In Brief | Island Inc. | 8-4-14

— Movers &Shakers —

— Movers &Shakers —

Brinkman named interim CEO

Dan Brinkman, East Hawaii Regional Board of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. regional chief operating officer, has been named interim regional chief executive officer effective Aug. 1. Outgoing Regional CEO Howard Ainsley will assist in the transition of the position until his departure Aug. 9 for Morehead Memorial Hospital.

“Our decision to name Dan Brinkman as the interim CEO of the East Hawaii Region makes good sense for the organization and community,” said Gary Yoshiyama, East Hawaii Regional Board chairman. “Dan’s immediate appointment provides a seamless transition for the region in maintaining quality of care to the community and moving forward with major initiatives with regard to operations, legislative goals and our commitment to financial stewardship. As the Chief Operating Officer for the region, he has a comprehensive understanding of the long-term direction and strategic plan for all of the hospitals and clinics throughout the region.”

Chun promoted at Title Guaranty

Title Guaranty has announced the promotion of Candice Chun from operations manager to title operations manager of Title Guaranty of Hawaii Inc.

A graduate of Gonzaga University, Chun also holds a master of business administration degree from Hawaii Pacific University, and brings more than 10 years of experience in operations to the company’s management team. In her expanded role, Chun will oversee operations of its historic title team, which provides timely, in-depth research to ensure potential homeowners of a clear chain of title.

Chun was instrumental in the development and implementation of the PONO title system, TG’s latest contribution to the title and escrow business and a major component of the Hawaii-based company’s efforts to secure its position as the industry leader in real estate closing services. An internal title system, PONO was commissioned to increase the efficiency of the title research process while enhancing customer service levels.

Yamaguchi heading Big Island operations

Hawaiian Host has promoted Alan Yamaguchi to general manager for Big Island operations. In his new role, he will be responsible for the day-to-day business and operation issues on Hawaii Island. Yamaguchi will also continue with his previous role of expanding Hawaiian Host outreach to the Big Island farming community.

Prior to his promotion, Yamaguchi was the field representative in grower relations, responsible for coordinating all field actives related to farmers delivering and selling macadamia nuts. He also served as the main liaison with growers on field conditions, best farming practices and oversight of production for both long- and short-range planning. Yamaguchi has more than 40 years of experience in the sugarcane and macadamia field research.

— New Businesses —

Reverse mortgage company now licensed in Hawaii

Urban Financial of America LLC, one of the top lenders of reverse mortgages in the United States, is now licensed to conduct its retail and wholesale reverse mortgage business in Hawaii.

Reverse and traditional “forward” mortgage companies licensed in Hawaii can now offer the company’s reverse mortgages, which allow those age 62 and older to convert a portion of their home equity into tax-free funds while remaining in their homes. Homeowners can contact Urban Financial of America directly to work with a reverse mortgage specialist.

Mortgage brokers and correspondents interested in learning more about the company’s reverse mortgage offerings can contact account executive Herbert Lau at 260-6827 or hlau@ufareverse.com.

First Insurance donates $150,000

The First Insurance Co. of Hawaii Charitable Foundation donated more than $150,000 between January and June to 38 nonprofit organizations, including the University of Hawaii Foundation, American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, Honolulu Museum of Art and Sustain Hawaii.

The 2014 donations to date total $150,315 and support a variety of nonprofits in Hawaii, including organizations focused on education, health and social services and economic development.

Evile completes camps, receives award

Cody Evile, 11, received the Hawaiian Marine Life Ambassador Award on July 18 after snorkeling with manta rays as he completed the Shark &Ray camp with Jack’s Diving Locker. To achieve this award, recipients must complete the Jack’s Diving Locker Sea Camp Hawaii series that includes six weeklong day camps. Typically, it takes three summers for keiki to complete this training that includes classroom academics, hands-on experiential learning, shoreline exploration, snorkeling, scuba diving and boat trips.

As Hawaiian Marine Life Ambassadors, these youths are ready to share this knowledge with the rest of the world. Evile’s name will be on a plaque in Jack’s Diving Locker to recognize this achievement. Other Kona keiki who have accomplished this award include Keli Jackson, Jackson Streiter, Nora Frank, Halle Nottage, Janelle Laros, Lola Nagata, Emily Davis, Alexander Laros and Seth Wells.

Magazine honors Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has again been selected as one of Hawaii’s top resorts in Travel + Leisure’s 2014 World’s Best Awards. This marks the fifth consecutive year the hotel has been recognized by the magazine’s readers.

“Our team is dedicated to providing the very best in service, so we are thrilled to see their efforts recognized in this prestigious survey,” said Phyllis Branco, hotel manager. “This honor is a testament to the hotel’s timeless tradition of aloha, which holds true to our soon-to-be 50-year long legacy.”

Campaign raises $199K for children’s hospital

Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members recently wrapped up a six-week campaign to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. Kapiolani Medical Center for Women &Children partnered with nine Walmart stores and two Sam’s Clubs in Hawaii to raise $119,754.49. The funds will support Kapiolani’s Pediatric Transport Team, a highly skilled group of nurses and respiratory therapists who provide lifesaving care to newborns and critically ill children who need special care while being moved to Kapiolani from across Oahu, the neighbor islands, and to the mainland for medical care.

Nationally, through donations accepted at cash registers and in-store fundraising activities Walmart raised more than $40.2 million for the 170 hospitals that make up Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.