Clean Energy Symposium. “We’re trying to get women involved in STEM at a very young age,” Hong says. “There’s a lot of brain drain, where students get all of their education here and then leave because they think they can’t get jobs here. We’re trying to figure out how to keep the students who come out of UH, HPU and the other universities here instead of going back to the mainland.” One way Booz Allen Hamilton is working to foster local talent is through the company’s summer internship program. Students are divided into two teams and
presented with a number of client-focused challenges over the course of 10 weeks. The teams receive mentorship from the company and compete against other teams of interns in Booz Allen Hamilton’s Washington D.C., San Antonio, San Diego and other offices. Many of the interns eventually end up working for the company. Hong is also proud of Booz Allen Hamilton’s diversity initiative, which earned the company a top-25 spot on Forbes’ 2018 list of the country’s best employers for diversity. For nine years running, Booz Allen Hamilton has also earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index, which ranks the nation’s best places to work for LGBTQ equality. “When I first got here, the demographics were more homogeneous, but now there’s a lot more diversity of gender, race and thought,” Hong says. “We are really pushing for diversity and see the strength in it, which makes us unstoppable. Statistics indicate that the most financially successful companies have diverse leadership teams. That’s something I know other companies say they do, but we are actually doing things that are meaningful.” Having lived in both the mainland U.S. and Korea, Hong fell in love with Hawai‘i’s unique, vibrant and diverse community. “Growing up first in Pennsylvania and then in Virginia and the D.C. area, I was always a minority, no matter what,” Hong says. “When I came to Korea, I still felt like a minority because I could speak the language, but not that well. I think people just looked at me and realized I wasn’t from there by the way I dressed, talked or acted, and so I always felt like an outsider.” Hong originally intended to stay in Hawai‘i for a year—enough time to replicate the environmental programs she had helped build for multiple U.S. air bases in Korea— but one year quickly turned into 14. “I came here and thought, ‘Wow! These people look just like me, they talk like me and act like me.’” Hong says. “I really felt I was finally at home here, and I learned how to lead my life with aloha.”
LAS VEGAS BOUND 33
LIVING ALOHA
I want to be known for teaching people and coaching them to be good managers. I want to help build people up and then learn from them
Hospitality Prodigy Margo Mau Bunnell General Manager >> ROBERTS HAWAII by ALEXANDRA KATSAHNIAS
34 LAS VEGAS BOUND
T
hough most people choose the career that they are in, that is not the case for Roberts Hawaii’s humble General Manager, Margo Mau Bunnell. She feels she was probably born into the position since her father, Robert Mau, worked for Roberts Hawaii for forty-five years before he retired, and her mother, Keiko Mau Manapat, also worked in hospitality at Duty Free “I got to go on tours with my Dad and all the drivers were my uncles, you know?” said Bunnell. “The owner, Robert Jr., was so nice to me and I grew up with his kids. I never even knew he was the boss.” Bunnell was positive she did not want to get into the hospitality industry. She recalls that her parents seemed to work 12 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even on Christmas, Bunnell’s family would wake up at 3:00am to open presents before her parents had to leave for a day’s work. “I thought, oh my God, this is a crazy industry.” When it came time for Bunnell to attend college, she attended the University of San Diego and earned a degree in Communications, Political Science, and Religion. Her plan was to become an international liaison for the United States, but her plan did not go as she predicted. Upon graduation, she found herself working for the Sheraton Grand Torrey Pines, now known as the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel, as their Front Desk Supervisor for a year and a half. Bunnell’s unexpected love for hospitality began to grow. She found herself among the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and the Barbie team at Hasbro. “I was like, wait I think I like this. I get to meet and interact with new people every day, “said Bunnell. “I think this is my calling.” It was during this work experience that Bunnell’s mother thought that she may be ill, so Bunnell decided to come back home to Hawaii and search for another job in order to be closer to her mother. It just so happened that Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel at Mauna Kea was just being built, and she was soon recruited as their Japanese Guest Services Supervisor and Front Desk Supervisor. The hotel was so new that everyone wanted to experience it, including Mr. Tsuji, owner of Sanrio, Prime Minister Hashimoto of Japan, and even comedian/ actor Eddie Murphy. After working at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel at Mauna Kea, Bunnell’s career took her to multiple companies. First, the Hilton Waikoloa Village as their Director of Far East Sales and Services, then the Big Island Visitors Bureau as their Director of International Sales and Marketing, before signing
