A banquet captain at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa — Nancy Pohina — won top honors as the outstanding lodging employee of the year from the Hawai'i Hotel & Lodging Association at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa.

Pohina was selected to receive the hotel industry's top annual award Friday based on her "dedication and commitment to serving guests and fellow employees at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa."

The awards honored the industry's Na Po'e Pa'ahana (the hardworking people) at an annual luncheon attended by about 890 people.

Pohina was nominated by senior banquet manager Paul Shiroma. He wrote: "Nancy is a genuine person who truly cares about serving others before herself. She has been, and will continue to be, a tremendous asset to our organization."

The outstanding lodging employee of the year award was one of 10 awards presented at the 18th annual statewide luncheon honoring Hawai'i's top hospitality industry employees. Pohina was given a koa box and a trip for two to Manila, Philippines, from Hawaiian Airlines, which was honored as allied member of the year for the company's support of the visitor industry.

Recipients were selected based on nominations submitted by their supervisors and co-workers and were judged on the basis of outstanding and exceptional service to hotel guests, co-workers and the community.

Other top finishers for the overall lodging award were: second place, Beatrice Aberin, Halekulani; and third place, Greg Villafuerte, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Other top Na Po'e Pa'ahana award winners: