Michele Kauinui
Director of Human Resource Services
simplicityHR by ALTRES
Michele Kauinui is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 10 mentor. Learn more about the program here.
About Michele
Michele Kauinui joined simplicityHR by ALTRES in 2006 and has 25 years of experience in human resources. As Director of Human Resource Services, Kauinui is responsible for overseeing human resources programs and providing support to 2,500 clients and their employees throughout Hawaii. Her role is also integral to ensure all ALTRES companies are fully compliant with regulations including four staffing divisions, ALTRES Home Care, and in-house employees.
Prior to joining simplicityHR, Kauinui served in various HR capacities in the hotel industry, including Halekulani and Hilton Hawaiian Village. Kauinui earned a master’s degree of Human Resource Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she was part of the school’s first MHRM cohort. She completed SHRM Hawaii’s inaugural 2022 HR Executive Leadership Program and serves as a mentor for SHRM’s Emerging Professionals Mentorship Program.
In her free time, Kauinui enjoys participating in running events and spending time with her husband and three kids. She currently volunteers as a Board Member for Drill Team Hawaii.
Question and Answer with Michele
What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.)?
In-Person Meeting, Video-Conference, Informal Check-In, Meal, Activity, Open to mentee’s preference(s)
Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
Since starting my career, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with, and learn from, so many wonderful people. The world of HR is ever-changing, and having a network of professional resources is invaluable. Mentoring is a small way for me to pay it forward, and I’m excited to learn from my mentee as well!
What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
Since my area of expertise is in human resources, I can share my knowledge and experience in topics such as recruitment and retention; compensation and benefits; compliance; employee and labor relations; organizational structure; and training and development.
From a career development perspective, I’d be more than happy to share experiences that helped to shape my career path, as well as mistakes made along the way.
What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
I look forward to having regular communication with my mentee and being a trusted advisor/resource. If there is anything I can do to better support the mentor-mentee relationship, I would also welcome the feedback. Since my mentee will be investing the time to be a part of the program, I want to make sure that I provide the type of mentorship experience that s/he is looking for.
How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
My preference is to take a collaborative approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution. I realize that everyone has a different approach and behavior style, and I try to be mindful of that when working/communicating with others.
How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
I am very interested in learning my mentee’s specific objectives for participating in the Mentor Hawaii program so that we can strategize the best way to achieve those goals!
