If you are visiting a Disney park and spot a cast member wearing a blue name tag, you have found someone special. That distinctive marker signifies the , the highest honor bestowed upon Disney employees. Kapiʻolani Community College Hospitality and Tourism [HOST] alumnus Robert “Robbie” Pearson recently joined these elite ranks, a distinction achieved by only about 1% of cast members across the company.

Pearson, who graduated from Kealakehe High School before earning two associate degrees from Kapiʻolani CC in 2016, began his Disney journey making Dole Whips in Disney World’s Adventureland during a college internship. Today, he serves as a Magic Kingdom’s west-side coordinator of sales for merchandise.

Foundation at Kapiʻolani CC

Pearson credits the personalized attention he received from the HOST faculty at Kapiʻolani CC for his professional growth.

“Having a staff that has worked in the industry was something that I really respected and admired,” Pearson said. “They also were always willing to support my education and invest in my future. Their foundation and guidance was something that has stuck with me throughout my career in hospitality.”

While Pearson is now recognized for his strategic mindset at the Magic Kingdom, his former professors remember a student who was simply happy to help—even if it meant wearing a purple velvet suit.

“He was the first to volunteer for any project,” said Professor Dave Evans, who chairs the HOST Department. During a 1960s-themed department fundraiser, Evans asked Pearson to appear as the character Austin Powers.

“Always the good sport, he agreed and even bought his own wig. All night long he was in character giving our guests a good chuckle.”

‘Insanely proud’

The Legacy Award recognizes individuals who embody the company’s core values: to dream, create and inspire. Colleagues describe Pearson as a “big-picture thinking cast member” with a “strategic mindset.” One peer noted, “Robbie is the hardest working cast member I’ve ever met,” citing his commitment to excellence.

While the Walt Disney Legacy Award included a framed plaque and a recognition ceremony, Pearson said getting to wear the signature blue name tag “almost feels like a magical secret society” for those who understand its significance in the park.
Evans added, “The recognition of earning the Walt Disney Legacy Award is so well deserved, and all of us faculty members in the Hospitality and Tourism Department are insanely proud of him!”

University of �鶹��ý Maui College students in the (HOST) now have access to a state-of-the-art learning environment on campus designed to launch their careers: The Hospitality Academy of Maui. This fully functioning “lab hotel,” which celebrated its grand opening on November 10, is a unique partnership with top Maui resorts and hotels, providing students with unparalleled real-world experience.

The academy features a lobby, front desk, meeting room and five guest rooms. Each guest room has been “adopted” and outfitted by a specific Maui resort or hotel to reflect its unique brand. This level of industry integration provides students with invaluable opportunities for gaining experience, networking with professionals, and potentially securing internships and future employment.

UH Maui College students will engage in hands-on learning that mirrors the operations of a real hotel. Through work-integrated education, students will complete some of their required internship hours while practicing the full range of daily tasks such as managing basic facility needs, performing tasks related to front office and housekeeping operations, and working through operational scenarios that build confidence and technical skill.

“What truly sets this program apart is the strength of our industry partnerships, paired with cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning,” said Professor Lorelle Peros, Business & Hospitality Department chair. “Students will train on the same OPERA Cloud (property management) system used by luxury hotels worldwide, experience guest service scenarios that reflect real operational flow, and take part in interactive simulations that build practical skills in both operations and revenue management.”

Powerful partnerships

Industry partnerships include Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Maui Bay Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, lobby sponsor Andaz Maui, and coffee bar sponsor Maui Beach Hotel.

“Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is honored to partner with the UH Maui College HOST Program to implement a training environment that allows for emerging hospitality leaders to cultivate essential skills through hands-on experiences that will prepare them for the fast-paced and multi-faceted nature of a career in hospitality,” said Tets Yamazaki, general manager of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and HOST Advisory Committee co-chair.

Top-performing students may participate in the Elite Management Program, where they shadow the lab manager and take part in day-to-day management decisions, giving them early leadership experience and a deeper understanding of hotel operations.

Chancellor Lui Hokoana added, “This is yet another example of our college’s commitment to training a workforce that can meet our community’s future needs in all fields, and because we believe the demand for skilled hospitality professionals has never been greater.”

The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, was named the No. 1 Eco-Friendly Hotel by USA Today in August 2025—another in an impressive list of international accolades achieved under the leadership of general manager and Kapiʻolani CC alumnus Tim Lee.

