Larry Shiroma Named Hawaiian Airlines 2005 Employee of the Year

Feb. 21, 2006 - Seven years ago Larry Shiroma just wanted to stay busy when he joined Hawaiian Airlines after retiring from a 37-year career with the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

A cleaner in the Cabin Services Department, Shiroma has done a lot more than just stay busy, earning Hawaiian's highest honor as Employee of the Year for 2005.

In making the award presentation, Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's president and CEO, said, “Larry represents the very best attributes of a Hawaiian Airlines employee. He is loved and respected within his department and by employees from many other areas for his hard work and willingness to always help out no matter what the task.”

Stephen Leong, Hawaiian's Fleet Support Manager and Shiroma's supervisor, called him a “perfect example of a model employee.”

Leong likened Shiroma to the “Energizer Bunny” because he never stops working, often going far beyond what's expected to assist others and improve work conditions. For example, while working the overnight shift, he would make it a point to stock the cleaning truck with supplies not just for his shift, but for all the day's shifts as well. Within days, fellow workers were following his lead.

Leong added he has received numerous letters and compliments praising Shiroma's work. “Larry has been the ideal worker we should all try to emulate. He is constantly on the move cleaning aircrafts, vehicles, warehouse areas and performing tasks that aren't his responsibility, but he takes no credit for them. He has gained the respect of his peers through his actions, professionalism and quiet work ethic,” Leong said.

When asked what he likes most about his job, Shiroma humbly replied, “the people.”

Shiroma was selected from among 34 Kupono Award recipients that Hawaiian honored in 2005. The Kupono Award recognizes outstanding employees each month who are nominated by their peers, exemplify the spirit of Hawaiian, and exceed expectations in their daily work.

In recognition of his achievement, Shiroma received a $500 bonus, two first class tickets to any gateway city Hawaiian serves, complimentary Premier Club privileges for a year, and 125,000 HawaiianMiles for his account.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines, the nation's number one on-time carrier, is recognized as one of the best airlines in America. Consumer travel surveys conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Zagat all rank Hawaiian as the top domestic airline serving Hawaii.

Now in its 77th year of continuous service in Hawaii, Hawaiian is the state's biggest and longest-serving airline, and the second largest provider of passenger air service between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. Hawaiian offers nonstop service to Hawaii from more U.S. gateway cities than any other airline (nine), as well as service to Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 100 daily jet flights among the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (AMEX and PCX: HA). Additional information is available online at HawaiianAirlines.com.