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Program to boost defense tech

The Hawaii Technology Development Venture was formally launched yesterday with the aim of helping small local companies develop advanced technologies for national defense applications.

Congress last year appropriated $6.8 million to help launch the new program, which would support commercialization of defense and homeland security technologies.

The venture is a project of the Office of Naval Research and will be administered in Hawaii by the nonprofit Pacific International Center for High Technology Research. A request for proposal will be posted at www.pichtr.org/hdtv. Initial grant awards are expected in September.

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[Hawaii Inc.]

NEW JOBS

>> Benchmark Hospitality has appointed Steven L. Falsetti as Turtle Bay Resort executive chef. He will oversee the culinary operations and the food and beverage programs of the resort's five newly renovated restaurants. He previously served as executive chef at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. The company also has hired Nancy Chapman Ramos as Turtle Bay Resort human resources director. She previously worked as the Hyatt Regency Waikiki assistant human resources director.

>> Desert Island Restaurants, parent company of Ruth's Chris Steak House Hawaii, has hired Adeline Lui as its marketing and promotions manager. She previously worked for Main Street & Main as a marketing specialist and with international agencies Saatchi & Saatchi and Cosway Malaysia.

>> The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau appointed Elizabeth Johnsen travel industry partnerships managing director. She will be responsible for directing the company's travel trade efforts in North America, working with travel agencies, wholesalers, cruise lines and online travel partners. She previously worked as Carlson Wagonlit Travel vice president of marketing.

>> Certified Management has hired Bill Pearson as an Oahu account executive. He previously served in the U.S. Navy in supply and logistics, specializing in procurement, inventory, financial and property management.

>> The Pacific Beach and King Kamehameha's Kona Beach hotels have appointed Robert Minicola regional general manager. He has 24 year of management experience in the industry.