Starwood snags Wienert for PR post

Former state Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert is the new regional director of public relations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii.

Responsible for all aspects of public relations, including development and implementation of campaigns, crisis communication and public affairs, Wienert will focus on the Sheraton, Westin, Luxury Collection and St. Regis brands that do business in Hawaii.

"Anyone who knows her understands that despite her diminutive stature Marsha is a marketing giant," said Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood in Hawaii and French Polynesia, in a statement. "We are excited to have her working with us."

Wienert served in the Cabinet of former Gov. Linda Lingle for 7 1/2 years and was previously executive director of the Maui Visitors Bureau. She will report to Angela Vento, regional director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. in Hawaii and French Polynesia.

HECO biofuel test successful at Kahe

Hawaiian Electric Co. said it successfully completed a test in which it used 100 percent biofuel to power one of the oil-fired steam turbine generators at its Kahe power plant.

The test done this week found that burning a mix of crude palm oil and its byproduct stearin reduced visible emissions as well as emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, said HECO Executive Vice President Robbie Alm.

Alm said he believed it was the first time a utility-scale steam unit was able to achieve its maximum output burning 100 percent biofuel. The test was done in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Institute based in Palo Alto, Calif.

Testing will be expanded to evaluate the impact of burning the biofuel at the plant 24 hours a day, HECO said.

EarthFest event calls for sponsors

The 2011 Hawaii EarthFest is on the lookout for public and private sponsorship partners for the annual event commemorating Earth Day.

The event is produced by the nonprofit Institute for a Sustainable Future, which also will welcome tax-deductible contributions.

Formerly the Kona Earth Festival, the event is now in its fifth year and has typically included more than a dozen relevant events and activities in various venues. Organizers are tentatively planning a Sustainability Awards recognition event on April 22, Earth Day. Contact details and other information can be found at the organization’s website, www.hawaiiearthfest.org.

On the Move

» CB Richard Ellis has named Robert Newstead as vice president of the debt and equity finance group’s Honolulu office. He is a licensed broker in Hawaii and California with 10 years of real estate finance experience.

» The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has appointed the following: Alvin Parker, chairman; William Ornellas, vice chairman; Michelle Kauhane, treasurer; and Li Garcia-Ballard, secretary. CNHA board members also serving terms include Aimoku McClellan, Pacific Center for Economic Development; Leina’ala Kalama Heine and Pi’ilani Hanohano, Halau Na Pualei o Likolehua; Philip Kahue and Courtney Tagupa, Alaka’ina Foundation; Maile Meyer, Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii; Kelly Lincoln, Panaewa Homestead Association; Akoni Akana and Shirley Ann Kahai, Friends of Moku’ula; Mel Soong, Bob Moore and Eddie Lee, I Mua Group; Andrew Ah Po and Jan Allianic, Kanaka Maoli o Kaleponi Inc.; Michael Naho’opi’i and Carol-Marie Kanohi Lee, Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission; Lance Holden and Annelle Amaral, ‘Aha Hui Siwila Hawai’i o Kapolei; Harold Johnston and Puni Kekauoha, Papakolea Community Development Corp.; trustee Bob Lyndsey and Kama Hopkins, Individual Member (OHA); and Judge Bill Fernandez, Native Hawaiian Political Action Committee.