Maui Council to Honor Young Visitor Industry Professional

By Wendy Osher

Recent University of Hawaii graduate and Visitor Industry professional, Konrad Talon will be honored with a resolution from the Maui County Council later this month.  Talon’s many successes include recognition from the National Academy Foundation for outstanding industry achievements.

Konrad Talon. Courtesy Photo.

Talon successfully completed Maui High School’s Academy of Hospitality & Tourism program in 2005 before moving on to UH Manoa, where he earned a degree from the Tourism Industry Management School in December.  He is currently employed as the Rooms Controller at the new and luxurious Waikiki EDITION Hotel.

Konrad credits the AOHT program at Maui H.S. with many of his successes saying, “The AOHT program changed the course of my future for the better.  Students who are thinking about staying in Hawaii, should let the AOHT entice them to join the hospitality and tourism industry as a viable career.”

The AOHT program is administered by the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. The first academy in Hawaii began on Maui in the early 1990’s at Lahainaluna High School.  Because of its success, Maui High School and Baldwin also joined the program. Today, there are about 220 students enrolled in AOHT programs on Maui. Konrad now serves on the program’s Advisory Board and speaks regularly to Hawaii’s high school students in the program.

Konrad is the son of Lawrence Talon of Kahului and Barbara McLeod of Wailuku.  He will be honored in a resolution introduced by Maui Councilmember Michael Victorino at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 21 in the Council Chambers.