Purdy named LT natural assets and operations director
HONOLULU – Weston James Mana’o’i’o “Mana” Purdy was promoted to natural assets and operations director at Liliuokalani Trust (LT). He will report to the president and chief executive officer.
In the newly created role, Purdy will oversee the stewardship of the Hawaii Island lands that are not encumbered by lease or development activity. His stewardship will include the ongoing monitoring of LT’s natural resources, leading the Kona-based team of land stewards, and developing community relationships.
Purdy joined LT in July 2013 and has served as its natural resources manager since January 2015, developing and overseeing the conservation and preservation efforts for all of LT’s land assets on Hawaii Island.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies at Northern Arizona University, with an emphasis in biocultural diversity, sustainability and community, and a minor in anthropology. Born and raised in Waimea, he is a graduate of Hawaii Preparatory Academy.
LT was established in 1909 by Hawaii’s last ruling monarch, the beloved Queen Liliuokalani. Her Deed of Trust directs that the queen’s assets be utilized to serve and provide for orphan and destitute Hawaiian children, in perpetuity.
NHCH job fair to be held Sept. 28
North Hawaii Community Hospital, an affiliate of The Queen’s Health Systems, is holdinga job fair from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 in the hospital’s Mauna Kea-Mauna Loa Room.
The hospitalis hiring registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse aides, occupational therapists, security officers, IT trainers, surgical, sterile processing and imaging techs, home health positions, office support, and more.
Appointments for on-site interviewsareavailable by sending resumes to hiringevent@queens.org by Sep. 20. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Noda named Mauna Lani Golf director
Mauna Lani Golf on Hawaii Island has named Chris Noda as the club’s new director of golf. As director of golf, Noda will lead the golf operations, agronomy, retail and golf-related sales and marketing for Mauna Lani Golf’s two award-winning golf courses.
Originally from Oregon, Noda has more than 20 years of club operations experience. Noda holds a degree in public relations from Southern Oregon University and has been a Class “A” member of the PGA of America since 2004.
He most recently served as director of revenue management at Kapalua Golf on Maui. While at Kapalua, Noda was responsible for golf revenues from group outings and tournament play on the property’s Plantation and Bay courses.
Rhee joins Kaiser’s Kona office
Mark Rhee, MD, recently joined the obstetrics and gynecology team at the Kaiser Permanente Kona Medical Office.
He previously served as a staff physician, physician team lead and department chief at the Southwest Medical Associates – Optum Care in Las Vegas. He received his medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and served as an American Medical Association International Fellow. Rhee completed his residency at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, and is one of nine new physicians to join Kaiser Permanent across the islands.
HEMIC declares $3.5M dividend for policyholders
The Board of Directors of Hawaii Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company, Inc. (HEMIC) has declared a $3.5 million dividend payable to qualifying policyholders. With this dividend, HEMIC will have returned over $38 million dollars to Hawaii businesses over the last 13 years.
“HEMIC’s dividend program is a unique benefit that we offer as a mutual insurance company,” said HEMIC CEO Martin Welch in a press release. “This year, nearly 80% of our policyholder members will receive a dividend, averaging over 8% of their annual premium. In today’s economy, this can make a significant difference to their bottom line. The ability to issue dividends underscores our strong financial position and reflects our service to our policyholders.”
To qualify for a dividend, policyholders must be insured with HEMIC for more than one consecutive policy term and demonstrate a commitment to safety. Dividends will be distributed in November.
HEMIC is the carrier of choice for over 95% of their policyholders, and also serves Hawaii as the residual market for employers unable to obtain workers’ compensation coverage elsewhere. HEMIC’s policy premiums are tailored to each employer’s individual loss history.