By Kathy Oyadomari

On February 12, employees of the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber gathered to bid aloha to Monica Padunan, who retired after 22 years of dedicated service. Barry Wallace, Ruthann Yamanaka, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Chuck Shishido, and Dean Nakasone expressed their appreciation on behalf of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts for her hard work and contribution. Gifts of aloha and recognition were also presented.

Monica is one of the original employees hired to work in Housekeeping at the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber since it opened. She is looking forward to traveling with her family to Las Vegas, Disneyland, and the Philippines. During her retirement, Monica will keep herself busy by babysitting her grandchildren, taking ballroom dancing lessons, and cooking her favorite dishes (adobo and pinakbet) for her family.  Monica will miss the many friendships she developed over the years and shared the following letter (see below) with her co-workers.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is proud of Monica for her years of dedication and service and wishes her the very best in her retirement. Mahalo a hui hou!

“Aloha & Hello to Everyone,

I still feel as if I am newly-employed at the company.  But, if I count the time that I’ve been working here, it’s been a long 30 years and 11 months. [Monica started working when the hotel first opened.] At this time, I want to take the opportunity to thank my supervisor, who always supported me, my co-workers and friends at the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, especially those who shared their coffee, bread, pancit, aros caldo, bibingea poto, and malasadas. Again, thank you to everyone.  God bless you and see you around.”
Aloha and mahalo,
Monica!