Housekeeper Leticia Gamiao from the Aqua Waikiki Wave yesterday won the award of Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year yesterday from the Hawai'i Hotel & Lodging Association.

She received the hotel industry's top annual honor at the Na Po'e Pa'ahana (the hardworking people) awards luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Gamiao was selected to receive the hotel industry's top annual award based on her "above and beyond" level of service at the Aqua Waikiki Wave.

Her general manager praised Gamiao for consistently superior service for more than 12 years.

"She makes it a priority to write personal handwritten notes every day to each guest she serves," wrote Lynette Eastman, general manager at the Aqua Waikiki Wave, who nominated Gamiao for the award.

Eastman said her work is so outstanding, she was recognized by name in more than 100 guest comment cards and notes in 2009. "She is our shining star."

The Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year award was one of nine awards presented at the annual statewide luncheon honoring Hawai'i's top hospitality industry employees.

Recipients are selected based on nominations submitted by their supervisors and co-workers, and are judged on the basis of outstanding and exceptional service to hotel guests, co-workers and the community. This was the 20th annual luncheon.

Other Na Po'e Pa'ahana award first-place winners were:

Bell/Valet Person of the Year, Sheldon Matsuda, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali; Engineering/Maintenance Person of the Year, Jared Takayesu, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa; Food & Beverage Person of the Year, Viola "Binkie" Tanita, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows; Front Office Person of the Year, Frani Forde Denny, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas; Housekeeper of the Year, Noemi Joy Corpuz, Halekulani; Manager of the Year, Gary Nushida, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club; Security Officer of the Year, Christian Alexander, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa; Allied Member of the Year, Walter "Wally" Marciel, HFM FoodServices.