"We welcome Kurt as general manager where he will be part of the executive team that helps fulfill the long-term vision for this emerging luxury community," said Richard A. Holtzman, president of Kukui'ula Development Company (Hawaii), LLC. "Kurt has experience and leadership within the resort industry here in Hawai'i at several of its most venerable resorts. His proven skills will help set the foundation for the unsurpassed levels of personalized service we intend to offer our homeowners and guests."

At Kukui'ula, Matsumoto will have full-charge executive responsibility for the community's club, spa and luxury lodge. He will also be responsible for overseeing special community events and programs, as well as Kukui'ula's Lifestyle Team who provide personalized on-island adventure experiences for homeowners and guests. 

Prior to joining Kukui'ula, Matsumoto served as general manager of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on the Big Island of Hawai'i, where he was responsible for the operation of the iconic 343-room hotel, the award-winning Francis H. I'i Brown golf courses and the acclaimed Mauna Lani Spa. 

From 1991 to 2000, Matsumoto was vice president of resorts/administration for the Lana'i Company, Inc., where he directed the operational and financial success of the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay Hotel on the island of Lana'i. In that position, Matsumoto oversaw the operation of these two luxury resorts and two 18-hole signature golf courses. Both resorts have been consistently rated among the top ten Hawai'i resorts by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.

Prior to Lana'i, Matsumoto was the resident manager at RockResorts' Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands. He also served in various executive positions at several Hyatt Hotels properties.

Matsumoto was born and raised on Lana'i and graduated with a B.S. in Hotel Management from Oregon State University. He is a member of the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Big Island Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, Kohala Coast Resort Association Board of Directors and the Hawai'i Hotel Association Board of Directors. Matsumoto and his family will be relocating to Kaua'i from Waimea on the Big Island where he currently resides. 

"I have the utmost respect for DMB Associates and Alexander & Baldwin, partners in the development of Kukui'ula. Both are truly outstanding organizations and I am proud and excited to be working with Mr. Holtzman," says Matsumoto. 

Holtzman, an acclaimed hotelier in his own right, was recognized as the "1995 Independent Hotelier of the World," by Hotels magazine, the youngest executive to achieve that honor. "Mr. Holtzman and I share similar views on how to create an incomparable community environment here at Kukui'ula. Our success will be driven by our ability to anticipate the needs of our homeowners and guests and to draw from the talents and experience of the incredible people we have here on the island. We will deliver levels of personalized service that surpass expectations."

Designed to provide the ultimate in luxury, Kukui'ula's 1,010-acre community will offer Hawaiian plantation-style homes, a sumptuous clubhouse, a spacious garden spa and wellness center, a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole golf course and club, and a small boutique hotel. The community will also feature miles of hiking and biking trails, extensive tropical gardens and floral sanctuaries, and the planned Kukui'ula Village shopping and dining experience. Described as "Kaua'i's Living Garden," the community is located on Kaua'i's sunny south side near Po'ipu's world-renowned beaches, picturesque mountains and acres of working coffee orchards. 

About Kukui'ula

Kukui'ula is being developed by Kukui'ula Development Company (Hawaii), LLC, an affiliate of DMB Associates, Inc. ("DMB"), a Scottsdale, Arizona-based diversified real estate development and investment firm, and A&B Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., one of Hawai'i's largest private landowners. DMB has been a highly acclaimed leader in creating successful legacy communities in the western U.S. for more than 20 years. Alexander & Baldwin, a landmark name in the Hawaiian Islands for 137 years, is involved in land development, agriculture and ocean transportation. For more information on Kukui'ula, visit www.kukuiula.com or call 1-808-742-0234.

Sweetie Nelson
808-949-4131
[email protected]

www.kukuiula.com