Pacific Edge Magazine Q1 2022 by Pacific Edge Magazine

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M A G A Z I N E

Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN President and CEO

The Queen's Health Systems

Health & Wellness A professional viewpoint on growth and adaption

Pacific Edge Magazine is Celebrating 17 Years Meet The Award Winners In Our Gala Section

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Contents

PUBLISHER'S NOTE Inspiration and innovation.

JILL HOGGARD GREEN President & CEO of The Queen's Health Systems

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RYAN ASHLOCK

AN INVESTMENT OF LOVE

President of Adventist Health Castle

Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant

THE VEGAS SCENE We know Las Vegas

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY Leaders share their experiences with the industry

BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS Honoring successful businesses and innovative leaders

CONNECTIONS

Network. Educate. Celebrate

HOKALI

Surfing to a better tomorrow 2 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Naomi Hazelton EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jessica Wielgus and Amy Mar SALES/BRAND MANAGER E. S. Adler CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chase Nuuhiwa

PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE 1088 Bishop St. #1130 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 737-8711 info@elementmediahi.com

ADVERTISING Naomi@elementmediahi.com (808) 721-1300 Pacific Edge magazine is a quarterly publication available through subscription, direct mail and at bookstores throughout Hawai‘i. The views expressed within Pacific Edge magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management and ownership. Pacific Edge magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Creating new ways to keep Hawai‘i healthier. We’re reimagining health care with new choices and new services. From telehealth visits to vaccination clinics, we all work together to provide the health care Hawai‘i needs. Learn more at HawaiiPacificHealth.org.

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WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW DIRECTORS

Ms. Maile S. Miller Director

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Real Estate Law Commercial Transactions Corporate Law

DIRECTORS Peter Starn • Terence J. O’Toole • Kenneth B. Marcus Duane R. Fisher • Sharon V. Lovejoy • Trevor A. Brown Ivan M. Lui-Kwan • Norman H.Y. Cheng Andrew J. Lautenbach • Doug Chin Christina N. Ohira • Lindsay E. Orman Stephanie E.W. Thompson • Maile S. Miller Sara S.T. Strona

OF COUNSEL Judith Ann Pavey • Paul H. Sato

ASSOCIATES Kukui Claydon • John W. Kelly • Nainoa J. Watson Robert J. Brown • Lauren K.O. Kagawa Eric S. Robinson • Cori J. Grunenwald

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Publisher's Note Inspiration and innovation. Two key concepts that every business-owner – be it a young entrepreneur or seasoned veteran – draws upon in order to maintain their company’s competitive edge. As such, these are two consistent themes that we highlight throughout every issue of Pacific Edge Magazine. In a recent conversation with several of our most loyal readers and supporters, it came to our attention that Pacific Edge Magazine was the catalyst that gave them the confidence to start their own businesses and venture into the often-unknown territory of entrepreneurialism. Our features about colleagues, who have made the same leap and faced risk head-on, provided these new business-owners with the hope that “they could do it, too.” It is this very message that we aim to communicate through both our magazine and business networking events. With this in mind, we are excited to announce the success of our Annual Pacific Edge Magazine 2021 Business Gala that featured incredible entrepreneurs who continue to make positive impacts within our community. It aired on Friday, December 3rd, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. on both KITV4 and Pacific Edge Magazine’s Facebook page via livestream. It is now published on our Pacific Edge Magazine YouTube channel. We are celebrating our new Pacific Edge Podcast Series, Business in Paradise. Not only will we be recognizing the outstanding achievements of some of Hawai’i’s most successful and innovative business leaders and professionals, but we will be talking story as a way to inspire our listeners. Stay tuned for further information regarding our television productions and soon to launch podcast series. For more information about our upcoming first event of the new year and how you can attend, visit our website at PacificEdgeMagazine.com. As the uncertain economy of 2021 has come to a close, we will continue to bring you stories of inspiration and innovation. Pacific Edge Magazine is more than just pages of a quarterly publication, we are a community and forum for business professionals of all ages to gather and to learn, but most of all – to share hope. Mahalo & Aloha,

Naomi Hazelton Owner, Publisher of Pacific Edge Magazine

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Jill Hoggard Green PRESIDENT AND CEO T H E Q U E E N ' S H E A LT H S Y S T E M S

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What’s something people may not know about The Queen's Health Systems? Most people think of a hospital or clinic as a place you go when you are sick, but we are so much more. We continue to innovate the ways we provide affordable and accessible care ensuring our population can be well, get well, and stay well. Our goal is to be a lifetime partner with the people we serve. Right now, we are actively planning how to best grow, build and strengthen our regional network of care to meet the needs of our communities, while providing the highest quality, safest, and most compassionate care. A few examples include: the primary care center EmPower Health, which offers a full range of primary care and wellness services with an emphasis on preventive health; The Queen’s Health Care Centers; and our numerous Primary Care Centers, which are designed to ensure access to high quality health care services in the communities where people work and live. Whether it’s an emergency visit, routine appointment, or a telehealth visit from the comfort of your home, Queen’s is focused on delivering compassionate care when and where our patients need it. What’s your take on the aging industry specifically in Hawai‘i? The proportion of Hawai‘i’s population that is over 60 is growing much more rapidly than the proportion that is under 60. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 27 percent of Hawai‘i’s population will be over age 60 by the year 2030, which is an increase of 33 percent from 2012. That change in demographics will have a significant impact on healthcare. Over the next 10 years, we will face robust demands and necessities to grow, as well as the need to build and implement our regional network of care for those who need us. But even if this shift weren’t happening — as in if the proportion of our kūpuna were declining rather than increasing — Queen’s would dedicate effort and resources to serve our elderly. In this way, we’re very proud that our Geriatrics Services were nominated for this year's United in Excellence (Ku‘ikahi I ka po‘okela) Award by the Nursing Excellence Awards Committee. Older adults often have multiple or complex health matters and need specialized care. We have expanded inpatient geriatric care at all the hospitals within the Queen’s system, through in-person and telehealth consultations. We are especially proud to have created the state’s largest group of fellowship-trained

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geriatricians through the formation of the Queen’s University Medical Group (QUMG), a unified practice of The Queen’s Medical Group, The University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), and University Health Partners (UHP) of Hawai‘i. Geriatric Fellowship faculty will be a significant part of QUMG as we continue to educate and train the next generation of medical professionals. Pacific Edge Magazine, JHG Feature – Pg. 2 This year, our team, in conjunction with Queen Emma Clinics, launched Primary Care First, a Medicare alternative payment model. This team will be one of ten nationwide selected to be part of the National Home-Based Primary Care Learning Network. Participants are part of a leading-edge movement to create high quality home-based medical care. By participating, The Queen’s Medical Center Geriatric Service House Calls Program will provide the best care possible for homebound patients who can’t come to us. Are there some positive takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic that have emerged in your industry and career? Even during such a challenging time, it has been inspiring to see the Queen’s ‘ohana come together to support and care for each other. Every team member has been essential to keeping our organization going, whether working on the front lines or in the background. We emphasize teamwork under normal circumstances, but this crisis brought into focus how much we truly rely on each other as we serve the community. I believe we are even stronger as a result. Enhanced mobilization of telehealth proved to be valuable in a time of pandemic. Telehealth utilization has increased 65-fold, and we are currently completing 10,000 to 12,000 telehealth visits per month. That’s up from 200 telehealth visits per month systemwide prior to the pandemic. As both the preeminent teaching hospital and the most significant provider of indigent care in the state, the telehealth program was designed to specifically serve high risk and vulnerable patients. The rapid rollout of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that Queen’s can quickly change its model of care – a strength that will continue to serve our system well in the coming years. The largest scale innovation during the pandemic was the design and construction of The Queen’s Medical Center’s Advanced Respiratory and Emerging Infectious Disease Unit. With this 24-room unit that sets the standard in airborne and infectious disease control, we took an important step to advance Hawai‘i’s infectious disease and disaster response preparedness.

