$1.8M going to NELHA upgrades
HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige released $1.85 million in construction funds for improvements and upgrades to the sea water system renewable energy equipment at the National Energy Research Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Research Campus pump station in Kailua-Kona.
“I want to thank Governor Ige for releasing these funds and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to renewable energy in Hawaii,” Sen. Lorraine Inouye said in a press release commending the financial support. “It is investments like this that will allow our State to establish our strength and vision as a leader in sustainability and the effective stewardship of our natural resources.”
In a letter announcing the release of the funds, the governor also expressed gratitude.
“Mahalo for your work on behalf of the residents of your district to secure these funds,” Ige wrote Inouye. “Projects such as these are critical components of the public infrastructure and contribute to building a better home for our kupuna, keiki, and all the residents of Hawaii.”
Royal Kona Resort appoints Gomes executive chef
Royal Kona Resort appointed George Gomes Jr. as its new executive chef, the hotel said in a press release last week.
Drawing upon over three decades of culinary experience, Gomes will oversee all culinary aspects of the resort including tiki-inspired Don the Beachcomber Restaurant and Don’s Mai Tai Bar.
“Chef Gomes is extremely talented with an impressive culinary background that will elevate the Kona dining scene for hotel guests and local residents alike,” said Tom Bell, president of Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts, in the press release. “We are excited to welcome Chef Gomes to the Royal Kona Resort.”
Gomes, a Hawaii native, graduated from the Hawaii Community College Culinary Program and started his culinary journey at resorts along the Kohala Coast. He worked his way up the ranks to executive chef at fine dining establishments throughout the state including A Pacific Café on Kauai, Merriman’s Restaurant on Maui, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island and corporate executive chef of Tri-Star Restaurant Group, where he took the helm of five restaurants on multiple islands. In his most recent position, Gomes was executive chef of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort on Hawaii Island.
“Royal Kona Resort has a rich history and I look forward to collaborating with the culinary team to bring out the culture in our guests’ dining experience,” said Gomes. “I love our island’s strong sense of ohana and am passionate about sourcing from local fishermen and farmers as much as possible.”
HFS FCU makes Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union List
HILO — HFS Federal Credit Union (HFS FCU), the largest credit union on Hawaii Island, was recognized in Forbes list of America’s Best Credit Unions in Each State for 2019.
“To gauge which firms have the most satisfied customers, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 25,000 people in the U.S. about their banking relationships” said Forbes. Individuals were asked to rate their satisfaction and recommendation of Credit Unions “as well as five subdimensions (trust, terms and conditions, branch services, digital services and financial advice). Overall scores ranged from 57.2 to 96.2.”
HFS FCU earned a rating of 91.03.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by our members,” said Nathan Abe, CEO of HFS FCU. “If it weren’t for their support and trust in our ability to service their financial needs, we would not be able to accomplish what we do.”