Masako McCarter, an administrative assistant at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, has received the lodging industry’s top annual award.

The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association recognized McCarter and 24 other honorees during its 22nd annual Na Poe Paahana awards luncheon today at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Selection of HTLA’s award recipients are based on nominations submitted by their supervisors and co-workers. Honorees must show exceptional service to hotel guests, co-workers and the community.

“Masako McCarter is a kind soul, whose integrity and generosity comes though in everything she does,” wrote Kelly Hoen, general manager of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel who nominated McCarter for the award. “Her selfless service to the Royal Hawaiian, its guests and the people of Hawaii comes from the heart and is inspired by the gratitude she has in her own life. She loves people and considers it an honor to be able to help them.”

Roy Yokoyama of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and Chris Kasha of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa were selected as the second and third place winners in same category as McCarter.