HONOLULU – Masako McCarter, an administrative assistant at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, was recently named the “Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year” at the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s (HLTA) Na Poe Paahana (the hardworking people) awards luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki.

McCarter received the lodging industry’s top annual award based on her exceptional professionalism, service on the job at The Royal Hawaiian and outstanding community service.

The award was one of nine honors presented at the annual statewide luncheon honoring Hawaii’s top hospitality industry employees.

The following Maui employees were recognized in the Na Poe Paahana awards: “Bell/Valet Person of the Year” – Ronald Casallo of The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, first place; “Engineering/Maintenance Person of the Year” – Richard Coloso of the Grand Wailea, first place, and Nelson Galano of the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, second place,; “Food & Beverage Person of the Year – Guy Becicka of The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, first place, and Terry Harris of the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, second place; “Front Office Person of the Year” – Michelle Aquino of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, second place; and “Manager of the Year” – Brendan Tsukiyama of The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, third place.