Saturday BriefingPage 1

Beachfronts Bring It!By John Limper

Outrigger Resorts Global Sales Manager Cindy Cunningham and I were thrilled to attend Apple Vacations’ Golden and Crystal Apple Awards dinner held at the Art Institute of Chicago Sept. 8.

Apple Vacations is one of the nation’s largest and most respected vacation companies and it’s

no surprise that Hawai‘i is one of their more popular destinations.

Apple Vacations’ awards are given to hotels that have earned exceptional ratings on Apple’s Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaires completed by customers when they return home. Resorts throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Hawai‘i were in the mix to receive the People’s Choice – The Golden Apple Award – for high levels of excellence.

Congratulations to the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach (OWK) and the Outrigger Reef (ORF) for being the apple of many vacationers’ eyes! OWK’s and ORF’s Golden Apple designation will be a major influence on traveler purchase decisions.

The coveted Golden Crystal Award for “Best Staff & Service” is given to a select few properties that have exceeded customer satisfaction and service. Congratulations to the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach (OWK) for placing in the final 6 for this prestigious award.

What an honor it was to represent Outrigger Resorts and to bring home The Golden Apple and Golden Crystal Award recognition to our beachfront resorts on O‘ahu. Hearty congratulations to OWK GM Robert McConnell and team and ORF GM Dean Nakasone and team for winning the hearts and votes of many Apple Vacations’ travelers.

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers >> 10-15

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers!

By Barry Wallace

Each September we set aside one week, this year from the 14th through the 20th, to focus our attention and recognition on the professional housekeepers working at Outrigger properties worldwide who maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for us and all of our guests each and every day. Happy International Housekeepers Week!

I love our housekeepers! They are fun and full of spirit. I never walk away from a Housekeeping department without a smile on my face, a full stomach and a deep appreciation for their dedication day in and day out. I see the results of their efforts at our properties and am proud not only of their work, but of the genuine aloha they share with our guests in The Outrigger Way.

I often receive comments from guests about our housekeepers who share a shy smile, a sweet song, a funny story, calling them by name and sometimes even sharing

September 20, 2014 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

®

John Limper and Cindy Cunningham in

Chicago dressed for the Apple Awards Back: Ka An and Chu Ja Oh

Front: Corazon Mendoza, Lilia Arca and Dena Domingsil

Saturday BriefingPage 2

Another Outrigger Wellness Initiative for You!

By Kathy Foley

From Monday, September 29, 2014, through Saturday, November 15, 2014, female members of our Hawai‘i ‘ohana, who are age 40 or above and covered by Kaiser or HMSA healthcare plans, can receive a free mammogram screening.

According to mammographysaveslives.org, mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly one-third since 1990.

Mammograms are important because they can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable, and can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your doctor can feel them.

It’s important – it saves lives – it’s free – it’s a no-brainer, so “just do it!”

Employment Opportunities If you are interested in a position listed below and meet the qualifications, please go to OUTRIGGER.COM and click on EMPLOYMENT at the bottom of the page. We only accept online applications for the open positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 921-6989. Application deadline for the following positions is September 26, 2014.

Senior Account Executive: OTAs (Full-Time)Position will execute Outrigger’s corporate OTAs strategy at the area level and ensure individual hotels are aligning with these strategies and activating electronic channels (Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, Booking.com and other eMarketing vehicles) to maximize online revenue and profitability. This position will provide hotel support, education and pull-through of Outrigger’s strategy and provide local market insights, competitive review and recommendations. Travel required.

General Maintenance Utility (Full-Time)Must have two years of experience with interior and exterior maintenance including demonstrated ability to install, service, repair and inspect and maintain FF&E facilities. Must also have experience with HVAC, plumbing, ventilation, water, electrical and mechanical systems, and be able to work any day and shift.

The Kapalua Villas - Houseperson (Full-Time)Must be able to communicate in English and read cleaning instructions. Must be able to safely lift or move 30 lbs or more independently or with the assistance of lifting equipment; safely operate heavy cleaning machinery and golf cart; and clean and maintain all public areas, including, but not limited to corridors, vending areas and landings and service areas. Duties include providing linen supplies for housekeepers and stocking closets; distributing, delivering and picking up clean and soiled linens; and stocking guest rooms with paper products as needed. Must be able to work any day and shift. Valid driver’s license with clean abstract required.