Since 2021, Lee has guided the iconic cliffside resort to worldwide recognition for its luxury service, design and sustainability. In 2024, Post Ranch Inn became one of just 11 hotels in the U.S. to receive the inaugural MICHELIN Guide 3 Keys distinction for outstanding hospitality, and repeated in 2025. The resort was also named the No. 1 Best Hotel in the World (under 50 rooms) in 2024 by the Andrew Harper Members Choice Awards, and has been recognized among the Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth by Robb Report and featured on the cover of Condé Nast Traveler.

It is heady stuff for the Kapiʻolani CC and McKinley High School alumnus. Lee credits the foundation he built studying hotel management at Kapiʻolani CC with launching his path to global success.

“It made a big difference because it made me realize what I want, what career I wanted to pursue,” Lee said. “I think it had to do with my instructors, how they were so personable, how they would answer so many of my questions.”

Starting from the bottom

Lee’s career spans more than four decades at some of the world’s most celebrated properties, including the Hotel Bel-Air, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Halekulani, The Kahala Resort & Spa and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, Italy. However, he chooses to pass on the lessons he learned at Kapiʻolani CC to students and young professionals today.

“I say the money will come with experience, just gain the experience,” Lee said. “I started as a dishwasher, then bellman. I was a room attendant. I didn’t care about the position—I just wanted to get the experience. So start from the bottom, work your way up, and it will just do so much more for your career.”

He worked as a bellman at a Waikīkī hotel while attending Kapiʻolani CC in the 1970s. Among his coworkers was a desk clerk named Dave Evans, who is now the chair of Kapiʻolani CC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Department.

“Immediately upon meeting Tim, you are impressed with his graciousness, poise and professionalism—he embodies all the genuine qualities of a true hotelier,” Evans said. “Tim was fortunate that these many traits were recognized and developed by the best hospitality pioneers in �鶹��ý‘s tourism industry.”

Iconic celebrities

Lee’s resume documents an incredible professional ascent. Spanning multimillion-dollar renovations, hotel pre-openings, and staff training for international brands, he has elevated guest experiences to Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond standards. Along the way, he also befriended many iconic celebrities.

“Here’s Elizabeth Taylor,” Lee said, pointing to her signed picture hanging on the wall of his Waikīkī apartment. (He tries to come home to �鶹��ý when he can.) “The first time I met her was at the Dorchester in London—beautiful woman, piercing blue eyes, just the nicest person—and then she stayed at the Kahala another time, so it was a reunion when I saw her again.”

For a period of several years, he had lunch every Friday with Nancy Reagan Hotel Bel Air. He first met Reagan when he managed the Regent Beverly Wilshire (where Pretty Woman was filmed and where he also met Julia Roberts and Richard Gere). He lists the late Robert Redford among his top three “nicest celebrities,” noting how he treated every staff member with kindness and would call to thank staff from the operator up. Their connection carried over to the Post Ranch Inn, where Redford would fly in on his private helicopter.

The wow factor

From Honolulu to Hollywood, Italy to Malaysia, and now the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, Lee’s journey reflects the impact of his Kapiʻolani CC education carried to the world stage. His continued excellence attracts the spotlight of global hospitality achievement, and he shares his wealth of knowledge generously, including with Evans’ students.

“When he is back home in �鶹��ý, he is a regular guest speaker in my classes, mesmerizing the students with numerous tales of the eccentricities of his rich and famous guests,” Evans said. “We are most proud to include Tim as one of our many successful graduates of our hospitality and tourism program.”

Lee said, “I always like to help the younger generations—the future hoteliers of the world. They call me internationally, and I thrive on that.”

However, he is also looking forward to moving back home someday, not to retire, but to possibly consult.

“I want to find a property I can call ‘home’ and give back to �鶹��ý all that I have learned. Where our people are very happy and proud. A company that believes if you take care of your employees, your employees will take care of your business. That’s when the real magic begins!” Lee said. “That’s my dream—to come back to a property and just make it a wow factor.”

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (TIM School) in the hosted its annual Ambassador L.W. “Bill” Lane Jr. and Mrs. Jean Lane Lecture on Sustainability on October 29, at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. The free event drew more than 100 attendees for an engaging conversation on regenerative tourism and sustainable business practices.

The lecture brought together approximately 30 students, 20 faculty members and members of the local business and tourism communities to explore how �鶹��ý can lead the way in balancing economic vitality with environmental and cultural stewardship.

Audience members were invited to ask questions and engage directly with the panelists, sparking lively discussion about the intersection of sustainability, culture and commerce. Student attendees shared that the event deepened their understanding of what regenerative tourism looks like in action and how they can contribute to �鶹��ý’s future.

