Panda Express is hiring through a weeklong Panda Career Event, starting today at 400 locations nationwide, including Hawaii.

A total of 85 positions are available at Hawaii’s more than dozen Panda Express locations. The majority of positions are on Oahu, which is hiring at restaurants stretching from Kapolei to Mililani, Kahala and Waikiki.

Since it began in 1983, Panda Express says it “has always been passionate about creating a pathway to success for potential new hires and fostering their personal and professional growth.” The family-owned “American Chinese” restaurant chain has more than 35,000 employees in the U.S., many of which it says have risen through the ranks, starting as general managers or other in-store positions.

Panda Express said its employees are offered comprehensive benefits and perks, including paid time off, bonuses, medical insurance with 80 percent of the premium covered by Panda and 50 percent for qualified dependents, stock options and 401(k) savings accounts for eligible employees. In addition, qualified employees are eligible for stipends for continuing education opportunities as well as scholarships.

Interviews will be held at various Panda Express locations during the week. To schedule an interview, visit PandaCareers.com.

ON THE MOVE

Hilton Hawaii has announced that Dennis Cruz has been promoted to area director of safety and security for Hawaii. He previously served as director of safety and security for Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, which is Hilton’s largest campus. Prior to joining Hilton, Cruz worked more than 20 years at hotel companies throughout Chicago, Puerto Rico and Miami, serving as a director of security and loss prevention.

Hale Kipa has announced that Gwen Okamoto is its new chief financial officer. She has more than 25 years of chief financial officer experience, including working for the Hawaiian Humane Society. Okamoto also previously served as a controller and chief financial officer for Pacific Resources for Education and Learning.