West Oahu Roundup
The past few months have been exciting ones for many West Oahu resi- dents. Here are some highlights about what has been going on with your neighbors …
Facility services company Hawaiian Building Maintenance (HBM), recently announced promotions for two area residents: Jim Birchfield of Waipio Gentry has moved up to vice president of technical engineering services, and Jodi Okada of Aiea now will serve as director of internal operations.
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Birchfield joined HBM in 1998 as a building engi- neer and has more than 30 years of management, leadership and engineering experience. During his time at HBM, he also has been executive director of engineering services, director of engineering operations, and chief engineer for many Oahu buildings including the Pacific Guardian Center, the historic Dillingham Transportation Building, Harbor Court, Imperial Plaza and the Ilikai condominiums. In his new position, he will oversee HBM’s engineering and services division and maintenance of property systems and equipment.
Okada has worked in various HBM departments since joining the company in 2002 as part of the payroll staff. Previously, she served as administrative manager of contracting services. In her new position, Okada will facilitate communication among all of HBM’s departments.
“Jim and Jodi are integral members of our team,” said Jim Walters, chief executive officer and pres- ident of HBM. “Jim’s extensive experience in engineering, and Jodi’s in-depth knowledge of our maintenance organization, will help HBM continue to move forward with our planned growth.”
Eric T. Chang of Aiea recently was promoted to floor manager of Servco Lexus. Chang, a graduate of UH Manoa, started at Servco in the management training program, and most recently served as the floor manager at Servco Auto Honolulu. In his new position, Chang will oversee all sales consultants at Servco Lexus.
Ewa Beach resident Etsuko Morita Fields (RA) recently returned to Coldwell Bank Pacific Properties, where she worked as a Realtor- Associate from 2005 to 2008. This time around, Fields will join the company’s new Kapolei office.
Janel Guira, a 26-year veteran of the Hawaii banking industry, recently was promoted to assistant vice president of operations at Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union. The Aiea High School graduate joined the company in 2003.
Pearl City resident Anthony Tolentino has been named Employee of the Year by Express Employment Profession- als, a nationwide staffing agency. Currently, Tolentino serves as an administrative assistant.
“Each year we find jobs for hundreds of thousands of associates, and we often come across truly exceptional individuals who deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to their growing careers,” stated Robert A. Funk, chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. “The Employee of the Year award is the high- est honor an Express associate can receive, and we couldn’t be more pleased to bestow this award upon Anthony.”
Two Pearl City residents — Angela Gao and Kate Navarro — received scholarships from the McKinley year. Gao and Navarro and were set to attend High School Foundation both are 2012 graduates college this fall. The at the end of last school of McKinley High School McKinley High School Foundation has awarded $67,000 in scholarships to the school’s graduating seniors since 1990.
Pearl City resident Brig. Gen, Jon D. Lee recently assumed command of the 91st Training Division (Operations). Lee was formerly the Deputy Commanding General of the 63rd Regional Support Command, which supports more than 40,000 Army Reserve soldiers in the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Lee also served as the Battalion Commander for the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, located at Fort Shafter. Army Reserve Pfc. Jasmine Brown recently graduated from basic com- bat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Brown, the daughter of Todd Brown of Aiea, is a 2011 graduate of Moanalua High School.
Air Force Airman Brittnay M. Emberton graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is a 2008 graduate of Waipahu High School.
Army National Guard Pvt. Amber S.V. DeMello has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina. DeMello is the daughter of Valerie Ho of Kapolei and is a 2009 graduate of Aiea High School.
Army National Guard Pvt. Kaulana Luke has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina. Luke is the son of Yolanda Sato of Kapolei and is a 2009 graduate of Roosevelt High School.