“The discussion centered on topics that are critical to my future career opportunities, as well as how to position �鶹��ý as a tourist destination in ways that respect our unique culture, fragile ecosystem and protecting limited resources,” said TIM junior Sally Citrawireja and a Hoʻoilina scholarship recipient. “Being from Maui, not only is this discussion top of mind, but I appreciated the opportunity to build relationships with hospitality leaders. These networking opportunities have personally led to me being offered internships and sparking lifelong mentorships, which I’m grateful for.”

This year’s discussion featured three distinguished panelists:

• Jerry Agrusa, TIM School professor, is an internationally respected scholar in hospitality and tourism. A Fulbright senior specialist, and recipient of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association Founder’s Award and �鶹��ý Lodging & Tourism Association’s Nā Poʻe Paʻahana “Hospitality Educator of the Year,” Agrusa has published more than 100 papers and presented in more than 25 countries.
• Taylor Ledgerwood, TIM alumna and manager of the Kahala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture and the Arts at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, is a Shidler College alumna and Hoʻoilina scholar. Born and raised in Maunalua, she leads initiatives that connect sustainability, culture and community.
• John Morgan, president and general manager of Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve, is a sixth-generation �鶹��ý resident whose leadership has guided Kualoa Ranch from a small family business into a global model of stewardship, education and diversified agriculture.

The panel was moderated by Xiaodan Mao-Clark, assistant professor at the TIM School, who guided the conversation on how education, collaboration and innovation can strengthen �鶹��ý’s visitor industry while preserving its natural and cultural resources.

“Events like this remind us that �鶹��ý has both the responsibility and opportunity to model regenerative tourism for the world,” said Shidler College Dean Vance Roley. “Bringing together leaders from industry, academia and the community helps our students see how business can drive meaningful change.”

The Lane Lecture Series was established in 2001 through a gift from Ambassador L.W. “Bill” Lane Jr. and his wife, Jean Lane, to address critical issues of sustainability in the travel industry. Each year, it brings together experts and the community to inspire the next generation of business and tourism leaders.

While he was a student at the ​​University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (TIM School), Jared Matsuki, executive director of (an organization connecting people to care for the ʻāina), had a defining moment that would shape his future—he attended his first beach cleanup at Makapuʻu Beach Park in 2018. He was a frequent beachgoer, but this time was different because it opened his eyes to a problem hidden under the sand.

“I realized just how much plastic was buried beneath the surface—not just large bottles or bags, but tiny, broken-down fragments of microplastics,” he said. “I remember feeling overwhelmed because I could barely make a dent in one small area. That moment stayed with me; it opened my eyes to a deeper problem—one that’s invisible unless you’re really looking.”

Following that cleanup, Matsuki felt inspired to take action. He began volunteering regularly with local nonprofits hosting beach cleanups and learned everything he could about how they were run. He also started making sand sifters with his dad using scrap wood they had at home, and used them during small cleanups he organized with friends a few times a year.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, it gave Matsuki time to reflect on what a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of microplastics and creating a regenerative experience for participants could look like. Starting with a meaningful name, Hele Mua was born. He said the name means “to go forward,” perfectly aligning with the organization’s mission—connecting tourism and the local community to work together to protect and preserve the ʻāina (land) through Native Hawaiian practices that inspire sustainable living.

By 2023, the organization obtained its nonprofit status and has been growing steadily. Matsuki is joined by fellow alumni Romel Gaspar, account recruiting manager at Actalent (a company connecting talent with engineering and technical opportunities), who serves as the board’s community engagement and outreach manager, and Savanna Diorec, catering and conference coordinator for Prince Waikiki, who serves as social media manager. The trio, along with three more board members, host events, partner with community organizations and create hands-on stewardship opportunities.

A strong TIM School foundation

During his time as a student, Matsuki said he took full advantage of opportunities available to him, including leadership roles in TIMSA (Travel Industry Management Student Association) and Eta Sigma Delta. He also participated in the �鶹��ý Lodging & Tourism Association’s Generational Mentorship Program, studied abroad in Tokyo and completed internships. He reflects that these experiences—alongside impactful courses from professors such as Jerry Agrusa—helped him gain perspective.

“I got to see tourism from so many angles—as a student, an employee, an intern and a volunteer,” he said. “That helped shape how I see the industry’s role in �鶹��ý and why I believe Hele Mua’s mission—to bridge tourism with culture and community—is so important. A lot of what we do today is rooted in the experiences and lessons I picked up during those four years.”

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

is launching a transformative workforce development initiative aimed at bolstering �鶹��ý’s hospitality industry. The �鶹��ý Place-Based Hospitality Professional Development Training Program, a 7-week cohort program set to begin in spring 2026, will enroll employees from Kahala Hotel & Resort for a pilot that integrates leadership, Hawaiian values, cultural traditions and global sustainability practices.

