Roberts Hawaiʻi Hires 39 for Newly Launched Airport Shuttle

Maui Airport Shuttle employees (from left): Karen Fujimoto, Mary Ann Tamashiro, Cypress Kamaunu, and Carol West were among the Roberts Hawaiʻi employees working the first day of service on Aug. 1, 2013. Photo courtesy Luly Unemori.

By Wendy Osher

Roberts Hawaiʻi celebrated the launch of its new Maui Airport Shuttle on Thursday, officially taking over management of the contract for the walk-up service in Kahului.

On its first day, Roberts had reportedly helped 20 customers before 11:30 a.m., offering its first ride at 6:15 a.m. to a customer headed to Kīhei.

In preparation for yesterday’s launch, company officials said they hired 39 additional employees for the service, including greeters, drivers and porters.

Roberts Hawaiʻi employees gather for the blessing of their new Maui Airport Shuttle service, led by Kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua at the main lobby of Kahului Airport. Courtesy photo, Lulu Unemori.

“Roberts Hawaiʻi is a very employee-focused company, and in fact, we’re an employee-owned company. As our ʻohana grows, I’m excited that our new employees be able to enjoy the benefits of ownership as well,” said Alison Ito, general manager for Roberts Hawaiʻi on Maui in an update provided by the company in the hours after the launch.

“When I first heard that we were going to be able to offer this service, I got goose bumps because I felt it would be so beneficial for our employees and our customers,” said Ito following the event.

In addition to the new hires, officials with Roberts Hawaiʻi said the Maui Airport Shuttle fleet includes 10 brand-new Mercedes Sprinters, each with a carrying capacity of up to 10 passengers plus baggage.

The shuttle service is available on a daily basis, starting with the first flight of the day and ending with the last flight in the evening, or approximately 5:30 am to 11 p.m., and is adjusted according to arrival and departure times of flights.

Service includes transportation between Kahului Airport and various lodging properties in Central, South and West Maui.

A blessing ceremony, led by Kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua was held yesterday at the new shuttle service kiosk located in the main baggage area of Kahului Airport.

In addition to Roberts Hawaiʻi employees others in attendance included Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui; Chad Iwamoto, Roberts Hawaiʻi VP; Tina Yamaki, director of sales for Roberts Hawaiʻi; and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa.

Attendees at the blessing of Roberts Hawaiʻi’s Maui Airport Shuttle service included (from left): Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui; Chad Iwamoto, Roberts Hawaiʻi VP; Tina Yamaki, director of Sales, Roberts Hawaiʻi; and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. Photo courtesy Luly Unemori.