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The COVID-19 pandemic also inspired broad and previously uncommon partnerships, both public and private, that have become integral in addressing Native Hawaiian health needs in a coordinated, effective way. For instance, Queen’s is a participating member of the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Hawai‘i COVID-19 Response, Recovery & Resilience Team (NHPI 3R), which was established to address COVID-19 among disproportionately affected Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Due in large part to these partnerships, Queen’s is contributing to coordinated efforts to address health inequities through strategic resource allocations and other initiatives. Beyond the changes due to the pandemic, what have been the biggest turning points in health care in recent years? Health care providers are becoming increasingly mindful about culturally based interventions to improve health. Providing culturally relevant care will be critical to successfully addressing the health inequities that exist. Pacific Edge Magazine, JHG Feature – Pg. 3 We also recognize the importance of improving the health of the

people we serve while making care more affordable and accessible. The healthcare industry is evolving significantly, and payer models and relationships are rapidly changing. Health care must work in collaboration with insurers, government, and others to improve quality, coordinate care, and reduce unnecessary costs. And again, virtual care will continue to play a significant role in the future of healthcare. Queen’s had already been moving in that direction before COVID-19 by building telehealth and virtual care services for the past 12 years as a mechanism to provide specialty and primary care services across the islands and the Pacific Basin. The pandemic certainly accelerated this as we saw telehealth visits increase 267 percent between Fiscal Year 2020 and Fiscal Year 2021, skyrocketing from 39,913 annual visits to a projected 156,554 visits. More and more this is becoming a care delivery model that patients are comfortable and familiar with. People appreciate the ease of access and being able to seek expert care without leaving home. It’s not only a matter of convenience, but also a matter of practicality for those who live in more rural or remote areas. How do you maintain your own health/well-being? My greatest moments of joy outside of work come from connecting with my adult children, friends, and the outdoors. The pandemic really reminded us of the deep meaning of those connections. I enjoy lingering over a great meal in conversation with people who are important to me. I also love to exercise, explore new places and experience nature. I particularly love to paddleboard as well. What’s your favorite part of your job? It is so fulfilling to be a part of creating and implementing strategies that will help Queen’s contribute to the future health and well-being of the people of Hawai‘i. I truly value the collaboration with our extraordinary Board of Trustees and am fortunate to work with so many brilliant and creative people. In addition, as a nurse, my heart will always lie with caregivers who are on the front lines, closest to our patients and their families. I treasure the time I’m able to spend meeting with our talented and dedicated caregivers. Hearing first-hand from them about how we have and can continue to make a difference for the communities we serve is the very best part of my job.

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E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

Tiera Covington

OWNER I N T E G R AT E D FAC I L I T Y S E RV I C E S H AWA I I

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E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

Have you always wanted to be in the industry? How did this career emerge? I joined the Hawaii Air National Guard immediately after graduating from Pearl City High School in August 1999, where I trained and studied to be a Cyber Transport Systems Technician. After returning from basic and technical training, Office Team placed me in a temp-to-hire position at ABM Onsite Services. I enjoyed working at ABM while still serving in the Hawaii Air National Guard. ABM gave me the opportunity to grow and serve in various positions, first as an Administrative Assistant, then I worked my way up through the company as the Bookkeeper, Office Manager, Project Manager, Janitorial Manager, and Hawai‘i Branch Manager. I left ABM in 2017 and started my own facilities maintenance company, Integrated Facility Services Hawaii. What are the failures that you most cherish? I would not call them failures. I would call them struggles or setbacks. There was a time in my life where I was at my lowest point as everything hit me all at once. The team/family that we created at ABM was falling apart, and everyone was leaving. I was treated unfairly and faced discrimination and harassment. My marriage was leading to a divorce. However, each of these situations has taught me more about myself. They have taught me who I am, what I can overcome, and the person I want to be. Without these life lessons, I would not be where I am today. What is some advice you hope to give to growing leaders, especially in a male-dominated industry? My advice would be to “know your worth.” There will always be criticism and judgment throughout your career. You have a voice and the ability to stand up for what you believe in; do not let others dictate your future or hold you back from a career in doing what you love. At the same time, it’s important to be humble and be grateful for every opportunity that comes your way. You will remember the people that have supported you and will continue to support you. No one else matters.

What is your favorite part of your job? That’s easy! People. I genuinely love connecting with people and serving them. It gives me joy getting to know each employee and providing them opportunities to grow personally and professionally. It doesn’t feel like “work” when you are meeting with a new client and finding ways to solve their problems. I believe this is God’s purpose for me—making a difference in the lives of others. Who are your mentors? My mentors do not know that they are my mentors. My cousin, Chasity Williams. She joined the Air Force a few years before I did, but today, she is a retired officer and now serves as the Head of Infection Control at her hospital. I always admired how career-driven she was, creating goals and seeing them through every time. I talk to her almost every day and rely on her for advice in everyday life. She can be an ear to a bad day at work or what weekend plans we have with the kids. She constantly has my best interests in mind and provides guidance in balancing work, marriage, and kids. My friend and colleague, Rae Inn. Rae joined our company early this year, but we have been friends for 12 years. For years, Rae was also my small group leader. She has a talent and gift for connecting with people, really taking the time to understand each individual and provide them the support they didn’t know they needed. Rae is my “rock” in the company. She can talk me through decisions, advise me in navigating personalities, and just listen when I need a friend. Lastly, my industry friend, Holly Murakami. We have known each other in the industry for over 10 years. She has always been well respected and a genuinely sweet person. Holly’s love for people shows in everything she does. She takes the time to write a personal card to everyone she meets and never misses an opportunity to say thank you. Our friendship has grown over the years, and she has been my number one cheerleader in building my company. She is always connecting me with people in our industry and is a constant referral of new clients. I am so grateful for Holly’s advice and support.

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Making A Difference In The Lives of Others

You Can Help Build A Better Hawaii Mahalo to our awesome Impact Team for volunteering their time and energy to provide compassion care, housing coordination and medical navigation to Hawaii’s local unhoused community. Visit www.RadicalHale.org or call 808.373.0676 to participate in our Holiday Donation and to learn more about our Movement. You can help build a better Hawaii by bringing positive awareness and change to communities across the State. Mahalo,

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Kara England Founder, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

@theradicalhale

IN HAWAI‘I.