The training is focused on non-supervisory and managerial staff who are interested in upskilling to comfortably share the “aloha spirit” and the stories of the place they work and live in.

“Kapiʻolani Community College is proud to partner with industry leaders to reimagine workforce training for �鶹��ý’s hospitality industry,” said Kapiʻolani CC Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “We are excited to lead this training initiative, knowing that we are fulfilling our kuleana (responsibility) to �鶹��ý’s workforce and communities.”

�鶹��ý’s hospitality sector faces mounting pressures, from labor shortages to evolving expectations of global visitors. Coupled with the outmigration of young professionals, these trends demand innovative approaches that attract, retain and grow talent. Kapiʻolani CC’s new pilot training aims to cultivate a more resilient, future-ready workforce by instilling confidence, pride and a deep connection—embedding �鶹��ý’s values into the next generation of industry professionals.

Honoring people and place

“This program is an investment in our colleagues,” said Joe Ibarra, vice president and general manager, Kahala Hotel & Resort. “It equips them with the skills and confidence to deliver authentic Hawaiian hospitality and build meaningful careers right here in �鶹��ý.”

The pilot program is a collaboration among Kapiʻolani CC faculty, who will develop the curriculum and provide instruction, Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hotel and Restaurant Industry Employment and Training Trust (HARIETT), and Banquet Solutions �鶹��ý, Inc. Their combined efforts work to ensure hospitality leadership in �鶹��ý remains culturally, environmentally and socially responsible.

“Rooted in leadership, Hawaiian culture, and world-class hospitality, this pilot empowers UNITE HERE! Local 5 members to serve visitors in ways that honor both people and place,” said James Hardway, executive director, HARIETT. “This helps realize �鶹��ý’s goal of regenerative tourism, where travel contributes to the well-being and renewal of local communities.”

For alumna Kiana Beimes, a journey that began with educational uncertainty has flourished into a thriving career in the hospitality industry. Beimes, who grew up in Waikīkī surrounded by the tourism sector, now serves as the general manager of Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel. Her path to success was shaped by perseverance, family support and the invaluable experiences she gained at Kapiʻolani CC.

Beimes’ college career began at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa, before transferring to Kapiʻolani CC in 2010.

“The difference Kapiʻolani CC made in my life is that I felt less intimidated due to the smaller class sizes. I felt a lot more engaged because of the intimate settings, and I found that the faculty themselves were extremely energetic and exhilarating,” she said. “I felt really comfortable. I felt like that’s where I was able to thrive.”

Beimes discovered her passion for at Kapiʻolani CC. Inspired by a friend’s enthusiasm for the program, she enrolled and quickly realized that it was the perfect fit.

“It felt like a dream come true, because it was just innately who I am,” she said. “It was very much an aligning moment for me. My passion, my experience and my knowledge of the industry all came together.”

Pillars of support

Beimes credits her success to the unwavering support of her mother, Mapuana Dervaes, who instilled in her a strong work ethic and resilience. She also acknowledges the faculty at Kapiʻolani CC, including Dave Evans, Laure Burke, Sheryl Fuchino-Nishida, and Kawehi Sellers, who played a pivotal role in her academic and professional growth, nominating her twice for the Outstanding Student Award, which Beimes won in 2012.

“Because of them, I was able to continue my education. They made me aware of scholarships and grants, which were crucial for me since finances were a major barrier,” she said. “They were rock solid supporters of me. I consider them to be major pillars in my career.”

Beimes’ career with Outrigger began during an internship at the Outrigger Reef Hotel, which was secured through a class at Kapiʻolani CC. Within months, she was offered a full-time position as an overnight auditor. She worked her way up, taking on roles as a front desk agent, guest services manager, and eventually hotel manager at Ohana East. Only 10 years after starting with the company, she was promoted to general manager, overseeing a major renovation and rebranding project that transformed the property into Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel.

Respected leader

Evans, her former Kapiʻolani CC professor, wrote, “I cannot overstate how proud all of the faculty of the Hospitality and Tourism Education department at Kapiʻolani Community College are of Kiana’s accomplishments … how significant it is for us to witness the success of a local girl, a graduate of Kalani High School and the University of �鶹��ý Community College System become a highly respected voice of leadership in our �鶹��ý hospitality and tourism industry.”

Now, as an industry leader, Beimes hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions.

“I want visitors to experience the magic I did throughout my childhood,” she said. “Waikīkī will always be my happy place. No matter how much it changes, it has always given me a sense of wonder and excitement. I hope every visitor who comes here gets to feel that at least once in their life.”