Happy Birthday!Oct 1: Pisut Aiamaram, Varanisese Cakacaka, Karee U.J. Chung, Jettson J.S. Hew, Prapa Insuwan, Lori N. Ishiyama, Man Chi Lau, Cherwin K. Meheula-Solomon, Aravindakshan Nair, Kinijoji Sarai, Gay N. Shinbara, Mei Qing Tan, Khanittha Thawornsook, Lethiea Von and Jone Yavaca.

Oct 2: Marilyn R. Castillo, Ackbar Codabux, Philip R.O. Gagala, Olivier Maokhamphieu, Teresita P. Moore, Jack Opelin, Wainikit Sadrata, Pakorn Tantayakorn and Suxian Zhou.

Oct 3: Ricol H. Akana-Phillips, Marie Gloria Stephanie Betty, Milton T. Kami, Unaloto V. Latu, Charlene A. Luning, Brian Mohammed and Estrelita Sagadraca.

Oct 4: Tammy A. Awong, Rory Gibb Campbell, Ruchira Cousins, Kristina K.S. Flores, Miriama Kanaveilomani, Susana P. Macadangdang, Christy Myers and Rusiate Tavo.

Oct 5: Swasti Bhobeechun, Diane M. Cox, Prapaporn Kamsen, Lavinesh Naidu, Rusiate Navara, Jeff A. Nelson, Tita Rechy, Kyle W. Springfield-Richards and Selven Thondee.

Oct 6: Cinderella M. Cacayorin, Varoonen Chinamal, Michael Fogden, Sisilia Nadore, Thaveewut Sawatthanee, Sheila C.Y. Shinn, Narongsak Sinto, Shanil Siwan, Balraj Vishal Teeha and Chao Hong Xu.

Oct 7: John Henry Q. Acosta, Ravi Booyjoonauth, Goswamy Curpen, Sauiluma Fonoti, Robert D. Garcia, Sujittra Jantawee, Michele Johnson, Chun Chan Liang, Sarote Petkong, Deelight A. Quezon, Adonis II Ronquillo, Erica Selinger, Megan Shorrocks and Natthapong Thongboon.

Saturday Briefing is published by and for

employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)

Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley

Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson

Senior Editor: Kathy Foley

Contributing Writers: Employees of OEG

Visit us online at: www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com

© 2014 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Saturday BriefingPage 3

Calendar of significant events celebrated worldwide

September 20 - Outrigger Reef on the BeachKani Ka Pila Grille Lū‘au in Celebration of Aloha Festivals

The annual Aloha Festivals is Hawai‘i’s premier cultural showcase featuring Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history. The Outrigger Reef on the Beach’s Kani Ka Pila Grille will be celebrating Aloha

Festivals with a Hawaiian buffet and live Hawaiian music by award-winning entertainers. Book early as this event sells out.

September 23 - Rumours, Ala Moana Hotel - Waikīkī

Call the CoachCall the Coach radio show broadcasting from Ala Moana Hotel’s Rumours nightclub. Tune into ESPN 1420 at 6 p.m. with Bobby Curran and UH football Head Coach Norm Chow.

September 30 - Rumours, Ala Moana Hotel - Waikīkī

Call the CoachCall the Coach radio show broadcasting from Ala Moana Hotel’s Rumours nightclub. Tune into ESPN 1420 at 6 p.m. with Tiff Wells and UH women’s volleyball Head Coach Dave Shoji.

October 19 - Waikiki Beach Walk®

Nā Mele No Nā Pua - Mailani MakainaiOutrigger continues its commitment to share Hawai‘i’s host culture through activities that entertain and inspire. Nā Mele No Nā Pua brings to life the past, present and future of Hawai‘i’s performing

arts through the islands’ best entertainers in a casual, family-style setting, the third Sunday of each month from 5 - 6 p.m.

US

FIJI

October 10 - Outrigger on the Lagoon . FijiFiji National DayOctober 10 is the anniversary of both Fiji’s cession to the United Kingdom in 1874 and attainment of independence in 1970. The week leading up to Fiji Day is called Fiji Week, a week of religious and cultural ceremonies celebrating the country’s diversity. Numerous carnivals and festivals are held around the country on Fiji National Day which is a day of sharing, giving and fun.

October 10 - Outrigger on the Lagoon . FijiThe Sigatoka Bilibili RaceBelieved to be the only bamboo raft races in the world, this event started as a bit of simple fun in 1984 on the Sigatoka River by a group of Coral Coast hoteliers. A reasonable crowd of hotel staff and supporters enjoyed themselves with

barbecues and refreshments in those early days of the event unaware that it would become a hugely anticipated annual event.

