PO‘IPU — Josh Subiate, Nohea Tachera, Turquoise Santos and Tom Tamura were honored as “Exceptional Employees” by the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa during a year-end party on Jan. 18 at the Po‘ipu resort.
The “Night at the Oscars” themed party’s highlight was to honor the outstanding colleagues and leaders of the year for their exceptional work ethic, business contribution,and customer service, said a spokesperson for the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i.
The honor includes an additional week of paid vacation, six additional complimentary nights at any Hyatt in Canada or the United States, airfare for two, a $350 dining credit and $500 spending money.
Santos, Sous Chef for the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, said she’ll likely use her prize to visit “New York to take in all the delicious food as well as watch her team, the LA Dodgers, take on the NY Yankees.” She also has plans to visit Florida to take her son to Disney World.
Chef Turquoise, according to a press release, has a long culinary history on Kaua‘i, having worked at a number of resorts and restaurants. She grew up on the island and said these precepts, both at work and play, led her to success.
Subiate is vital in keeping the resort’s IT systems running, the release said. After taking IT classes at Kaua‘i Community College, he started learning on the job where he soared and continues to grow his knowledge and skills. When not at work, Subiate is out exploring on the trails and thinking about where he’ll go with his extra week of vacation.
Tachera shines behind the scenes as a Steward, keeping the resort’s restaurants and events stocked with clean dishes. She has been doing this for 15 years and offered this advice to new employees — “Be prepared for anything, and whatever comes up, don’t let it keep you from being the best you can be.”
When not working, Tachera enjoys hanging out with friends, going to Koke‘e for hiking and camping. She will likely travel to Key West for her prize.
The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said the Tachera family is clearly one with an outstanding work ethic because Nohea’s brother also won Employee of the Year at the Puakea Golf Course this year.
Quiet and humble, Tamura has led the Front Office team to great successes, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said.
“Always with a smile to share, Tom leads by example, putting everyone at ease with his quiet nature,” the resort said.
He has not decided where he might go for his extra vacation, but is looking forward to exploring somewhere new.
The presentations to each exceptional employee was done by the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i General Manager Michael Murphy, Human Resources Director Shannon Horita,and Executive Chef Greg Grohowski.
As each of the honored employees were asked about the things they like best about working at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, Tachera said, “Everyone has their own skills and personality but blend so well.”
Excellent job!!