Business Roundup: 06-17-19

Roberta Hall, center, was awarded Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s Employee of the Year. (Courtesy photo)
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Hall earns HCFCU Employee of the Year

KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union announced that Roberta Hall was its Employee of the Year during its 82nd annual membership luncheon at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Hall joined HCFCU in 1999 and is currently a teller clerk II team member at the Honokaa Branch where she processes member transactions, provides members with services and information, and administers the Deposit Day program at Honokaa &Paauilo Elementary schools.

“For nearly 20 years we’ve watched Roberta demonstrate her dedication to our members day-in and day-out,” said Tricia Buskirk, president and CEO of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union. “She shares her positive work ethic and warm enthusiasm with her team members, which helps make their work experiences even brighter. We’re so happy and proud to present her with this award.”

More than 100 board members, credit union members, guests and staff — including representatives from the three high school student credit unions — attended the luncheon.

Windermere power washes for Service Day

Each year, Windermere Real Estate agents, managers, owners and staff from 300 offices across the Western United States gather together and devote their workday to making a positive change in the neighborhoods they serve through local service projects and volunteerism.

For this year’s Community Service Day June 7, Windermere’s Kona and Waikoloa associates power washed and repainted the inside of Hale Halawai.

Last year, Windermere power washed and painted the kitchen at Hale Halawai as well as donated and installed new appliances.

“Windermere is committed to freshening up this valuable community asset as it is used by so many different organizations and families here in Kona,” said foundation director Laura Flem.

Windermere’s Community Service Day was established in 1984 to offer agents and staff a chance to volunteer an entire workday to give back to the neighborhoods in which they live and work.

Higashi resigns from top real estate firm

HONOLULU — Scott Higashi abruptly resigned as president and CEO of Locations LLC, one of the state’s largest residential real estate brokerage firms.

He did not give a reason for his June 3 resignation, said Dan Richards, a company spokesman. Higashi joined Locations in 2004 and was executive vice president of sales before taking over the reins in August 2016 when founder Bill Chee stepped down.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but the board accepted it and respected his wishes and privacy in not citing a reason,” Richards said.

The board has appointed executive adviser Chee as interim CEO, while a search for Higashi’s replacement is underway.

Chee credited Higashi for the company’s strong operational performance and financial condition. Higashi also held leadership positions at commercial real estate firm Colliers International, Hawaiian Airlines and American Hawaii Cruises before he joined Locations.

“Locations is well positioned strategically,” said Chee, who established the firm in his Punchbowl apartment with two partners in 1969. The firm now has more than 250 agents. “And we have a leadership team in place to provide our agents and customers with services that will continue to lead the market.”

Chee was previously president of the National Association of Realtors, Hawaii Association of Realtors and Honolulu Board of Realtors.