on with the Waikoloa Beach Resort for eleven years where she served as their Marketing, Sales, and Operations Manager. Now a days when Bunnell is not at the beach, her son’s volleyball games, or at the farmer’s market, she is serving as Roberts Hawaii’s General Manager. Bunnell oversees all employees and management while using her knowledge to teach and control the marketing and sales for Hawaii Island. Bunnell’s sixteen-year-old son, Nathan, recognizes how her character and talent are perfect for the position that she is in. “She is very respectful to the culture and community we live in,” stated Nathan. “She is an innovative thinker and likes to coach her other team members to be proactive.” Despite her loyalty to the industry, Bunnell recognizes that her position may not be around forever. “I have an occupation that is dying. Everything is now electronic and people are listening to tours on their phone or an app and that human connection is gone, “stated Bunnell, “I’m worried the industry is going to die out. But I want to make sure it’s still here.” However, the human side of Bunnell’s job is still paramount. After his forty-five years of work with Roberts Hawaii, Bunnell recalls her father stating that guests from all over the world are going to remember most what a Hawaii local taught them about their home. This type of connection is not something you can gain from an app on your phone. This change in the tourism industry is not the only change Bunnell has noticed. While hospitality used to be a predominantly male dominated field, she points out the number of female drivers and managers within Roberts Hawaii. “I think it just adds such a bigger dynamic because women like to try new things and are so driven,” said Bunnell. She likes that women can still be “feminine” while driving a huge tour bus, amidst ideas that it is a masculine job. Bunnell inspires to some day write an article titled, The Wonder Women of the Transportation Industry, paired with a photo of women bus drivers jumping in the air wearing whatever it is they like; dresses, or pants. With all her exceptional experience behind her, Bunnell reflects on what she wants to leave behind. “Am I going to be known for a resort name or a website I made?” stated Bunnell. “I want to be known for teaching people and coaching them to be good managers. I want to help build people up and then learn from them.” LAS VEGAS BOUND 35
VEGAS THURSDAYS! EVERY THURSDAY ON KSSK
@KSSKHawaii
Know before you
GO
What to expect on a Vacations Hawaii experience to Las Vegas ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION
You are required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide an acceptable form of identification at check-in and at the security checkpoints in Honolulu and Las Vegas. Acceptable forms of identification include photo identification issued by the US Federal or State Government or US and foreign government-issued passports. Additionally, the identification must contain a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and some tamper-resistant feature. Bus passes, library cards and fishing licenses are among the forms of identification that are NOT acceptable.
CHECKED LUGGAGE
>> In Honolulu, check in two hours prior to departure at Omni Air International’s ticket counter located in Lobby 6 of the Honolulu International Airport.
>> PLEASE BE AWARE THAT: • Baggage that needs to be checked needs to pass through the agriculture checkpoint before heading to the ticket counter. • In addition to affixing the hotel tags provided by Vacations Hawaii, all checked luggage must be tagged with your own personal identification tag. • You are allowed two pieces of checked luggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length+width+height). • A fee of $25 will be assessed for each of the first two pieces of checked luggage on each flight segment. Passengers who check in more than two pieces of luggage will be charged $100 per piece for each additional item of checked luggage per each flight segment. • In addition to the checked baggage fees set forth above, Vacations Hawaii may, in its sole discretion, accept oversized or overweight luggage when space is available, subject to the payment of a fee of $100 per piece on each flight segment. Checked baggage that exceeds a maximum outside linear dimension of 62 inches and/or exceeds a maximum weight of 50 pounds constitutes overweight luggage. Items heavier than 70 pounds will not be accepted for transportation. • First Class passengers and Emerald cardholders in Boyd’s B Connected program will be allowed two pieces of checked luggage at no charge, except for oversized and overweight pieces described above, which will be subject to fees. • Styrofoam coolers will not be accepted unless packed within an outside box or container. Special rules and restrictions govern the transport of dry ice. 38 LAS VEGAS BOUND
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
In addition to one personal item (briefcase, purse, laptop computer, backpack) each person is allowed one piece of carry-on luggage. The maximum dimensions for each piece of carry-on luggage is approximately 9 x 14 x 22 inches and the weight restriction is 25 pounds. No more than three ounces of liquids, aerosols or gels may be included in carry-on luggage. Additionally, all of the above items must be consolidated in a single quart-sized zip lock bag, which must be placed separately in the security bin during the security screening process.