It is a festive kayaking event involving employees of the province’s hotels and resorts, located along the Coral Coast. Fiercely competitive, each hotel team constructs a Bilibili—traditional bamboo raft—and starts working on their fitness levels and kayaking techniques well ahead of the event. There are several race categories with trophies awarded to the best teams, most original uniform, boat design and most entertaining team.

New Orchid Garden Sets the Scene for

Blooming RomanceBy Donna Parkin

With almost 265 weddings staged at Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji over the past year, the resort has become a South Pacific wedding destination of choice.

General Manager Peter Hopgood said that the introduction of an orchid and selective flower garden is a significant development given that wedding business is a major part of the resort’s market.

“Floral arrangements play a big role in a wedding ceremony, so we have decided to utilise some of the resort’s uncultivated land for this purpose. We have the expertise and manpower to develop these grounds and plan to provide a self-sufficient service for our wedding guests. It’s not often that brides can wander through a tropical garden and select flowers for their special day,” he said.

Just one more amenity that sets Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji apart from the competition.

Romance is blooming at the Outrigger on the Lagoon • Fiji

Saturday BriefingPage 4

OEH Celebrates Where We Come FromBy Denise Torres

Music, food and story helped our OHANA Waikiki East (OEH) employees experience and better understand our Sense of Place right here where we spend much of our day.

Brian Lafferty and Kimo Miguel provided a melodic backdrop of Hawaiian music as employees entered an aroma-filled Princess Ka‘iulani room. Traditional Hawaiian lū‘au fare of kalua pork, poke, chicken long rice, poi and lomilomi salmon was thoroughly enjoyed. A “graffiti wall” encouraged employees to share what they liked best about living in Hawai‘i and more specifically, what they liked about working at the OHANA Waikiki East hotel.

George Poon and I shared the story of ‘Āinahau, the ancestral home of the late Princess Ka‘iulani. The name ‘Āinahau, which means “cool lands,” was given to this place by Princess Likelike, the mother of Princess Ka‘iulani, because of the cool breeze that blew through from the Mānoa and Pālolo valleys. Interestingly it still does today! Princess Ka‘iulani’s father, Scottish-born and former governor of Hawai‘i, Archibald Cleghorn, who was also a horticulturist, turned ‘Āinahau into a virtual Garden of Eden. Lush tropical gardens, winding walkways, fish and lily ponds, an artificial lake and groves of coconut trees were home to ‘Āinahau. Mr. Cleghorn also planted the state’s first Banyan tree there where Author Robert Louis Stevenson would read stories to a young Princess Ka‘iulani.

We learned that Princess Ka‘iulani would use ‘Āpuakēhau Stream that flowed near their home and down what is now Ka‘iulani Avenue to paddle her surfboard or canoe to Waikīkī Beach. The stream emptied into Waikīkī Beach between what is today the Moana Surfrider and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. We also learned that where the OHANA Waikiki East hotel now stands used to be a pond aptly named ‘Āinahau.

The only existing remnant of this splendid estate is the Ka‘iulani Park located Diamond Head of our hotel. Knowing the history and significance of this area gives us greater understanding and appreciation for our ‘āina and the importance of our being caretakers of this place we call home.

Musicians Brian Lafferty and Kimo Miguel

provided authentic Hawaiian music...

and Joselyn Valenzuela and Rosie Rosete enjoyed

authentic Hawaiian food!

Jettson Hew and Hui Lun Wen take their hand to the graffiti wall A hungry Joshua Smith

Joselyn Valenzuela, Leonila Francisco, Cecilia Ferrer, Elvie Amor and Ricardo Lumaban

Xin Jiang Zhou, Maggie Tan, Jing Yun Wu, Cecilia Ferrer and Ann Pang

Saturday BriefingPage 5

O Ke Kai Series with Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai‘iloa

By Luana Maitland

Celebrating Hawai‘i’s Great Voyaging Canoes is the theme this year for the O Ke Kai Series held at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.

As part of the Series, a program was recently held that included displays of traditional and contemporary canoe-carving tools; video coverage of Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia’s voyage to Tahiti by Nā‘ālehu Anthony, CEO, ‘Oiwi Television Network; “talk story” session with Billy Richards, president of the Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai‘iloa sharing highlights of his experience on the first

leg of this worldwide voyage; keiki activities and music by Mike Kaawa.