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smaller, more precise movements of the surgical instruments. The da Vinci Xi Surgical System adds to our repertoire of advanced surgical options, which also includes NAVIO, a robotic assisted surgical system for both total and partial knee replacements. The da Vinci Xi Surgical System supports a less invasive technique to traditional surgery. Benefits often include a shorter hospital stay, reduced blood loss, reduced scarring, and faster recovery. General surgeons and urologists will use the da Vinci Xi on a variety of procedures; some conditions that will be treated with assistance from the system are gallbladder disease, pancreatic disease, and prostate conditions. Combine these new and expanded services with our tradition of award-winning quality, and it is clear that Windward Oahu has easy access to healthcare for a lifetime from birth through the senior years. Adventist Health Castle continues to focus on patient-centered care with quality technology and comprehensive services. From the moment you are greeted until the moment of departure, you will notice what sets us apart. Our focus on patient-centered care and whole-person health, plus a commitment to employing the most highly trained, empathetic staff shines through at every level of care.

Ryan Ashlock

PRESIDENT A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A S T L E

What is something people may not know about your company that you'd like to share? As we have evolved through the years, our focus has always been on our community. How can we provide quality healthcare that’s convenient for you? In addition to the exceptional care and personal attention you expect, we are adding even more diagnostic tools and medical and surgical specialties. Adventist Health Castle has expanded its surgical capabilities for Windward Oahu by adding a state-of-theart da Vinci Xi Surgical System. This robotic-assisted system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into

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What's your take on the aging industry, specifically in Hawai‘i? The aging industry is not a problem, but an opportunity to be realized. In 2035, there will be more people over age 60 in the United States than kids under 18. That is a staggering statistic to think about. The opportunity that exists is to partner with our Kupuna by creating programs that ensure they live longer, healthier lives -- programs that create community, drive purpose, and deliver overall well-being. The healthcare industry is in a unique position to successfully adopt these programs. With the move from fee-for-service to value-based care, we now have an aligned reimbursement model that enables a well-being focus. At Adventist Health Castle we are on a journey together with other independent physician and postacute care organizations to dramatically impact the health of our Kupuna population. We believe this can be accomplished in two specific ways. The first is to ensure that existing programs within the organization know how to care for this population in a specific and unique way. Geriatric trained nurses, physicians and other clinic staff will exist to care for this population. Second, is to drive this well-being focus through intentional programs available within the community or even virtually with the convenience of being at home. Research shows that keeping a purpose in life is key to driving happiness regardless of age.

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Are there some positive take-aways from the COVID-19 pandemic that has emerged in your industry and career? As difficult as it has been, the healthcare industry will take away some positives from our experience with COVID-19. 1. Tele-Health: Tele-Health was something many, if not all, healthcare providers were utilizing to some extent prior to COVID-19. But although it was used, it wasn’t a primary means of delivering healthcare, now it is. At one point, Adventist Health Castle was doing 80% of our primary care visits virtually. That number has since come down to about 50%, but it is still dramatically higher than what we were doing pre-COVID. This way of delivering care is convenient and effective. 2. Collaboration: Our Hawai‘i hospitals, coordinated by the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i, collaborated in ways never seen before. Each of us recognized that it was critical that we work together for the good of our community. I believe this collaboration will continue even after the pandemic is over. 3. Health Equity: COVID-19 shined a bright light on the fact that health inequity exists within our communities. We now have an opportunity to ensure healthcare is available to all. 4. Recognition of our amazing healthcare workers: It is easy to forget the profound impact our healthcare workers have on the communities we service. Throughout this pandemic, all our communities have recognized the outstanding work that occurs within our hospitals on a day-today basis. Beyond the changes due to the pandemic, what have been the biggest turning points in healthcare in recent years? Over the last 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a well-being focus in our society. Our healthcare approach must adapt to that and move from being focused on reacting to patients’ needs to being proactive about ensuring their wellbeing. What this means is that the system is being reorganized to focus on the consumer/patient versus the provider/hospital. When we think about healthcare today, we are providing care only in instances that well-being fails. Now we must focus on sustaining well-being for those we serve. The health and well-being economy accounts for about 20% of the spend today, but in the next 10 years it is projected to increase to 60%. For these reasons,

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healthcare organizations must be ready for complete care management of their patients. Structures such as clinically integrated networks and accountable care organizations will gain in popularity as healthcare organizations identify ways to partner with payors and providers to deliver care under a different reimbursement model. This should be a model that pays providers to implement programs that will drive health and well-being. This shift is why I am excited to be a part of healthcare today. Unlike any time in our history, given the unique nature of the pandemic, there is an acute focus on health, well-being, and equity. At Adventist Health Castle, our mission of living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope is more relevant than ever before as we tackle this healthcare shift to preventative care for our patients and community. How do you maintain your own health/well-being? Setting clear boundaries is important for my own personal health and well-being, which took me a while to figure out. With technology, the job can be with you 24/7 and be all consuming if you’re not careful. Having a young family at home, I have made a commitment that family comes first. With that, our family enjoys being outdoors and getting out onto the golf course as much as possible. At Castle, we also practice this philosophy of making health/well-being a priority for our associates. Time away from work and focusing on your own health and well-being is critical to driving productivity in the professional environment. Just recently, we implemented some ground rules to ensure there are dedicated times away from work. Some examples are no emails after 6 p.m. or on weekends, and working with associates to ensure vacation time is maximized. What's your favorite part of your job? There are two pieces of my job I love the most. First is the opportunity to work side-by-side with the incredible associates at Adventist Health Castle. The people at Castle are second to none and all share a passion for delivering outstanding care to our patients and community. Whenever I have a difficult day, I walk the halls of our organization and am quickly reminded how blessed I am to work there. Second, I really enjoy being in a role that enables me to create strategies that make a meaningful difference for the health and well-being of the communities we serve. To see firsthand the work our team is doing to make a difference is a rewarding and enriching experience.

