New job! New career! Yay!
By Diane Ako
HALEKULANI CORPORATION APPOINTS DIANE AKO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Halekulani Corporation, which owns and manages the world-renowned Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel in Oahu, Hawaii, has appointed Diane Ako as Director of Public Relations. Ms. Ako, who will assume her new position as of September 1, 2010, will be responsible for directing all corporate, hotel and community media relations, overseeing communications for promotions and special events, as well as for supporting marketing initiatives for Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel properties. The announcement was made today by Peter Shaindlin, Chief Operating Officer of Halekulani Corporation.
“Ms. Ako will be an invaluable asset to Halekulani Corporation,” said Mr. Shaindlin. “Her passion for the community and keen understanding of the local Hawaiian culture provide her with a deep understanding of what the Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel provide in terms of experience and service excellence. Ms. Ako’s extensive background as a journalist affords her the distinct skill set necessary to maintain and to further our brand legacy and heritage with true integrity and sincerity.”
"I am thrilled to be joining one of the finest hotels in the world and learning from the best in the industry,” said Ms. Ako. “I’m honored to be part of a team known for the highest standards of excellence."
Born and raised in Hawaii, Ms. Ako brings over 15 years of experience, as well as a wealth of knowledge and insight, in broadcast, print and online media. She most recently served as a television anchor and reporter for KHNL-TV, NBC’s local Hawaii affiliate, and its sister station KFVE-TV, previously anchoring and reporting in Pennsylvania, New Mexico and California. The quality of Ms. Ako’s work has earned her recognition from the Northern California Chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with three Emmy nominations, and she has also published a number of articles in various media, as well as blogged for Hawaii’s largest daily newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Ms. Ako holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Menlo College, Atherton, California, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She also has strong ties to the community, volunteering with the Hawaii Zenyo Jujutsu Kai to promote a quarterly Womens’ Assault Prevention Course, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Aloha Medical Mission and Friends of the East-West Center.
About Halekulani Corporation
Halekulani Corporation owns and operates globally-acclaimed luxury hotel Halekulani and Waikiki Parc in Hawaii. Halekulani represents a luxury hospitality legacy of unique and iconic proportions. Halekulani, also known as the “House Befitting Heaven”, was named by Hawaiian fishermen over a century ago. More than a brand, Halekulani embodies a profound lifestyle experience of immeasurable hospitality, fusing the indigenous cultural qualities of Hawaii with innovative personalized service. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s finest hotels, Halekulani, on the Beach at Waikiki, has been hosting discerning travelers to Waikiki since 1917. Setting new industry luxury standards with its re-opening in 1983, Halekulani’s reputation and legacy for gracious hospitality, impeccable service and magnificent cuisine continues today, unparalleled on Oahu and renowned throughout the world. Waikiki Parc Hotel, conveniently situated in close proximity to Halekulani, was developed by Halekulani Corporation in 1987 following the successful reopening of Halekulani. The hotel offers affordable luxury in a chic and contemporary setting, and provides new guest experiences and gracious service, both hospitality hallmarks of the Halekulani brand. Waikiki Parc Hotel has also garnered international acclaim for its recent redesign and the opening of Nobu Matsuhisa’s flagship Hawaii restaurant, Nobu Waikiki, which is conveniently located in the lobby of the Parc. Halekulani Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui Fudosan America, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
~~~
Olivia and the nanny were in the living room when I got the call from Halekulani Corporation. "Give Mommy congratulations," he prodded. She paused to figure out what he said, then walked off.
He and I looked at each other in confusion. She returned a moment later with a bowl full of marbles and offered it to me. "Decorations, Mommy!"
That's our new phrase around the house whenever someone does something well. "Great job! Decorations!"
***
Also reach me via DianeAko.com



Small Talk





August 31st, 2010 at 4:50 am
Decorations!
August 31st, 2010 at 5:49 am
Congratulations Diane! Enjoy your new job. Your skills and experience match well with a role in public relations.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:55 am
Wow! Decorations indeed!
That was a very well-written news release. I wonder who wrote it (ahem).
There's a downside though. With so many responsibilities at work and at home, it might be impossible to find alone-time for meditation.