The Friends are constantly searching for innovative ways to take Hawai‘i’s traditional canoe-building skills out into the community. This requires great dedication and energy to provide hands-on demonstrations and interactive displays. By building, maintaining and restoring canoes, the Friends hope to improve understanding and appreciation for this unique Hawaiian heritage with our visitors and guests.

Back: Mike Kaawa, Norman Ho, Naalehu Anthony, Billy Richard, Jay Dowsett

and Kawika Grant. Front: Marylou Foley, Lynn Cook and Luana Maitland

Visitors and guests gather to learn about

Hawai‘i’s traditional canoe-building skills

Keiki activities were a drawThe ORF lobby was bustling with activity

Saturday BriefingPage 6

Lisa Tojo, Ken and Napua Ho, Lily Tran, Carol Ly and Ivy Kwok

Brent Shiratori, Gay Shinbara, Dana Sato, Milites Rock, Sean Ajimine and Lochlan

Gay Shinbara, Ken and Napua Ho, Ivy Kwok, Dan Daniels, Carol Ly and Nancy Daniels

Outrigger Resorts Joins Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival’s Keiki in the Kitchen

By Gay Shinbara and Kathy Hansberry

The Honolulu Zoo was a fitting venue for the inaugural Keiki in the Kitchen “Food, Fun and Fitness” family day, an extension of the annual Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival. For the first time, Outrigger Resorts took part in the festival serving as the official hotel sponsor of Keiki in the Kitchen, and as such, guests staying at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort received free admission to the event simply by showing their key cards.

Cooking demonstrations, food trucks, fitness activities and special appearances by Iron Chef Cat Cora were just a few of the event highlights. The main event, held on the lawn stage, was a keiki cooking competition with the top prize “Keiki Night Out” for 10 at either Alan Wong’s or Roy’s, including a special appearance by the restaurant’s chef and a two-night stay for the winner’s family at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.

Families that visited our Outrigger Resorts tent enjoyed various family-friendly activities including our popular “3 strikes” Outrigger board game, temporary keiki tattoos and mini-golf.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who helped make this a fun event: Arnold Agustin, Ellie Agustin, Lochlan Ajimine, Sean Ajimine, Dan Daniels, Nancy Daniels, Ken Ho, Napua Ho, Lorry Ijima-Sato, Ivy Kwok,

Milton Lafitaga, Herman Lam, Carol Ly, Milites Rock, Dana Sato, Nathan Sato, Scott Sato, Lisa Tojo, Lily Tran and Todd Wakida.

Saturday BriefingPage 7

Outrigger Hosts a Sports-Filled Weekend with UH Football and Wahine Volleyball

By Kathy Hansberry

On Sept. 11, 12 and 14, a sensational crowd of nearly 20,000 fans combined turned out for the Outrigger Resorts Volleyball Challenge at the Stan Sheriff Center, as the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team hosted a three-night tourney against top opponents from Utah State, San Francisco and UCLA.

An amazing 8,233 volleyball tournament tickets were issued for Friday night’s game against UCLA, the highest of season thus far. Each night of the tournament, the “Outrigger Hukilau” on-court promotion entertained the crowd as two contestants worked together to win a cash prize of up to $2,000. Congratulations to UCLA for capturing the tournament title and to the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine team who took home runner-up honors at the Outrigger Resorts Volleyball Challenge.

Over at the Aloha Stadium on Saturday, September 13, about 25,000 tickets were issued for the Outrigger Resorts sponsored football game as the Rainbow Warriors battled visiting team Northern Iowa. It was the first win of the season for the Warriors with a final score of 27-24. As the game sponsor, #teamOutrigger was present at all gate turnstiles distributing “Go ’Bows / Outrigger Resorts” rollabanas to the first 10,000 fans to enter the stadium. At Gate 3, our volunteers were busy with a non-stop line for our ever-popular “Outrigger Prize Wheel.” Fans also visited our booth to enter various on-field promos including the “Outrigger Wacky Tourist” half-time promotion to win the grand prize – a two-night stay at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

On the 50-yard line, Barry Wallace and Governor Neil Abercrombie joined team representatives and referees for the official coin toss while Charlene Goo and John Limper accepted a mahalo gift from Ben Jay, UH Athletics Director during half-time.

