Operations Vice President Kevin Schlag announced Abraham Manutai as director of Food Services at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He replaces David Keala, who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service. The appointment is effective July 28.
“We are excited to have Abraham join our staff,” Schlag said. “He’s a product of the university — a 2011 graduate — and has a keen understanding of the university’s vision and mission. With David retiring, Abe will build on the wonderful foundation David built. Abe has an awesome team, and this will be an exciting time as Food Services contributes greatly to the overall health and well-being of our students.”
Manutai brings more than a decade of experience in food and beverage management, budget forecasting and compliance oversight with leadership roles at high-profile hospitality properties including Kauai Marriott Resort, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton, Turtle Bay. He most recently served as assistant director of banquets at The Ritz-Carlton, Turtle Bay, where he led a team of 50 employees and oversaw more than 300 events annually.
He began his career as a Spanish teacher at Moanalua High School before transitioning into hospitality management.
“I feel honored to return to BYU–Hawaii,” Manutai said. “When my family moved back from Kauai in 2021, we weren’t sure what the Lord had in store, but this opportunity feels like a homecoming. I am grateful for the experiences and lessons that have led me here. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place, creating a welcoming environment where our campus community can gather to share meals and build community with new experiences. As a foodie at heart, I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned from my cultural and professional experiences to the table and support BYU–Hawaii’s mission.”
A BYU–Hawaii alumnus, Manutai earned a Bachelor of Arts in general studies from BYU–Hawaii in 2011. He is a graduate of Moanalua High School.
He and his wife, Larie, live in Hauula with their son, Alapati. Manutai has served in multiple leadership roles, including as a counselor in the bishopric, ward camp director, and Young Men’s advisor. He also served a full-time mission in the Guatemala Quetzaltenango Mission.