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An Investment of Love

estaurants that continue to operate today undoubtedly had to pivot their operations to maneuver through the storm of challenges COVID-19 caused. Like countless others, husband-and-wife chef duo Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant organically drifted in the direction of take out to weather the pandemic, but rather than simply mitigating costs while optimizing revenue to keep afloat, they decided to continue to adhere to their local-sourcing ethos by supporting the community at all costs, while also strategizing other solutions to aid in their own sustainability. In order to cope with the impacts of COVID-19, MW Restaurant immediately shifted to a take-away program. While traveling, Ueoka recalled seeing shutdowns throughout the United States and felt that the trend was inevitable. However, to combat this challenge and other pandemic oppositions, MW

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Restaurant changed the menu twice a week with fresh new concepts keeping both patrons and the staff engaged; they made things fun during a challenging time. For example, a “Mom & Pop” menu paid homage to local establishments such as Paesano Italian Ristorante, Ethel’s Grill, O’Kims Korean Kitchen, and Big Island Candies by recreating MW Restaurant’s own take on their popular items. They brought recognition to the sources of their inspiration as well on their social media platforms. “We already had standing orders set up with Ho Farms, MA'O Organic Farms, and others and we did not want to cut those orders because we still wanted to support the farmers or even buy more from them,” shares Ueoka. So instead of scaling back their commitments, MW Restaurant showcased local ingredients in the selection of “Save It for Later” frozen foods for those seeking quick meals to heat up at home. A farmers market list of fresh produce was also available for

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purchase, offering options for those who preferred to prepare their own recipes while saving them a trip to the market. Earlier this year, both MW Restaurant and Artizen by MW— their more casual concept once located in the Hawai‘i State Art Museum—were consolidated under one roof at Velocity Honolulu in order to streamline operational costs and still make things more convenient for their customers. Both establishments maintained their brands of elevated yet comfort-driven local flavors while endearing audiences by initially lowering prices when they opened near the peak of the economic downturn. MW Restaurant brought back their trained staff and improved the dining experience as well. They recruited Jen Len as beverage manager to expand their wine and cocktail program. Bringing with her a wealth of oenology and mixology after working in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Len echoed the Ueoka’s embrace of supporting local agriculture and commerce in her craft cocktails and roster of other beverages. Kathy Kawashige, who was previously General Manager at Alan Wong’s Restaurant, was also brought on as Executive Manager to further upgrade the front of house experience. MW Restaurant’s investment to its community, despite the onslaught of obstacles, brought invaluable returns—a homecoming of its staff and the regular visits by its local patrons. While Hawai‘i sits in anticipation for brighter signs of recovery, Michelle and Wade will continue its pledge to support the community and local businesses as a part of its survival strategy.

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What is something people may not know about your company that you'd like to share? Everyone deserves affordable healthcare. I founded NIU Health because I saw a need for easily accessible, inexpensive urgent care for Hawai‘i residents. Becoming a member of NIU Health gets you 24/7 access to local medical professionals in-person or virtually for less than $10/month. It’s not a gimmick, we have two fully operational urgent care clinics on Oahu and plan to expand to Ewa and to the outer islands soon! Are there some positive take-aways from Covid-19 pandemic that has emerged in your industry and career? I’ve witnessed firsthand our community pull together. Despite being in the middle of a pandemic, the collaboration of small business owners has been astounding. We’re all in this together and we need to help each other in any way we can. I have an incredible staff of doctors and nurse practitioners who have all stepped up to take care of those in need. Beyond the changes due to the pandemic, what have been the biggest turning points in healthcare in recent years? Cost is getting out of control and access to care is a major problem as well. Things must change, or it will become unsustainable. Healthcare delivery must change. I’m trying to improve our healthcare delivery process without changing the quality of care.

Tony Trpkovski CEO FOUNDER N I U H E A LT H U R G E N T C A R E +

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How do you maintain your own health/wellbeing? Everything in moderation. I try to eat right though I do enjoy the occasional chicken wing! I’m always on the go and exercise at least 5 times a week (weight training, running, cycling, and swimming) Exercise is the key to my high energy. I take a daily multivitamin and stay hydrated too. In addition, as cliché as it may sound, laughter is the best medicine. Laughing stimulates your organs, enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, muscles, and increases endorphins released by your brain. If you need a good laugh, drop into one of NIU’s clinics and I’m happy to tell you a joke. What's your favorite part of your job? My patients. I’m passionate about taking care of others which is why I became a doctor.

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Larry Grimm

P R I N C I P A L C O N S U LTA N T ONLINE COACHING FOR LIFE AND FAITH

BY PAM BLAIR

As a child, Larry Grimm wanted nothing more than to be The Lone Ranger. He faithfully watched the television program, wearing his own mask and hat, with a toy revolver by his side.

“I have coached people all of my life, even though I didn’t know I was doing it,” said Grimm, who formalized his training as a master coach five years ago in Denver.

“I wanted my life to be heroic,” said Grimm, who strived to achieve that as husband, father, Presbyterian minister, pastoral counselor and hospice chaplain. “I realized I was making myself lonely by living out this myth. I would arrive, fix things and leave. My mask was a place to hide. It disguised fears and anxiety, and prevented me from expressing emotion.”

At age 68, Grimm moved to Hawai‘i to help a high school buddy settle in. When plans to start a business together did not materialize, the friend left. After some soul searching about how he would supplement his retirement income if he stayed, Grimm said he heard God whisper, “I’ve trained you at transitions, and you are good at it.”

Grimm said growth came when he accepted that he could not fix churches as a pastor or fix people he counseled at the end of life, “but what I could do was guide them.” The 71-year-old from Honolulu is doing that, pouring his life experiences into an online business mentoring fellow elders through the aging process and toward an “extraordinary life and faith.” His multi-faceted program formally launches in January.

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Two weeks later, Grimm was hired as a hospice chaplain—something he had done in Colorado. He said he made a three-year covenant with God to stay in that position. Three years to the day he started that job, Grimm was diagnosed with COVID-19 and sent into quarantine for two weeks. In July, Grimm began writing a book about how to transform attitudes about aging and find joy. During his time away from hospice, he said he felt the nudge to act on his dream and start his business. “I was convinced this was my next step, my next calling,” said Grimm, who resigned from hospice in October. “It was truly a leap of faith.”

H E A L T H

In this new transition, Grimm says he will be a companion and facilitator to those he coaches, sharing the collective experiences of those drawn to his program, which includes weekly one-on-one coaching; participation in a weekly small group of like-minded elders; online courses addressing spiritual life, physical well-being, relationships and economics; and a digital resource center. “No one size fits all,” Grimm said. “For coaching to be effective, it will be customized to the issues and goals presented by the person who seeks coaching. My skill is enabling my client to explore and resolve some of their existing internal conflicts.” A vital, vibrant elderhood requires goal setting, imagining possibilities, reflection and reconsolidation of what seems to have been broken bits and pieces through grieving, sorting out stories, forgiving, preparing and letting go, Grimm said. “Elderhood is not an endpoint,” Grimm said. “Elderhood offers unique growth opportunities. Growth occurs when we transform our way of thinking, our mental structure for processing information and making decisions. Having been a chaplain trained as a professional pastoral counselor, I recognize that emotions often bind us up, and we are not able to do the kind of internal work needed to set us free.” Grimm said benefits of transformed thinking include reduced anxiety, release of guilt, removal of the stranglehold of trauma, reimagined purpose, enhanced communication with family and friends, deepened spiritual experience and lighthearted joy. Grimm said he decided not long ago that he would die at age 90. He wrote his obituary as a simple oneliner: He practiced what he preached. “I noticed a feeling of relief and freedom when I did that,” Grimm said. “The simple obituary exercise reinforced my commitments for me and summed up my life mission. I let go of any other expectations to achieve something great. I let go of the self-criticism of my real or imagined failures. I landed on the strong side of self-affirmation, and it became a guiding light for the remainder of my life. Practicing what I preach comes before me in all I do. It’s not what I do; it’s who I am.

