Trade Winds
Advertiser Staff
• MICHAEL F. YAMAMOTO — whose experience in the aeromedical (air ambulance) industry includes training in hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction — has been named president and chief operating officer of Hawaii Air Ambulance, Hawai'i's only fixed-wing, aeromedical provider. Previously, he was flight paramedic and chief flight medic for the air taxi/ambulance operation's Honolulu base station. Yamamoto, a former city paramedic, is a licensed pilot with a multiengine rating, and holds certifications including mobile intensive care technician, and advanced cardiac, pediatric, and pre-hospital trauma life support. The company, which has transported more than 20,000 residents and visitors in its 22-year history, operates 24 hours a day, year-round.
Also named at Hawaii Air Ambulance is new medical director Dr. MITCHEL ERIC ROSENFELD. Rosenfeld serves as emergency medicine attending staff member at The Queen's Medical Center, Emergency Group, and as assistant clinical professor, University of Hawai'i, John A. Burns School of Medicine, surgery department. Additionally, he is on the technical staff for Hughes Aircraft Co. and has Federal Aviation Administration, air traffic control training.
• DEBRA HENTON, who began as accounts payable clerk with The Gas Company's then-parent company, Pacific Resources, in 1987, has been named the firm's director of customer affairs. She will manage the firm's call center, and new service connections, meter reading, billing and appliance repair functions for both utility and nonutility service on O'ahu. She has also served as the company's Kaua'i branch office supervisor.
• ELIZABETH FITZGERALD, previously director of special events and public relations during the Turtle Bay Resort's recent renovation, has been named account supervisor at Sheila Donnelly & Associates (SDA) international public relations agency. Fitzgerald, also a former executive at the Big Island's Hilton Waikoloa Village, is a veteran in the promotion of the luxury travel market, and will handle publicity and promotions for several high-profile properties at SDA. The Hawai'i-based firm also has offices in New York, Los Angeles and Arizona.
• STEPHANIE K. ASATO, previously a trust administration and business development specialist with First Hawaiian Bank, has joined Bank of Hawaii as a vice president and senior trust officer in its Private Client Services, Kahala office. She will be responsible for providing trust, investment management and financial services for clients with more complex financial needs.
• MARC HIRAI, formerly branch operations manager at Territorial Savings Bank's Kapahulu branch, has been named branch manager at the McCully branch. He is a past assistant supervisor at American Savings Bank and assistant manager for ABC stores.
• ELMER E. BOTSAI, former national president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and dean of the University of Hawaii's School of Architecture, has been awarded the Medal of Honor, the most prestigious award of the Hawaii State Council of the American Institute of Architects. Botsai, an AIA fellow, is also professor emeritus of the UH architecture school, and counselor to planning, architecture and interior design firm, Group 70. He is nationally and internationally known for his work in building diagnostics, architectural forensics and building remediation, and is an expert in the effect of seismic events on building structure.
Announcements of promotions and job changes can be sent to: Trade Winds, Business Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; faxed to 525-6763, or e-mailed to business@honoluluadvertiser.com. Photographs may be included, but must be identified on the back.