I visited the United Nations several decades ago, and had the great joy of finding inside the building, on the ground floor, a small room called the "Dag Hammarskjold Meditation Room" (named after a U.N. Secretary-General who is the only person ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously). Diplomats from throughout the world understand the need to take time out of their busy schedules to meditate, right there in the midst of the whirlwind of daily activities. Maybe Halekulani could have such a place on its campus. It sure would be good PR -- a chance to write a stunning news release! There could even be a contest to name the room.
E malama pono.
August 31st, 2010 at 6:26 am
Decorations indeed! That is awesome news!
August 31st, 2010 at 6:27 am
Congratulations Diane.
August 31st, 2010 at 6:40 am
Oh, DECORATIONS, Diane! What a fabulous job and a fabulous property! There is something about being there that lends itself to moments of meditation. A few seconds to glance at the ocean can be very healing. Afternoon tea! A walk on the beach before work? That Olivia can grow up being a part of that little bit of Paradise is perfect. DECORATIONS, DECORATIONS, DECORATIONS! I am sooo happy for you! You will be perfect for the company! I hope that you will LOVE your new job and everyone will LOVE you!
August 31st, 2010 at 7:18 am
Decorations, decorations, Diane. Sometimes life opens new doors and this sounds like a super job for you!
August 31st, 2010 at 7:52 am
decorations, Diane! sorry, i no longer have my can of marbles, but i did have some really nice ones back in grammar school. best wishes on your new job, new career with Halekulani.
August 31st, 2010 at 8:35 am
Congrats Diane!
August 31st, 2010 at 9:38 am
congratulations and decorations to you!! i've heard that it's a wonderful place to work and i'm sure you'll be a great asset! best wishes for much success - hope it's a job that you absolutely LOVE!
"decorations" is SO cute!
August 31st, 2010 at 9:56 am
wow.....congratulations.....sounds like a fun job!!! Are we still going to be reading your blog?
August 31st, 2010 at 10:12 am
Congrats Di, good things happen to good people. I guess we won't be seeing too much more of you on the Aloha Care commercials.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:51 am
Hello Diane!
Awesome!!!!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 31st, 2010 at 10:53 am
Decorations Diane...they are so lucky to have you onboard.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:57 am
Decorations Diane!
August 31st, 2010 at 11:20 am
Congratulations!!!
Decorations too! That is sooooooo cute.
August 31st, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Decorations Diane!
Like they always say, when one door closes....
August 31st, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Congratulation Di! Halekulani made a good choice in securing you. I know you will do great over there! Tell Melba I said "hi".
August 31st, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Think this is win win win for the Halekalani, Diane and people who are fortunate enough to enjoy the things this great hotel has to offer.
August 31st, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Congrats Diane. Like some have said good things happen to good people. Da Halekulani people have made a very good move.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Fantastic, Diane! Menlo College is always so proud of you! We'd like to put a news item on the front page of our website, http://www.menlo.edu. I'm with External Affairs, with Catherine Reeves, Dorothy Skala. This is the perfect follow-up to your huge success in television. The Halekulani Corporation recognizes your unique brand of public relations --- warm and great style.
Please call me soon. Mahalo! Tina Fairbairn
August 31st, 2010 at 3:37 pm
[...] Congratulations to Diane Ako, former Honolulu TV news anchor and now Director of Public Relations fo... [...]
August 31st, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Congratulations Diane. The Halekulani is one of my favorite places to go because it is so classy and yet so local just like you( in the media). You did a great job for the Laughs for Lions. I was in the audience. Surfing at 50
August 31st, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Decorations! and Congratulations Di!
August 31st, 2010 at 7:39 pm
hahhah too cute! Decorations Diane!!
August 31st, 2010 at 7:45 pm
unreal!
applauds.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Awesome Diane!! Don't stop blogging though
August 31st, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Congrats! Well deserved.
September 5th, 2010 at 4:44 am
Congratulations Diane
So happy for you
Best wishes for success with your new adventure
September 6th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Congratulations Diane. Looking forward to working with you.
September 7th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Congratulations! I mean decoration Diane! Very much deserving. Love the food at Halekulani. We miss you on the news channel.