Business Briefs
Star-Bulletin staff
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FAST FACTS HAWAII
Mall taps General Growth
General Growth Properties Inc. has been chosen to manage Kapolei Commons, a 610,000-square-foot retail center slated to open in 2009, according to developer MK Kapolei Commons LLC, a partnership of the
MacNaughton Group and
Kobayashi Group.
Chicago-based General Growth, which also manages Ala Moana Center, Ward Centers and Windward Mall, will also handle leasing for the West Oahu retail complex, currently under construction. So far, the center has secured large-name tenants including Target, Circuit City and OfficeMax.
"We create a strong team to execute the vision of Kapolei Commons as the place to shop and dine for central and West Oahu," said Eric Tema, partner with the MacNaughton Group.
New Hires / Promotions
» The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii has hired
Gerard K. Orbello as programs director. He will manage the center's programs, festivals and events, and assist in coordinating larger annual events including the New Year's Ohana Festival. His previous jobs include conference center director at the Ilima Hotel, concierge department supervisor at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties and student service coordinator at Hawaii Business College.
» Bennett Group Strategic Communications has promoted Crystal Yamasaki to account executive. She will oversee the company's high-profile clients which include Ala Moana Center, Windward Mall, Queens' MarketPlace at Waikoloa Beach Resort and Philip K. White and Associates. Her previous experience includes McNeil Wilson Communications and Building a Generation in California.
» Bright Light Marketing has promoted Huy Vo to account executive from assistant account executive. He joined the firm in 2007 as an account coordinator and has seven years of writing and editing experience with Hawaii Business, Media-Hi and the University of Oregon media-relations department.
» Nishihama & Kishida CPAs has promoted Nicole Tsunoda to audit senior from staff accountant. She joined the firm in Oct. 2006.
» The Arc in Hawaii has named Charles Servey as executive director. He has more than 25 years experience working with individuals and families with developmental disabilities, previously serving as executive director for TigerPlace and other leadership roles with Arc affiliates in Michigan, Illinois and Missouri.
» Bank of Hawaii has promoted Jill F. Shimokawa Higa to executive vice president and division manager of the Hawaii branch division. She first joined the bank as a management trainee in 1984 and rejoined in 1994, overseeing branch and commercial banking assignments for the Waipahu and Pearlridge branches. Her positions in the bank include senior vice president in 2002 and division sales manager in 2000, and has also served as vice president and assistant to the president of Home Savings of America after relocating to California in 1987.
» AXA Advisors has named Alissa Lerner Kimura as a vice president of the Honolulu branch. She will provide support for new and existing financial professionals which include recruiting, training and development, while providing financial goal strategies for individuals and business owners.
She joined the firm in 2003 and has also served management positions for Bank of Hawaii, Morgan Stanley, Hawaii Federal Credit Union and other financial institutions.
» Roberts Hawaii has named Micah Chinen as product marketing and sales manager, transportation. He will develop and implement an annual marketing plan to increase transportation sales, while overseeing new and existing accounts. He joined the company in March 2007 and has seven years of retail management experience.
BUSINESS PULSE