W E L L N E S S

“My passion throughout my life has been to make a difference. The difference I want to make is always to strengthen another’s sense of being loved and worthy. It is important to me that the people who I encounter experience empowerment.” For insight into Grimm’s approach to an extraordinary elderhood, check out his book, “Don’t Just Age, Engage,” available at www.personalcoachingforlifeandfaith.com. Possible standalone quote or for use with in a caption with a photo of Larry Grimm (last sentence of this quote could be cut without damaging the integrity of the quote, in my opinion): “Americans in their elderhood are branded as outdated, outmoded, outlasting their usefulness and thus worthy to become outcasts. One of the oddest things about our society is that we unknowingly foster and teach people to be victims. How ironic a country built upon possibilities and freedom of choice often creates a culture that produces complaint and victimhood!”

EXPLORE A PERSONAL COACHING EXERCISE 1.

Fold a piece of paper lengthwise.

On the left side, list the images, cultural expectations and fears you think about when you consider yourself and others aging.

Turn the paper over and on the right side list the best possible experiences of elderhood you could want for yourself (list your desires, not getting hung up on whether they are possible).

Unfold the page and look at the lists side by side. What items on the left do you want to move to the right?

Tear the page down the fold.

Put the left side in a file drawer.

Post the right side on your bathroom mirror and recite it each morning for a month.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 21

PROJECT VISION HAWAII is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to increasing access to care for the people of Hawai‘i through mobile clinics and strategic partnerships. We provide health and human services, targeting communities that struggle with lack of insurance, geographic challenges, cultural barriers, and limited to no income. Our success in serving vulnerable populations comes largely because two unique strategies: 1) we bring services directly to access-challenged communities, and 2) services are always 100% free of charge to participants. Project Vision Hawai‘i was founded in 2011 providing vision screenings to children in Title I schools across the islands. In 2016, PVH ordered it’s first HiEHiE mobile shower trailer to service homeless individuals on O‘ahu. HiEHiE means to restore dignity and that is exactly what we strive to do for our houseless community. Today, Project Vision Hawai‘i has mobile shower trailers on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, and Kaua‘i. In addition to vision and homeless outreach, PVH works with clients in need of assistance with SNAP (food stamp) enrollment.

Our programs include: •

Vision screening and free prescription glasses in public schools

•

Mobile hot showers for individuals facing homelessness

•

SNAP (food stamp) & Medicaid enrollment

•

Free cataract surgeries for underinsured and uninsured patients

•

COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing

Last year, PVH accomplished great things thanks to the generous donations from businesses and families in our communities. As of recent, we: •

Administered more than 12,000 COVID-19 tests and 50,000 vaccinations to vulnerable populations and service providers.

•

Vision screened public school children throughout Hawai‘i, reaching more than 30,000 students and providing more than 4,000 free prescription glasses.

•

Enrolled more than 300 residents in applying for food stamps.

•

Provided dozens of free cataract surgeries for individuals that are uninsured.

•

Provided over 3,600 hot, private showers to people experiencing homelessness.

As another example of how Project Vision Hawai‘i is always searching for ways to serve vulnerable populations, they expanded into COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Thanks to a publicprivate partnership with Department of Health, the backing of private funders, and the support of incredible community partners. “With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that we had to respond in any way that we could to contain the spread of the virus within our communities and protect those that are medically vulnerable. With our fleet of mobile service units and staff in all counties, we were able to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, in addition to our regular services” said Ryan Naka, Director of Philanthropy and Marketing for Project Vision Hawai‘i. “It’s incredibly important to us to continuously find ways that we can fill the gaps where services lack or where access to health and human services is a challenge.”

For more information about Project Vision Hawai‘i visit www.ProjectVisionHawaii.org. For inquiries, contact Ryan Naka at ryan@projectvisionhawaii.org

Caring for your medical imaging needs

At Adventist Health Castle, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate care and the services you need. We’ve invested in the latest technology to provide clearer images, faster, allowing for a quicker diagnosis. Our commitment to this community is inspired by you and based on our mission: “Living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.” NEW state-of-the-art imaging equipment:

Safety precautions to care for you:

•

CT scan (computerized tomography)

•

Temperature screening at entrances

•

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

•

Mandatory masking

•

Nuclear medicine

•

Thorough cleansing and sanitizing of all imaging suites after every exam

Other imaging services: •

DEXA body composition scan

•

Interventional radiology

•

Mammography

•

Ultrasound

•

X-ray

To schedule an appointment please call 808-263-5166. 640 `Ulukahiki Street, Kailua, 96734 Learn more about our imaging services AdventistHealthCastle.org/Imaging

the

VEGAS S CE NE WE

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LAS VEGAS

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 25

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Neon

MUSEUM

he Neon Museum is home to the iconic neon signs chronicling Las Vegas history. Visually impressive and unlike any other collection in the world, the signs in The Neon Museum are unique works of art with historical significance. Each sign has its own story about the personalities who created it, what inspired it, where and when it was made, and the role it played in Las Vegas’ distinctive history. The museum’s outdoor exhibition space, the Neon Boneyard, has more than 250 signs, including nearly two dozen that are electrified. Guided tours in the evening best showcase the fabulous neon of the museum’s restored signs alongside unrestored relics that are showcased with ground lighting. Guests can view the signs and their amazing artistry up close while gaining a better understanding of the stories behind the cultural treasures. The museum offers guided tours in English and Spanish and also offers general admission tickets for those who want to explore the collection on their own during the day. The Neon Museum’s also offers Brilliant!, a one-of-a-kind experience that redefines the way we explore the history of Las Vegas through sight and sound. This unforgettable experience uses light projection to illuminate unrestored signs and incorporates music and archival footage to transport guests into Las Vegas’ history. A 25-minute show, Brilliant! runs every evening in the museum’s North Gallery. The entrance to the North Gallery features an expansive mural to celebrate the diverse communities and lesser-known individuals who helped shape and have significantly impacted Las Vegas cultural history. Entitled “Las Vegas Luminaries,” the mural features a diverse, dedicated and sometimes overlooked cast of icons including pioneering showgirls, heart throb headliners, champions of civil rights, dazzling designers and more. The mural also gives a nod to those keeping the longstanding craft of neon bending alive to ensure Vegas continues to glow. The Neon Museum’s visitors’ center is the historic La Concha Motel lobby, a distinctive shell-shaped building that is a striking example of Googie architecture, a Mid-Century modern design characterized by Atomic and Space Age shapes. Originally constructed in 1961 on Las Vegas Boulevard, the La Concha lobby was saved from demolition, moved in eight pieces, and reassembled at its current location. From its visitors’ center to the Boneyard and the North Gallery, The Neon Museum offers a memorable vintage Vegas experience for everyone. To learn more and to buy tickets online, visit: http:// www.neonmuseum.org/.