In addition prior to kick-off, the sales and marketing team hosted an Outrigger tailgate party where clients and VIPs enjoyed delicious food and drink.

Big mahalo to our dedicated volunteers for all their support and hard work:

Sports-Filled Weekend >> 8

Sean Ajimine, Lani Von, Louise Nawatani, Ellie Agustin, Reuben Nakagawa,

Lisa Asakura, Lianne Bryant, Mary Loy, Denise Torres, Suzanne Lee, Ashelley Ijima,

Nathan Sato (front), Kyle Richards, Ellen Isidro, Eric Vidal, Lorry Ijima-Sato,

Lisa Tojo, Michele Minchew, Kathy Hansberry and Scott Sato

Kevin Wong, Scott Sato, Louise Nawatani, Lani Von, Ashelley Ijima, Maddy Wong,

John McDonald, Ellie Agustin, Ellen Isidro, Tammy Arakaki, Sandra Kama, Lorry Ijima-Sato,

Nathan Sato, Kathy Hansberry, Victor, Celena and Helina Wong

Saturday BriefingPage 8

Tailgating are Audrey and Ed Case, Simeon Miranda,

John Limper and Barry WallaceJohn Limper and Charlene Goo

accept a UH Warriors jersey from Athletics Director Ben Jay

Charlene Goo with winners of Outrigger’s wacky tourist half-time activity

Helping out on the field were: Brent Kitsu, Steven and DJ Nash, Gay Shinbara,

Kathy Hansberry, Lisa Tojo, Nancy and Dan Daniels and Marisa Guerrero

Football: Ellie Agustin, Ashley Cabradilla, Daniel Calpo, Ed and Audrey Case, Nancy and Dan Daniels, Peter Fa, Kathy Foley, Patty Foley, Marisa Guerrero, Ellen Isidro, Brent Kitsu, Milton Lafitaga, DJ and Steven Nash, Stephanie Nojima, Gay, David, Josiah and Noah Shinbara, Lisa Tojo, Kathy Toyama, Lani Von, Todd Wakida, and Danny and Stacy Wang.

Outrigger Volleyball Challenge (Women’s Volleyball): Ellie Agustin, Sean Ajimine, Tammy Arakaki, Lisa Asakura, Lianne Bryant, Jennifer and Rorie Frias, Joey Fukuoka, Kaycee Hansberry, Ellen Isidro, Debbie and Jeff Hendrawidjaja, Thaila Kaikana, Sandra Kama, Davin Kawakami, Mary Ann Kawakami, Reid Kobashigawa, Jimmy Lagunero, Suzanne Lee, Leilani Love, Mary Loy, John McDonald, Kelli-Ann Morihara, Ian Milley, Reuben Nakagawa, Louisa Nawatani, Kyle Richards, Kenny Shimabuku, Lisa Tojo, Victor and Celena Tong, Denise Torres, Jasmine Tso, Eric Vidal, Lani Von, Kevin Wong and Maddy Wong.

Sports-Filled Weekend ... << From 7

The UH Athletics team sent along their kudos for a successful Outrigger Resorts sports weekend:

“Mahalo for all your time and support with the Outrigger Resorts ‘weekend’ with the Outrigger Resorts Volleyball Challenge and the football sponsorship against Northern Iowa. It was a beautiful night on Saturday, with great

giveaways and prizes, thanks for being part of the first win of the football season and making the night a memorable one. Thanks again for your tremendous support; we look forward to again working with your team throughout the 2014-15 season.”

Brent Inouye, Corporate Relations DirectorUH – Athletics Department

“Just wanted to say mahalo for a great women’s volleyball tournament last weekend. Your team was awesome as usual. I know you guys have been very busy with all of the events going on and you guys stepped it up anyway for a wonderful series of events.”

Aaron Mandich, Marketing DirectorUH – Athletics Department

Saturday BriefingPage 9

New Waikīkī Laws Show Value of Political Engagement

By Ed Case This past Tuesday, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law two new ordinances of great importance to our Waikīkī community and to Hawai‘i tourism overall.

