Lihu'e-based Unlimited Construction Services Inc. took three first-place awards for Kaua'i projects in the statewide General Contractors Association Build Hawaii 2009 awards and the Kukulu Hale awards.

The general contractor was awarded first place in the environmental construction category in both competitions for constructing the National Tropical Botanical Garden's Botanical Research Center in Kalaheo.

The company also won first place for constructing the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas in the category of building construction more than $25 million in the General Contractors Association awards.

ADVERTISER VP EARNS NATIONAL HONOR

Mike Cusato, Honolulu Advertiser senior vice president for operations, was awarded a Gannett's President's Ring for outstanding performance.

"This year's honorees represent the best Gannett has to offer," said Bob Dickey, president of Gannett U.S. Community Publishing. "Each and every one has performed consistently at the highest level despite the steep challenges Gannett and our industry have faced this year. I applaud them, and thank them most gratefully."

Cusato, who oversees all production operations at The Advertiser, was promoted to his current post in 2007. He had been the newspaper's vice president of circulation since 2001 and served in the same capacity for the Hawaii Newspaper Agency since 1998. Before that, he spent 31 years with the Washington Post in various circulation and production management positions.

RENTAL FIRM ACQUIRES NEW PROPERTY

Ohana Beach Rentals Hawaii has been named the operator of the Diamond Head Beach Hotel & Residences.

The 15-story Diamond Head Beach Hotel & Residences has 62 units, including studios and one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom resort condominium suites.

Ohana Beach describes itself as "O'ahu's largest luxury rental company of exotic estates, upscale homes and condominium suites."