N&K CPAS

N&K CPAs Inc., one of Hawai'i's largest locally owned CPA firms, has announced the promotion of Nicole Tsunoda from staff accountant to audit senior.

Part of the firm since 2006, Tsunoda received her bachelor's of business administration degree in accounting from the University of Portland in Portland, Ore. She received her master's in business from Hawai'i Pacific University. She joined the firm in 2006.

N&K CPAs Inc. is one of the largest CPA firms in the state.

KAHALA ASSOCIATES

The transformation of Kahala Associates to an agent-owned company began this year. The company is a full-service, Hawai'i-based, non-franchise real estate company with a special focus on the luxury residential market. As a boutique real estate firm, Kahala Associates specializes in oceanfront, luxury and multifamily homes and condominiums on O'ahu.

ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY

Dennis Fukunaga will be the head coach of the newly formed Pac West Junior Varsity Baseball Team, announced Ron Tsuchiya, athletic director at Island Pacific Academy and coordinator of Pac West.

With 25 years of experience, Fukunaga has a deep understanding of coaching baseball. In 2007, he coached the Pearl City High School varsity baseball team to the OIA Conference Championship, and was runner-up to Punahou in the state baseball tournament. In 1984, Fukunaga founded the Waipio Little League, which is now recognized as one of the premier leagues in the state. The Waipio All-Stars went on to win four state championships. Fukunaga also coached the Pearl City American Legion team for five years and in 2007 won the state championship.

Assistant coach appointments include Mel Seki, Syd Kawahakui, Rex Baccay, Thomas Yamasaki and Aaron Nakasone.

JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER OF HAWAI'I

Gerard Orbello has been hired as the programs director for the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i. He will manage JCCH's various programs, festivals and events. Previously, Orbello handled event planning at the 'Ilima Hotel. He also served as its conference center director, coordinating hotel events and supervising food and beverage, accounting and customer service divisions.

He served as concierge department supervisor at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, where he managed accounting and scheduling while also focusing on administrative and marketing efforts.

Orbello received his bachelor's in business administration from Chaminade University and is due to complete an accelerated master's program in business marketing at Chaminade in June.

Announcements of promotions and job changes can be sent to: Alan Yonan, Business Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; faxed to 525-6763, or e-mailed to tradewinds@honoluluadvertiser.com. For e-mailed releases, please make sure the information is included in the body of the message, not as an attachment. High resolution (at least 200 dpi in a .jpg format) color photographs are preferred.