Hawaii Island Economic Summit coming up
The second annual Hawaii Island Economic Summit will be held March 17 at the Waikoloa Beach Resort &Spa in South Kohala.
The free community event, which runs 9:30 a.m. to noon, will be headlined by Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Windermere Real Estate, and Paul Brewbaker, principal and economist with TZ Economics. Both will share their years of experience, and their data-driven worldwide and local market insights. A Q&A session will follow their presentation.
The event, put on by Windermere C and H Properties, be emceed by Brooks Burton, chief operating officer at Windermere Real Estate in Seattle.
Gardner, who has over 28 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K., is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, he sits on the Washington State Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors; and serves in various positions on other boards.
Brewbaker is an economist and Principal of TZ Economics, a consultancy involved in corporate work and litigation support in Hawaii. He has studied the economy of Hawaii for the past 25 years and previously served as senior vice president and chief economist of Bank of Hawaii.
Registration is required at https://chproperties.com/economic-summit.
Focus Luncheon March 20 in Kona
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Focus Luncheon with Hawaii County Leadership on March 20 at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.
The luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. offers the business community an opportunity to connect with county government.
New this year will be three different panel discussions moderated by KKCC leadership. The discussions will focus on the chamber’s top 2020 priorities of permitting, homelessness and astronomy/Maunakea.
A business expo will be open before and after the luncheon, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m.
The event is open to chamber members and the public. Admission for chamber/Rotary Club members is $60 while general admission is $70. Tables of eight are available for $500. Registration is required online at https://www.kona-kohala.com/focus-luncheon-mayor.
Hilton announces new regional
director of sales
Hilton Hawaii has promoted Toru Adachi to regional director of sales – Japan. In his new role, Adachi is responsible for planning, soliciting and booking group business from Japan for Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Doubletree Hotel Alana – Waikiki Beach, and Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Adachi most recently served as Hilton Hawaiian Village’s assistant director of sales – Japan, where he managed major accounts with JTB, HIS, Kintetsu, NTA and TTA. With more than 28 years in the hospitality industry, Adachi has worked in many other Far East and Asia sales leadership positions at properties such as Ilikai Hotel &Luxury Suites, Maui Prince Hotel, and Hawaii Prince Hotel.
“Toru has been a consistent leader in our Far East sales efforts,” said Duke Ah Moo, vice president and commercial director, Hawaii. “This promotion is well deserved, and we know he will be an excellent regional director for both our Team Members and clientele.”
