Halekulani Corporation Appoints Diane Ako Director of Public Relations

WAIKIKI, Hawaii--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.

“I am thrilled to be joining one of the finest hotels in the world and learning from the best in the industry”

“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.