SPECIAL NEEDS
(Wheelchairs, Oxygen, Oxygen Concentrators) Customers with special needs should make their reservations with Vacations Hawaii as far in advance as possible and should request the special services available to them. Arrangements can be made for special seating and handling at the same time that your charter reservations are made. Wheelchairs are available through the porter service at both Honolulu International Airport and McCarran International Airport for the convenience of passengers. Arrangements can be made in advance to rent wheelchairs for use in Las Vegas. Customers also have the option of taking their own personal wheelchairs with them as checked luggage on the chartered flights. Oxygen can be provided at a cost for any customer who provides Vacations Hawaii with a prescription that has an acceptable flow rate and meets the government’s criteria when the request for oxygen is made. Oxygen concentrators are allowed on the airplane but are subject to restrictions concerning the make and model of the concentrator and the amount of battery-charge available. Consult with a Vacations Hawaii representative for a full description of terms and restrictions.
DEPARTING HONOLULU
Again, once at Honolulu International Airport, please check in two hours before departure at Lobby 6. A 5 1/2-hour flight will take you from Honolulu to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. The charter approaches Las Vegas from the south, giving passengers a clear view of the Strip and Downtown as the plane descends for its landing.
ARRIVING IN LAS VEGAS
The flight arrives at Terminal 3, where a Vacations Hawaii ground agent will greet you, answer any questions and direct you to the buses that will take you to your hotel. At the hotel, you
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Kikaha
>> If you need any help while you are in Las Vegas, please contact the Duty Escorts at the Vacations Hawaii office in the Main Street Hotel and Casino. Escorts are at the office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also call 702.249.8404 for assistance. will be greeted by another agent and proceed to the front desk to retrieve your meal-ticket book and room keys. Your luggage will be brought to your room shortly. During your stay, there are countless ways to stay busy with gaming, shopping, day trips, sightseeing, free shows and more. For a list of some possibilities, contact your hotel’s bell desk representatives.
EXIT
On the day of your departure, your luggage will be retrieved from your room by the bell desk. You will meet in a designated room and await the buses to take you back to McCarran Airport, Terminal 3. At the terminal, you will need to retrieve your luggage (or use a SkyCap) and take it to the check-in counter. Check in with the Swissport counter agents. There, you will be issued your boarding pass and luggage claim tags and directed to the proper departing gate. Once you arrive at the Honolulu airport, your luggage is typically sent to Baggage Claim E. An announcement will be made in-flight to let you know where to pick up your baggage.
Passenger Entrance >>> LAVATORY
2D 3D 4D
2F 3F 4F
7D 7E 7F 8D 8E 8F 9D 9E 9F 10D 10E 10F 11D 11E 11F 12D 12E 12F 14D 15D 16D
EXIT
LEAVING LAS VEGAS
LAVATORY
14E 15E 16E
14F 15F 16F
2H 3H 4H
2K 3K 4K
7H 8H 9H 10H 11H 12H 14H 15H 16H
7K 8K
First Class Rows 1 – 4
9K 10K 11K 12K 14K 15K 16K
Premium Class Rows 7 – 16
LAVATORY
LAVATORY
17H* 17K* 18D 19D 20D 21D 22D 23D 24D 25D 26D 27D 28D 29D 30D 31D 32D 33D 34D 35D 36D
Omni Flight Departure & Arrival Information
1-877-718-8901
18E 19E 20E 21E 22E 23E 24E 25E 26E 27E 28E 29E 30E 31E 32E 33E 34E 35E 36E
18F 19F 20F 21F 22F 23F 24F 25F 26F 27F 28F 29F 30F 31F 32F 33F 34F 35F 36F
18H 19H 20H 21H 22H 23H 24H 25H 26H 27H 28H 29H 30H 31H 32H 33H 34H 35H 36H
18K 19K 20K 21K 22K 23K 24K 25K 26K 27K 28K 29K 30K 31K 32K 33K 34K 35K 36K
Coach Class Rows 17 – 36
LAVATORY
Thank You For Choosing Vacations Hawaii! LAS VEGAS BOUND 39