WHEREAS, the Hawaii Hotel Association's Na Po'e Pa'ahana (the hardworking people) Awards honor those dedicated individuals in the lodging industry, whose exemplary records both in the performance of their duties, as well as above and beyond their duties, serve as an inspiration to their peers and the hotel industry as a whole; and

WHEREAS, JOSÉ RACASA, a twenty-two year employee of the Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio's Trellisses Restaurant, whose near perfect attendance record, positive attitude, and willingness to go far beyond the scope of his duties to serve and aid all of his customers, earned him the title of Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year on January 10, 2003 at the Hawaii Hotel Association's Na Po'e Pa'ahana Awards; and

WHEREAS, JOSÉ RACASA, in February 2002, again went far above and beyond his responsibilities by offering to donate his kidney to an ailing customer in need of a transplant, despite the medical risks to himself and the five week recovery period from the surgery; and

WHEREAS, a person of commitment, compassion, and humanity, who has consistently demonstrated his unwavering dedication to those in need, JOSÉ RACASA reflects great credit upon himself, and all members of the hotel industry; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that this body hereby recognizes and commends JOSÉ RACASA for his inspirational acts of compassion and dedication to his work, and extends to him its warmest aloha and best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.