One bans sitting and lying on Waikīkī public sidewalks and the other bans urinating and defecating in public in Waikīkī. These laws are often described as targeting homelessness in Waikīkī. But, while they resulted from a growing negative impact of homeless on Waikīkī and are part of a broader effort to address homelessness throughout Hawai‘i, they’re really about ensuring the rights of the millions of residents and visitors who live in, work and visit Waikīkī every year to fully utilize and enjoy the public spaces of one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

The increasing loss of those rights has started to hurt Waikīkī tourism badly. All of us who live and work in Waikīkī have felt the loss of our own enjoyment of Waikīkī. So we understand fully the consequences of our visitors increasingly complaining, in guest surveys, social media and to us and their folks back home, that theirs was not the Waikīkī experience they sought. These laws will assist in ensuring that everyone – resident and visitor – can enjoy all that Waikīkī has to offer.

Laws like these don’t just happen overnight. They result only from good partnerships with our public officials and with coordinated and sustained engagement throughout the often frustrating, puzzling and circuitous legislative process.

The seeds of these laws were sown long before the bills were even proposed through the great work of Max Sword and others to foster personal relationships of mutual respect and trust with our elected decisionmakers. Our employees, through our Outrigger Hotels Hawaii Political Action Committee and otherwise, kept the importance of Hawai‘i tourism and the challenge of growing homelessness at the forefront with our candidates for public office. And, through our major participation in organizations like the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA) and the Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA), we developed joint industry efforts that could advocate from a position of coordinated strength.

In fact, these laws were not even introduced until earlier this year when we joined with WIA and HLTA to urge the Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin, Waikīkī Councilmember Stanley Chang and their colleagues to

introduce them based on similar successful laws in other tourist destinations like San Francisco. Once introduced, Max really went to work to keep them moving forward through the legislative process amidst growing opposition, testifying personally for Outrigger and our industry through various hearings and advocating personally with our Councilmembers and Mayor, the Honolulu Police Department and others.

As crunch time approached last week with the final Council hearing and decisionmaking, we coordinated with the WIA, HTLA and our other partners to demonstrate to the Council the seriousness of the problem and the critical importance of these bills to its solution. Not only did we provide personal and written testimony by our Outrigger ‘ohana telling personal stories of negative impacts on our employees, guests, properties and communities, we also reached out to our retail partners who employ thousands of their own in our properties, resulting in the personal testimonies of folks like the owners of Duke’s. After the bills passed by large majorities, several Councilmembers relayed that these efforts tipped the balance.

Many are owed recognition for your invaluable contributions. Besides Max (“The Conductor”), you include Charlene Goo (who together with property managers assembled real-world guest comments for presentation to the Council), OHHPAC and Chair Nancy Daniels, and Nancy, Barbara Campbell, Alan Naito, Simeon Miranda, Robert McConnell and Dean Nakasone who submitted compelling testimony. Mahalo for a job well done!

These bills do not address the underlying tragedy of growing homelessness throughout Hawai‘i, and we at Outrigger recognize our responsibility to continue to be part of a broader solution. As just part of that effort, we are working through the WIA and HLTA to support the expansion of outreach and transition housing programs by the Institute of Human Services and others focused on the chronic Waikīkī homeless.

But for now we welcome these crucial new laws, thank our Honolulu City Council and Mayor for their efforts, and recognize those within our own ‘ohana who personally contributed to this result. And we take the opportunity to remind ourselves that we cannot continue to succeed without full and ongoing engagement with our government and that we are a true force when fully engaged.

Max Sword provides testimony in favor of banning sitting and lying on

Waikīkī public sidewalks and urinating and defecating in public in Waikīkī

Saturday BriefingPage 10

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers ... << From 1

a homemade treat. Our housekeepers create memories that are often shared and result in return guests and oftentimes, new customers! Here are just a few examples of the many comments that commend our housekeepers:

“Another Great Stay - “I just wanted to say thanks for retaining the best employees at any hotel I have ever been to. We’ve been to your hotel 10 times or so and come back because of the staff. I’ve been up to your office a couple of times to personally meet you. We have seen Daniel [Spracklen] in action saving a drowning kid. Everyone loves Daniel and he does a great job around the pool. You can tell that he loves his job. . . All of your employees are VERY happy, which is rare these days…Looking forward to coming back to your hotel in February…”

“[Lleuellyn Calses] conversed with my family daily and attended to our needs in our room. We never really had to ask for anything because she always made sure it was provided in our room. She also offered a CD with some Hawaiian music to help us remember our time here. Thank you!”

“Our room was clean each day – bed made beautifully. [Yu Ying Lin (Anna)] answered any questions we asked her and her smile and friendliness made us feel welcome. Anna is a fine ambassador for Embassy Suites and Hawaii. I’d like to have Anna as our housekeeper on our next visit. . .”

