By: Taylor Graveline
Only a few companies have made as significant strides in the Hawaii sphere as AlohaHP, under the leadership of Kathleen Hurtubise. Central to their success is a deep commitment to revitalizing an industry hit hard by recent challenges, from pandemic disruptions to ongoing labor shortages. AlohaHP’s approach reimagines what hospitality can look like in Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy, which generates over 70% of the state’s revenue.
Integrating Aloha and Innovation
What sets AlohaHP apart is its unique fusion of practical staffing solutions with deeper cultural values. “We have a meditation piece as part of one of our processes, which makes us different,” Kathleen says. This practice, rooted in the company’s 10 golden rules of Aloha, focuses on fostering a sense of beingness over merely doing. “It’s about how we are so much of society. This center, this vitality through meditation and our golden rules, really makes us unique,” she adds. Aloha HP emphasizes not only delivering staffing solutions but also contributing to the emotional and mental well-being of employees and clients alike.
Service Excellence and a Partnership with Cornell
The Service Excellence Certificate helps graduates be more workforce-ready. The curriculum was exclusively developed in partnership with the School of Hotel Administration at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, one of the leading hospitality administration programs in the world. Upon completion of the 9 module, on-demand training, students receive a Service Excellence Certificate of Achievement from Cornell University and AlohaHP. Courses cover skills development, managing customer interactions, and Aloha Spirit Law as outlined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
“We have a service excellence certification with Cornell University. In partnership with the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, we have formed this nine-module course. Each course takes about 45 minutes. Afterward, each temp team member gets a certificate from Cornell University, and they also get an additional certificate from us. It’s a very powerful, robust system,” Kathleen explains. “We are honored to be the exclusive staffing agency partner with Cornell University and thrilled to share this opportunity with our temp team members.”
In a post-pandemic world where job opportunities are vast, Aloha HP recognizes that retaining top talent is more important than ever. “It’s really the companies’ gain to win people over to show them why they should stay with them if they’re a really good match,” Kathleen says. This is where the Cornell partnership shines, providing hospitality workers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles and in the industry at large.
Supporting Reentry into the Workforce
Aloha HP’s social impact is equally commendable, particularly their work in providing job opportunities for individuals formerly incarcerated and re-entering the workforce after rehabilitation. AlohaHP has recognized the potential in these often-overlooked groups, offering them a second chance and helping them reintegrate into society. According to Second Chance Business Coalition, more than 80 million Americans, roughly a third of the population, have a criminal record. In a recent survey put out through the same organization, “66% of employees expressed pride in working for a company that offers training, guidance, or mentorship to individuals with criminal records to help them reintegrate into the workforce. Companies that have adapted their culture to support second chance employees are finding that their overall workforce is becoming more engaged and likely to stay with the company.” According to a 2023 article from The New York Times, ex-prisoners seeking employment often struggle with bias and lack of opportunities. And when companies do take a chance and hire an individual with a record, 81% of business leaders report that these individuals perform the same or better than employees without a record.
As Kathleen puts it, “We have a lot of entry-level jobs, and we can work with people who are coming out of prison or rehab, giving them a fair chance to succeed. And the results have mirrored what business leaders have reported – these individuals are performing at the same level or high as everyone else.”
Easing the Burden on Employers
Aloha HP also takes pride in streamlining HR processes for their clients. In an industry where turnover can be high and managing personnel can be cumbersome, Aloha HP absorbs much of the administrative headache. “All the HR messiness is on us,” Kathleen explains. “Clients can simply text or email us if someone isn’t a good fit, and we’ll have someone new there the next day.” This “test-drive” approach lets companies focus on their day-to-day operations without getting bogged down by staffing challenges.
Aloha HP’s Role in the Bigger Picture
In today’s hospitality scene, or in any industry for that matter, self-entitlement among the younger workforce is often viewed negatively, but Kathleen sees it differently. “I think people over the younger generation understand their value and understand where they deserve respect. There’s something underlying that’s really beautiful, a sense of knowingness of themselves,” says Kathleen. “I think oftentimes it’s squashed by the sense of who are you to be so competent and entitled. If employers can be more aware of this, I’ve seen people show up in spades because they feel seen.” This insight is particularly relevant in today’s labor market, where workers seek not just jobs but purpose and respect.
Additionally, while Hawaii’s tourism sector has been grappling with significant challenges—from labor strikes and union disputes to economic uncertainty—Aloha HP’s ability to provide skilled, certified, and emotionally grounded workers positions them as a key player in addressing these demands.
As the hospitality industry continues to recover, companies like Aloha HP are paving the way for a more dynamic, inclusive, and human-centered approach to staffing. Through their innovative partnerships, commitment to the well-being of their workers, and focus on social impact, Aloha HP keeps the lights on for hospitality in Hawaii and redefines what it means to thrive in this space. As Kathleen says, “It’s not just about what you do—it’s about how you show up and who you ARE.” This ethos is what truly sets Kathleen apart, and it’s what will continue to propel Aloha HP forward.
Published by: Nelly Chavez