Elevating Hospitality: Sustainable Engineering - Harzali Hashim - Defining Hospitality - Episode #215

The secret to a hotel's success isn’t just great design; it's what guests don't see.

Harzali Hashim, Complex Director of Engineering at Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts in Honolulu, joins Dan to discuss sustainability engineering within the hospitality industry. They discuss Harzali's extensive 20-year career in hotel and resort engineering, focusing on the importance of maintenance, design, and sustainability in creating memorable guest experiences. They explore the operational challenges of managing historic properties, the significance of green engineering, and the collaborative efforts across the industry to uphold high standards. The episode also touches on Harzali's leadership within the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association's Engineers Advisory Council and his proactive approach in mentoring and fostering sustainability initiatives.

Takeaways: 

• Focus on creating memorable experiences for guests, not just through amenities but also through attentive service and a welcoming environment.
• Regularly maintain both visible and behind-the-scenes infrastructure to ensure long-term property value and guest satisfaction.
• Implement sustainable practices, such as energy and water conservation, and educate both staff and guests on their importance.
• Build strong relationships with all stakeholders: designers, engineers, housekeeping, and ownership to ensure successful projects and renovations.
• Be willing to rethink traditional processes and adapt quickly to changing circumstances for more efficient project delivery.
• Maintain honest and open communication with all project stakeholders to reduce misunderstandings and accelerate progress.
• Engage in community service and industry events to strengthen local ties and contribute positively beyond your organization.

Quote of the Show:

“Sustainability has been part of me for a while. Being here in Hawaii, embracing the local community means being sustainable.” - Harzali Hashim

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harzali-hashim-b6901540/ 
• Website: https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 0:53 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 
• 1:15 - Sheraton Waikiki https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/sheraton-waikiki/ 
• 1:19 - Diamond Head https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/ 
• 1:31 - Moana Surfrider https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/moana-surfrider/ 
• 2:56 - The Royal https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/the-royal-hawaiian/ 
• 3:00 - The Palace https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/the-palace-hotel/ 
• 6:48 - Halekulani https://www.halekulani.com/ 
• 8:23 - John Staub https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-staub-a8486914/ 
• 8:26 - Philpotts https://www.philpotts.net/ 
• 10:55 - Starwood Hotels https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starwood_Hotels_and_Resorts 
• 11:28 - Disney https://www.disney.com/ 
• 23:23 - Engineers Advisory Council https://www.hawaiilodging.org/engineers-advisory-council.html 
• 23:27 - Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association https://www.hawaiilodging.org/ 
• 27:48 - Eileen Madigan https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenamadiganasid/ 
• 27:49 - Las Vegas Sands Corp https://www.sands.com/ 
• 31:44 - Princess Kaiulani https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/princess-kaiulani/ 
• 44:55 - Green Business Program https://greenbusiness.hawaii.gov/ 

🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ 

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