The 2010 list of AAA Four Diamond-winning lodgings and restaurants is one shy of last year's, as the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali is absent. It had won its first such award last year.

Bali Steak & Seafood, renamed from Bali by the Sea in October, has been awarded four diamonds for 21 consecutive years, longer than any other Hawaii restaurant.

“;Twenty-one consecutive years is pretty darn awesome and a tribute to the staff at Bali Steak & Seafood,”; said Dara Young, public relations manager for the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

La Mer, at Halekulani, has been a five-diamond winner for 20 years—that list was released in November and also included Chef Mavro for its second consecutive year.

Orchids restaurant in the Halekulani, and the Hyatt Regency Maui in Lahaina each received their 15th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award rating, while 10-year milestones were reached by Pahui'a restaurant in the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina.

“;We congratulate these hospitality professionals who offer high caliber service, hospitality and care to their guests in accommodations that are beautiful, clean and comfortable,”; said Chris Olvera, AAA Hawaii acting branch manager, in a statement.

AAA's rating program is researched by specially trained, full-time representatives using objective and detailed rating criteria.

Lodgings included in the rankings are subjected to at least one unannounced inspection each year, with inspectors rating the exterior, grounds and public areas, decor, guest rooms, bathrooms, housekeeping, maintenance and several other aspects of operations and service.

The rankings are compiled in AAA TourBooks published according to market area, and the Hawaii book is now available. It includes lodgings and restaurants rated with one to five diamonds.

GOOD LUCK, CHUCK

Star-Bulletin Deputy City Editor Chuck Parker will return to TV news Jan. 25, as he joins KITV as managing editor.

A fine thing, having the paper's TV partner steal talent, er, recruit from within our ranks.

“;It was an extremely difficult decision,”; Parker said.

He joined the paper in February 2001, during the tumult that followed the Star-Bulletin's change of ownership, “;immediately impressing us with his hard work, vast knowledge of Hawaii and positive attitude,”; said City Editor Ed Lynch in a staff memo.

He was part of what was, to us, a historic march from the paper's former home on Kapiolani Boulevard—where many of us never worked—to the new Star-Bulletin newsroom, in Waterfront Plaza, on March 14, 2001.

He was hired on Feb. 15 and was asked to start right away, though in the new newsroom “;there was nothing in here,”; Parker said, save for a couple of desks.

Parker planned stories that would describe the transition from the former joint operating agreement with the Honolulu Advertiser to independent operation.

Parker has been news director at KHNL and served as executive producer at KHON and managing editor at KGMB.

“;Chuck is a well-respected journalist and newsroom leader in this market,”; said KITV News Director Genie Garner.

Parker will “;contribute greatly to our existing ability to enterprise and break stories,”; said Mike Rosenberg, KITV president and general manager.

Parker's last day in the Star-Bulletin newsroom, which is being anticipated with a mixture of happiness and good wishes for him and dread over the odds of finding anyone we respect and like so much, will be next Tuesday.

On the Net:
» www.aaabiz.com