The Hilton Community

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Wednesday - October 05, 2011

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By Jerry Gibson
Vice president and managing director of Hilton Hawaii

Our legendary founder Conrad Hilton always said, “A Hilton in every community; a community in every Hilton.” We have faithfully lived by these words in our first 50 years in Hawaii.

Being able to do the right thing starts with having the right people. As Waikiki’s largest employer, we’re fortunate to have 2,200 employees, exceptionally loyal and committed to providing extraordinary service to more than a million visitors a year.

Our team members make things happen around here; they enable us to give back to the community of which we are a part. Without their fine work, we would not be able to provide the environment where so many memories are made.

It is that environment that makes the Hilton Hawaiian Village so special.

At the home of the Blue Hawaii (from left) are Joe Lam, Dionisio Tejero, Jerry Gibson, Nancy Festerling, Shannon Feliciano and Gordon Bright. Nathalie Walker photo .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Since 1990, the Hilton Hawaiian Village has been lighting up the skies above Waikiki Beach every Friday night with an amazing fireworks display.

Who could forget our eight star residents our South African penguins or our more than 30 species of wildlife that thrill even our youngest guests?

Commitment to community is a high priority for us. Over the years, we’ve continually improved the area surrounding our resort, including the restoration of the state-owned Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and the widening of Ala Moana Boulevard.

We strongly believe in supporting programs that help perpetuate the native culture. Each fall, we work with Hula Halau o Hokulani for its annual Hula ‘Oni E and the annual Aloha Festivals. This Sunday, Oct. 9, Duke Kahanamoku Beach fronting our resort will once again serve as the finish line for the annual Moloka’i Hoe outrigger canoe race.

HHV is noted for featuring live Hawaiian music every day, including the legendary Jerry Santos, who has been performing here for nearly 20 years.

We are now at the beginning of our second 50 years. To make Waikiki’s premier oceanfront resort even better, we’re embarking on an exciting new Master Plan (HHVMasterPlan.com). We look forward to a memorable future that will further enrich our legacy.