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N E O N

M U S E U M

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Oscar’s Steakhouse AT T H E P L A Z A H O T E L & C A S I N O

amed after former Las Vegas Mayor and reputed mob attorney Oscar B. Goodman, the award-winning Oscar’s steakhouse is a glamorous and uniquely Las Vegas steakhouse inside the iconic glass dome of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Upon entering Oscar’s, diners are greeted with a curated display of personal memorabilia of the restaurant’s famous namesake while Oscar’s main dining room reflects the Vegas of yesteryear with its shimmering chandeliers and deep banquette seating overlooking the dazzling lights of Fremont Street and downtown Vegas. Its timeless ambiance is the perfect setting for the authentic steakhouse experience it offers with diverse cuts of beef, classic seafood options, and traditional sides while highlighting modern dining trends. The restaurant’s entrées and appetizers are inspired by family recipes and tailored to meet the tastes of even the most discerning diners. The menu pays homage to Goodman’s beloved family and infamous ‘friends.’ Oscar’s Black Book, exclusively available at the restaurant, provides Goodman’s own personal back stories for the names of the individual menu items, like Johnny Quinn’s Crab Cake, No Nose’s Mob Meatballs, or Joey C’s Filet Mignon. Goodman is known for love of martinis, so it’s no surprise that Oscar’s lounge features a wide variety of specialty martinis and other handcrafted cocktails. Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday in Oscar’s lounge offers discounts on house wine, well drinks, beer and select appetizers. Every Sunday, guests can enjoy 50% off select bottles of wine. Carrying over Goodman’s reputation as the “Happiest Mayor in the Universe,” Oscar’s affectionately boasts itself as “The Happiest Steakhouse in the Universe.” The approach to food and service at Oscar’s is the same as Goodman’s approach to life – eat, drink, and have fun! Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, Oscar’s is a must-visit, only-in-Vegas destination that offers an unforgettable vintage Vegas dining experience. Reservations recommended by calling 702-386-2223 or online at: https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/dining/ oscars-steakhouse/

28 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

COMPLETE 4 & 5 NIGHT VEGAS PACKAGES FROM $777

SEE WHAT’S NEW

Cruise in comfort on wide body 767 aircrafts! Hawaii’s favorite casino just got better, enjoy the newly renovated California Hotel & Casino!

Visit Vacations Hawaii’s Website

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V EGAS SCEN E

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LAS VEGAS

Brothers and acclaimed restaurateurs, Michael Morton and David Morton, opened ONE Steakhouse, their exciting second collaboration in late March 2021. The two-story restaurant and lounge has become a Las Vegas hotspot to see and be seen since its official opening at the exhilarating Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton. Each space within the stunning, two-story restaurant and lounge delivers a distinctive, eyecatching environment featuring a striking entry with an open, stylish lounge under an awning of scintillating lights – a chandelier made of over 3,000 individual handcrafted pieces of glass lit by LED lights which change colors throughout the night; the main dining room, where rich woods and oversized booths meld with playful artwork, including whimsical cloches expressing mystical worlds of escape, fantasy and beauty; and the spacious and bright second level topped with a 23-foot-tall “living” skylight framed by succulents and open-air cantilevered windows on two sides drawing the eye to an oversized, rectangular bar at the center. Executive Chef Patrick Munster, whose expertise spans top steakhouse dining experiences, brings his talents to preparing steaks to perfection at ONE Steakhouse. Favorites include reimagined surf and turf selections; mouthwatering Japanese Satsuma Wagyu; baked short rib rigatoni, made with whipped burrata, roasted tomato sauce and basil; and citrus-cured Hamachi topped with sweety drop pepper purée and jalapeño. Munster’s signature “Tomahawk Feast” is a dry-aged, 16-lb USDA prime tomahawk steak, carved tableside for 10-12 people.

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LEADERSHIP IN

HOTELS&

HOSPITALITY

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 31

H O T E L S

H O S P I T A L I T Y

and first responders who were unable to safely quarantine or isolate at home due to COVID-19. In October, Highgate Hawaii became the first in the state to require full proof of vaccination for all employees, guests and patrons. Community Leadership and Sustainability are Key Areas of Focus for HIGHGATE. What are some of the ways you make this part of the Guest and Visitor Experience? “During the pandemic we decided to create an ongoing local staycation offer that gives back to local nonprofits. For each room night booked under the LOVE HAWAI‘I offer, $10 per night is donated to local non-profits including the American Heart Association, Aloha United Way, Diamond Head Theater, Honolulu Zoo and Ho‘ōla Nā Pua. We also sponsor events for local non-profits and participate in annual holiday food drives and Toys for Tots programs. Additionally, we are committed to a sustainable future, and we respect Hawai‘i’s landscape by giving back through our Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative and Malama Hawaii experiences for visitors. Most recently, ‘Alohilani Resort announced that it will be powered by 100% renewable electricity starting on January 1, 2022.”

Kelly Sanders

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF O P E R AT I O N S H I G H G AT E

Safe Travel is a key consideration for anyone when travelling these days. The effects of the worldwide pandemic has had devastating effects on hospitality and our residents. Highgate has done so much to be a part of the solution by giving our visitors and residents a safe experience. Can you share some of these with us? “Highgate strives to be at the forefront of safe tourism, which is at the core of our commitment to providing the highest level of hospitality. We partnered with Hawai‘i-based V2 Medical Group to help guests navigate the Safe Travels Hawai‘i requirements and other logistics of flying during the pandemic. Additionally, at a community level, we worked with the Department of Health to provide accommodations for locals

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What are some of the trends you are seeing or continue to see for Travel in General and to Hawai‘i? “Safe travel will continue to be essential, and we must ensure all health standards and practices are maintained at the highest level to keep our guests and employees safe. Furthermore, travelers are seeking authentic cultural experiences that can be shared with loved ones. The Hawaiian Islands are like no place else, and at Highgate we strive to offer authentic touchpoints and educational experiences to excite and inspire guests of all ages. For example, our guests can visit the Legacy Forest, where they can learn about the importance of reforestation and plant their own indigenous tree as part of ‘Alohilani’s pledge to plant 100,000 trees. I think travelers will continue to seek out authentic experiences, and we are proud to offer programming that engages guests with Oahu’s conservation efforts to restore and protect the native ecosystem and culture.” What are some of the other innovations you have up your sleeve? Highgate Hawaii just launched a partnership with Waikiki Beach Candy in December 2021. Beach Candy credits are now included in our resort amenity fee, and guests can easily redeem credits for a variety of rentals, such as surfboards, umbrellas and snorkels to further enhance their Hawai‘i experience. Plus, by renting equipment, guests are helping our sustainability initiative to preserve the environment and reduce waste. We’ll have some other exciting environmental initiatives announced in 2022 so stay tuned!

H O T E L S

H O S P I T A L I T Y

by nature, whether it's hiking in the mountains or swimming in the Pacific Ocean, that is where I feel a deep connection to a place, to the people, to the culture. Typically, it is through these unique experiences and hobbies, such as my yoga practice, visiting a pop-up gallery or early morning surf sessions with my daughters, that I'm able to explore new, perspectives that ultimately I hope our guests appreciate and embrace. For example, the Resort is continuing to create a modern vibe around the property - from contemporary music and art exhibits, to the design and decor.