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

With an eye towards improving curriculum for her students, Kapiʻolani Community College Associate Professor Kawehi Sellers got up close and personal with more than 15 hotels across �鶹��ý, California, Nevada and Japan, where she conducted in-depth inspections of public areas and guest rooms.

Sellers’ mission, over a six-month sabbatical in 2024, was to enhance the HOST 150 – Housekeeping Operations course. She researched the current state of the hotel industry’s housekeeping operations, including best practices, trends, human resource challenges, and sustainability initiatives, to provide students with cutting-edge, practical knowledge.

“Hotel rooms are the foundation of a hotel’s product,” Sellers said.

From carpet to ceiling, molding to mold, and bathrooms to balconies, she examined every detail of hotel rooms, documenting her findings through videos and virtual tours.

Her research covered topics such as innovations in post-COVID housekeeping, workforce challenges and effective resource management. These findings have been seamlessly integrated into the HOST 150 curriculum, enabling students to move beyond textbook learning to engage with real-world scenarios through videos, readings and interactive activities.

She highlighted the immense pride and dedication of housekeepers and their managers, who work tirelessly to ensure rooms meet and exceed guests’ expectations. This perspective is now central to her teaching, inspiring students to appreciate housekeeping as a vital and rewarding career path in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Workforce development is one of the University of �鶹��ý System �鶹��ý’s four imperatives.

Meet Kelly Valdez (BS ‘12, UH Mānoa), director of food and beverage at Four Seasons Hotel and Residence Seattle. She is a graduate of the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa Travel Industry Management School.

“Originally, I was going to school at San Diego State studying business, and then I decided to move into hospitality and tourism there,” said Valdez. “But then I was thinking about what I really wanted to do and where I should be, and it was �鶹��ý. Tourism is flourishing in �鶹��ý.”

After graduating from UH, Valdez worked at the Four Seasons �鶹��ý as an assistant restaurant manager. In 2015, she relocated to the Four Seasons Seattle to assist with the grand opening of Goldfinch Tavern. In 2024, Valdez became the director of food and beverage.

During her time at UH, she felt moments of doubt and uncertainty, but was lucky to have a strong support system.

“It’s really about being able to surround yourself with people that are impactful,” said Valdez. “Are there mentors that you can team up with? Are there professors you can use as a resource? I definitely encourage making those connections as you pursue your career.”

After more than a decade in the hospitality industry, Valdez said serving people is what gets her through the ups and downs.

“The greatest gift in life is the gift of giving, and in hospitality we can do that,” said Valdez. “In hospitality, we don’t expect anything. We don’t need the gold star or the trophies. I think that’s really what drives me.”

Learn more about and other .

The City and County of Honolulu has formally entered into a sister city agreement between Honolulu and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan with a signing ceremony on May 31. Ahead of the signing, a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa tourism expert provided guidance to a Shibuya city delegation, including Mayor Ken Hasebe.

The delegation met with (TIM) Professor Jerry Agrusa, along with Director and Professor of TIM Daniel Spencer at UH Mānoa in December 2023, to discuss an emerging practice called regenerative tourism. Regenerative tourism is a new form of tourism where “visitors leave the destination in better condition than when they first arrived at the destination.” In addition, regenerative tourism aims to restore, rejuvenate and enhance the health and well-being of destinations, in addition to benefiting the local communities and ecosystems.

�鶹��ý has implemented regenerative tourism practices, such as Mālama �鶹��ý, which encourages visitors to engage in volunteer activities to benefit the environment and community, and community-based initiatives such as visitor access management to ensure benefits to the community and minimal environmental impacts. The Shibuya delegation wanted to learn more about them from Agrusa, an expert in the practice.

“It was a great experience providing guidance to the leaders of Shibuya city in Japan,” Agrusa said. “Sharing our expertise in the field of regenerative tourism helped fulfill some of the goals in the �鶹��ý 2023-2028 by producing research relevant and beneficial to �鶹��ý, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world, as well as �鶹��ýMānoa, which include, Excellence in Research, Building a Sustainable and Resilient Campus Environment and Becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.”

More on the sister city signing

Honolulu city leaders met with Shibuya leaders during the signing ceremony at the �鶹��ý Expo 2024 in Shibuya. Shibuya became Honolulu’s 36th sister city relationship and the 9th in Japan. The sister city agreement aims to promote cultural exchange, economic cooperation and shared best practices between Honolulu and Shibuya.

“The City and County of Honolulu is thrilled to establish a Sister City partnership with Shibuya, Tokyo,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This agreement symbolizes the strong bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between our cities. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that will enrich both communities and foster mutual understanding and growth.”