HONOLULU (June 6, 1997) - Aston Hotels & Resorts, Hawaii's largest hotel and condominium resort operator, has appointed Mike Sands as general manager at Maui Kaanapali Villas. Mike will continue the interior upgrade program already in progress under previous general manager, Jerry Robertson. This, together with the exterior painting now underway, will greatly enhance this beachfront property set within 11 acres of tropical pools and gardens.

A member of the Aston ohana (family) since 1990, Sands brings a background in engineering and condominium resort management to his new position at this AAA Three-Diamond Award property. Born on Oahu, Sands went from high school to a nine-year stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, during which time he trained as an engineer. After starting his own business in Hilo, Hawaii, Sands moved into the hospitality arena as chief engineer at a Hilo hotel, where he was soon promoted to operating manager. His next stop was his first at Aston, where he became chief engineer at the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower, overseeing the physical aspects of the property and working closely with the resort operation and condominium association to ensure its smooth operation. Sands was also Aston's in-house engineering consultant during the renovation of the Aston Waikiki Beachside Hotel in 1991.

Sands next moved on to the position of general manager at The Shores of Waikola on the Big Island of Hawaii, an exclusive condominium resort on the prestigious Kohala Coast. His challenge here was not just the physical aspects, which include exquisitely landscaped grounds, waterways and tennis courts, but all phases of this upscale condominium resort's operation. After three and a half years in Waikola, Sands was appointed rooms division manager at Aston Wailea Resort on Maui, assisting with its transition to Aston management. Referred to as the "most  Hawaiian" of Wailea's resorts, this property gave Sands an insight into the workings of a large, full-service resort, the only Aston property with extensive meeting and banquet facilities.

Sands brings this valuable experience to Maui Kaanapali Villas, a beachfront estate on famed Kaanapali Beach, featuring superior hotel-style rooms with refrigerators; studios with complete kitchens and one-bedroom, one-bathroom suites with ocean or garden views. The property also provides amenities including great casual dining at Castaway Cafe, full-service activities desk and beach concession supplying guests' ocean recreational needs.

Based in Honolulu, Aston Hotels & Resorts plans to open four new hotels and resorts under the Aston name in Australia, Bali and the Philippines within the next 12 months. Further international expansion is planned. Aston operates more than 30 deluxe condominium resorts and hotels and more than 5,000 rooms on all four major Hawaiian islands. For more information, visit Aston's web site at http://www.aston-hotels.com or call (800) 922-7866 from the U.S. Mainland and Canada for reservations. From Hawaii, call (800) 321-2558.

For more information visit Aston's Web Site.