Michael Mestraud

SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER F O U R S E A S O N S R E S O R T OA H U AT KO OLINA AND VP OF RESIDENTIAL O P E R AT I O N - A M E R I C A S

As the General Manager what does it take to be an effective leader and how would you describe your leadership style? I’ve had more than two decades of experience navigating the hospitality industry and I can humbly note that I’m still learning each and every day. As general manager, I continue to draw upon Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts’ core values in shaping my leadership style. I’m a firm believer in developing better humans as well as better leaders. To do so, it’s important to inspire your team, be approachable, and lead from various points of views. I leave my ego at the door and have drawed upon my own experiences navigating the industry - from humility, vulnerbility, authenticity, diversity, emotional intelligence - and of course positivitity. We are creating magic and memories for our guests, to do so, you must lead with passion, excitement and heart. What do you do in your spare time for fun to keep your mind sharp and how do you bring that back into your workspace? I'm very fortunate to have spent over 22 years with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, living in some of the most beautiful destinations - from Jackson Hole and Santa Barbara, to Bora Bora and most recently Costa Rica. I love being surrounded 34 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

What has been some of the most recent game changing consumer trends you have observed in hospitality and how will you implement these changes and observations in 2022? Trend or no trend, as we head into 2022, my goal is to continue to deliver exceptional value, bespoke experiences and world-class service to our guests. Our premier beachside location, abundance of activity options - from cultural to art, and live music, combined with Four Seasons' innovative programs, will continue to enrich the visitor experience and offer a unique destination for kama‘aina to enjoy. As the world continues to navigate through the pandemic, travelers have realized that there is no time like the present. Most of us have been at home, dreaming of the day to travel, to be reconnected with friends and loved ones, and most importantly create unforgettable memories. As travelers continue to reemerge and feel confident in traveling, we are going to see a shift with the guest profiles. What once was strictly family getaways, I believe more group or friendship getaways will be a prominent travel niche. Also, while not a new trend, travelers are seeking travel experiences with a carbon offset. Prior to moving to Oahu, I recently re-opened Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica as a modern eco-luxury resort. Travelers are seeking these types of eco-paradise experiences and I believe we will continue to see this as a leading trend in 2022. Here at Four Seasons Resort Oahu, we are working with Gunstock Ranch's Malama Hawai‘i program, which allows guests to plant a Monarch Milo tree in their Legacy Forest. This is a beautiful way for our guests to connect with the Island and give back. Being good times or challenging times what is the one thing that makes your heart sing by being in Hawai‘i and the Hospitality Industry? I firmly believe that Hawai‘i is always a good idea - whether you are working, vacationing, or living in paradise, it is an extraordinary destination to experience, and even more extraordinary if you can call the islands your home. My wife is Tahitian, and my daughters were born in Tahiti, therefore our family truly feels at home here on Oahu. Island living allows us to connect on a deeper level, spending quality time together and making unforgettable memories - very similar to what our Four Seasons guests experience when they visit us. While the Hospitality Industry has experience an extremely challenging last few years due to the pandemic, I feel incredibly fortunate to be at the helm of Four Seasons Resort Oahu during this pivotal period for both the resort and tourism. It's an exciting time to hit the reset button and help guide my extraordinary team during the resort's transformation.

H O T E L S

H O S P I T A L I T Y

Are there some positive take-aways from Covid-19 pandemic that has emerged in your industry and career? In 2021, we established our ESH mantra: Redefine, Reignite, Resourceful, and Refresh. Like all businesses, we had to adapt to the new way of doing business as we began the road to recovery. We learned how to conduct business in a virtual environment, maintain our positive relationships with our clients and vendors, cross-train our team to be more creative with our resources, and utilize our hosts’ skillset. Beyond the changes due to the pandemic, what have been the biggest turning points in hospitality in recent years? Social media has been very instrumental in recent years and has played an important role in how we market and communicate with our guests and potential guests. Social media has also helped to tell our story to inspire travel not just to our resort, but to the destination.

Simeon Miranda

GENERAL MANAGER E M B A S S Y S U I T E S B Y H I LT O N WAIKIKI BEACH WALK

What is something people may not know about your company that you'd like to share? This year Embassy Suites Waikiki and Waikiki Beach Walk will be celebrating 15 years since it was reimagined to what it is today. Embassy Suites Waikiki is pleased to be in the heart of Waikiki’s most exciting dining, shopping, and entertainment district. I have been very fortunate to be the General Manager for the past five years leading the only all-suite resort in Waikiki! We continue to top the Embassy Suites Brand and rank #1 in Occupancy, Total Revenue, and Average Daily Rate with our outstanding service and product. Describe your dream vacation. My dream vacation is to be on a remote island somewhere in Thailand or the Philippines to experience the culture, food, and service they are known for. I would also love to stay in an untraditional hotel or resort where I can just relax, swim, and enjoy the surroundings.

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Have you always wanted to be in the hospitality industry? Yes, my mother came from the Philippines, even with a college education, and with very little English she could only be hired as a housekeeper. She did that until she retired. She would tell me that her work was hard but what she learned was that many of the executives she worked for were educated and resourceful. She did not want her children to work as hard as her; she wanted them to have careers and be leaders, so I followed in her footsteps but also became a GM. How did this career emerge? In the beginning I started as a Night Auditor at a busy Business Hotel, but in doing well after 3 months I was asked to join the MIT program and fast track to be an Assistant General Manager. Later in my career I learned from my mentors, other General Managers, and leaders in the Hospitality industry. Ironically, I became a General Manager for Hilton Hotels and the Outrigger Hotel Group where both my mother and father worked on Oahu What’s your favorite part of your job? Mentoring our future leaders of hospitality and seeing them flourish as they embark on their career. One program I have been involved with is the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association’s Mentor/Mentee program designed to strengthen an individual’s professional development with a focus on leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and networking. I have worked with many managers in the hospitality industry and watched individuals grow to be promoted as General Managers, and some have even become top executives for major hotel brands. I’m grateful to witness their journey as they propel throughout their professional career who ultimately become your close friends who you will never forget. I’m grateful to witness their journey and see how they propel throughout their professional careers. They ultimately become your close friends, people who you will never forget.

Awarded the 2019 and 2020 Platinum Green Award as the #1 resort in North America for sustainability by RCI®, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange. Hawaii Green Business Award Winner, 2019 and 2020

What does green travel look like? It looks like this. Book your stay now and enjoy condo style living on 22 lush acres. Starting at $389 and no resort fees. 808.826.2000 www.cliffsatprinceville.com

presents

2021 The Pacific Edge Magazine Business Achievement Awards honors successful businesses and innovative leaders who promote best business practices and community involvement. Business Pivot of the Year » Healthcare Leader of the Year » Non-Profit Impact of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award » Young Professional of the Year » Business Executive of the Year Commitment to Green » Best New Business » Best Family-Run Business Social Media :: Influencer of the Year » Social Media :: Business Impact of the Year Hospitality Executive of the Year » Business Woman of the Year

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 39

BU S I NESS AC HIEV EMENT AWARD W I N N E R S

PUBLISHER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Jake Johnson Hale Partners

Teri Orton Hawai‘i Convention Center

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR

Dave Erdman PacRim Marketing Group & PRTech

Cina Luks Instagram Influencer

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Ryan Kalei Tsuji RKT Media Hawai‘i

Ryan Emmons Waiākea Water

40 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

Danielle Bass State Sustainability Coordinator for the State of Hawai‘i

F A M I LY R U N B U S I N E S S

HI Tech Hui

COMMITMENT TO GREEN

The Cliffs at Princeville

B USI N E SS ACH I E V E M E N T AWA R D W INNE RS

BEST NEW BUSINESS

NIU Health

HEALTHCARE LEADER OF THE YEAR

Asad Ghiasuddin University of Hawai‘i

HOSPITALITY EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Kelly Sanders ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

NON-PROFIT IMPACT OF THE YEAR

I.H.S. & Project Vision Hawai‘i

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Tiera Covington Integrated Facility Services Hawaii

TECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Maui Greens

Mahalo We'd like to thank all of our sponsors for participating in this year's Pacific Edge Business Awards. Watanabe Floral

Project Vision

The Cliffs at Princeville

Securitas

Lenox Metals

Hawaiian Building Maintenance

Pac Rim

Lawson & Associates

Spectrum Enterprise

Hale Partners

Hawai‘i Pacific University

Central Pacific Bank

Hawaiian Electric Industries

NIU Health

Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union

Alaska Airlines PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 41

HALE PARNTERS WOULD LIKE TO THANK PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE FOR RECOGNIZING OUR OWN JAKE JOHNSON AS THE BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS PUBLISHER'S CHOICE WINNER FOR 2021. JAKE'S VISION AND ENTRENUERIAL SPIRIT IS AN ASSET TO BOTH OUR COMPANY AND OUR CLIENTS.

MODERN HOMES BUILT WITH ALOHA HALEPARTNERSHAWAII

WWW.HALEPARTNERSHAWAII.COM

C O NN ECTIO N S

NETWORK.

EDUCATE.

CELEBRATE.

F O R

Bubbles & Brunch

Pacific Edge Magazine enjoyed a festive & safe brunch event with over 50 women in businesses! We enjoyed light brunch, bubbles and shopping. Mahalo to Natura Bisse, Guranteed Rate & C2 Financial for your support. And the great video and photos from the LVRG Group. Check out our video on at Pacific Edge Tiktok and photos additionally on at Pacific Edge Instagram. A portion of each ticket went to benefit Ho‘ōla Nā Pua, Our nonprofit in-kind partner.

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Elevate your self care.

MASSAGE HYDROTHERAPY BODY WRAPS ÉMINENCE ORGANIC FACIALS PRO FACIAL PEELS HYDRAFACIAL NATURAL & GEL NAIL CARE WAXING & THREADING CUT, COLOR & TREATMENT You deserve it.

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PROJECT FOOTPRINT WE ENDEAVOR TO REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT, PRESERVE OUR ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECT OUR ISLAND HOME. TOGETHER, WE WILL BUILD RESILIENT COMMUNITIES AND A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR HAWAI‘I.

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HOKALI SURFING TO A BETTER TOMORROW

n with the tide and sweeping the shores of Hawai’i joins the refreshing and new surf community marketplace, HOKALI. HOKALI is a recent success story that all began on the beaches of California with two Argentinians, Tomás Bisi and Ignacio Viau. These two founders both started surfing at a young age with competitions and coaching along the way, but it was not until meeting in San Francisco that the opportunity to change the surfing world washed ashore. There was a high demand for surf lessons but no surf coaches hence with passions

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for the sport and teaching Tomás and Ignacio decided to change that, and so HOKALI surfed its first wave. The two surfers did not just create a platform for students and coaches to connect but transformed the industry into a community. HOKALI can be easily found through their website (hokali.co), Instagram (hokali.co), Facebook (HOKALI), LinkedIn (HOKALI), and YouTube. Their interactive platform has everything a student surfer could ever need from gear rental, to video tutorials,

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to vetted professional coaches to individual time and beach preferences. They aspire to create value for students, private coaches, and surf schools alike. Just starting with fifty plus bookings in a mere few days has transformed to over two thousand bookings between five locations with the newest edition being our very own Oahu, Hawai’i. HOKALI just launched its operations in Waikiki and Haleiwa September fifteenth with the help of Blue Startups, a venture accelerator here in Hawai’i. The company is partnering with Blue Ocean Reef Surf School and Natty Surf School, and rather than competing with them, HOKALI desires to partner with them instead to simplify their daily operations and further connect everyone with the ocean. Speaking of ocean life, the company name, HOKALI, was built upon the Hawaiian word for nature which originated from their mission to be sustainable. The company is committed to preserving nature and taking care of our beaches and oceans, so they have partnered with some amazing companies such as the Sea Tree Foundation which restores kelp in California for every surf lesson booked through HOKALI. In addition, their newest challenge is with the non-profit organization, Scholas Ocurrentes; the hope is to hit one thousand surf lessons and donate the proceeds to provide ten grants to children in South American and Africa to participate in the ‘School of Sea and Beach’ program, and HOKALI does not stop there. They are working with the Groundswell Community and chatting with local nonprofits from North Shore that support environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai’i, along with organizing beach cleanups as well. On the horizon for HOKALI is the dream to surf around the world and include new sports such as kitesurfing and scuba diving. With their sixth location being Puerto Rico on the rise and more of Hawai’i’s islands in plan to come next year, HOKALI will not be bailing on any wave any time soon.

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What does it mean to be self-made? I think entrepreneurial success relies heavily on following your obsession while having the courage to dust yourself off after failure because ultimately, you are doing something that brings you a strange amount of joy and stress combined. I am not sure if a self-made entrepreneur exists because the successes they gain also rely on guidance and interactions from others. I know I would not be where I am today without the incredible support of others throughout my journey. What is it like being an entrepreneur in Hawai‘i? Doing business in Hawai‘i is an epic roller coaster! It can be unpredictable and unstable at times, being a very tourism-driven economy; however, on the flip side, I think Hawai‘i is the perfect hub for new, growing ideas and opportunities of sharing those ideas with people from all over the world. It’s incredible. What has been an obstacle to you as a business owner? Finding a healthy work-life balance and getting out of the hustle mindset to make room for more self-care (especially this year) has been tough. We have been working to build this balanced mindset into our brand. This year, we started hosting a weekly yoga class after hours at our donut shop for our team. That is just one fun example, but we are always looking for more creative ways to lift each other up and out of obstacles. Where does your grit come from? My grit comes from caring deeply about what I do. I learned to always take chances, trust my gut, and learn how to live with failure. Never regret taking a chance.

Hana Dreiling CO-FOUNDER HOLEY GRAIL DONUTS

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