“[Yuet Chun Liang] came in and was extraordinarily polite and courteous. She went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect. Her work ethic and conversation brightened our day…”

“The room was serviced very promptly and to a high standard. We asked for an electric jug to boil water and this arrived quickly. We also got extra towels without a problem. The housekeeping staff are super friendly and very helpful.”

“The housekeeping staff was attentive and did a very, very fine job helping us keep our surroundings clean and orderly. Without exception the individuals involved provided us with very fine service and we extend our appreciation to all.”

“We had the pleasure of meeting our housemaid Lai Kim, she was very helpful with anything we wanted and such a pleasure to meet. We chatted on a few occasions and we found out a lot about her and her family.”

Our housekeepers are a huge part of our competitive advantage. The interaction with our guests, the greetings of aloha, the can-do attitude, all of this is what people love about Outrigger; this is what sets us apart from the other hotels.

So to our housekeepers – your efforts are noticed and appreciated! Mahalo for all you do. You are all angels in my book!

Back: Dui Thai, Joanna Huang and Qun Hao Huang

Front: Emely Tacbian, Norilyn Pagaragan, Pureza Baptista and Rosalina Saclayan

Back: Xiao Xu

Front: Wo Shun Kam and Joanna Lee

Back: Pik Yi Lau, Feng Mei Li, Feng Min Liang and Xiu Qing Li

Front: Jieli Liang, Lorraine Sales, Angelita Padua and Chun Chan Liang

Chih Chuan Kuan, Fengping Lau, Shao Huan Liu and Melvin Fiesta

Saturday BriefingPage 11

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers ... << From 10

Back: Issara Praphanwong, Monica Wong, Erlinda Barredo and

Elizabeth Aguinaldo. Front: Leilani Adap, Agnes Bactad, Jackie Balubar,

Mitchel Gusman, Xue Cong He, Rui Mei Wiu and Diana To.

Back: Edmund Villanueva, Li Xing Liang and Allan Yeung. Front: Hai Yan Hou, Jenny

Wu, Jennifer Macadangdang, Thelma Lestino, Violeta Robles and Marilyn Cleopas.

Miaoxia Chen, David Carey, Bitsy Kelley, Ai Jin Li and Yeu Hing Shiu

Divina Garcia, Nora Weatherwax, Primie Marzan and Kathy Oyadomari

Feng Zhen Chen, Divina Garcia and Siu-Lan Fong

Back: Jun Ling Lu, Phung Kim Xiao and Bitsy Kelley

Front: Hak Soon Song, Florencia Silapan, David Carey

Herb Fernandez, Bitsy Kelley, Karen Villarmia, Primie Marzan,

Nora Weatherwax and Divina Garcia

Bitsy Kelley, Lucky Kawazoe, David Carey, Chuck Shishido,

Glenn McGinn, Michael Kawazoe and Jake Spencer

Saturday BriefingPage 12

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers ... << From 11

Back: QiQiaoliu Tong, Sandy Wong and Miaoxia Chen

Front: Divina Garcia, Mary Jane Miguel, Sun Kim and Primie Marzan

Herb Fernandez, Efren Agustin, Dennis Nakachi, Henry Rodrigues,

Salvador Antonio and Chuck Shishido

Bitsy Kelley, Lucky Kawazoe, David Carey, Divina Garcia,

Jake Spencer, Nora Weatherwax and Michael Kawazoe

Back: Guo Hui Wu, Ai Jin Li, Yeu Hing Shiu, Yuan Ni Lei Lin, Grace Mello and Efren

Agustin. Front: Feng Zhen Chen, Amy Lee, Hak Soon Song and Siu-Lan Fong.

Back: Ivy Kwok, Alan White, Fu Chao Wong, Chung Wing Chee, Amy Chai,

Yat Sam Yip, Lili Fang, Jennie Troung, Shirley Lee and Gui Yu Chen.

Front: Edna Salvador, Espirita Sumibcay, Leung Kwon Leong,

Mei Ying Huang, Zhu Mei Liang and Karen Villarmia.

Back: Ivy Kwok, Kathy Oyadomori, Alan White, Marylene Lagasca, Sigfredo

Raquinio, Jae Sil Lee, Juanito Mamuad and Villa Aquino. Front: Virginia Trinidad,

Hipolita Rosete, Esmeralda Ancheta, Emilia Mangaoang and Nanoy Ronilla.

Back: Jennie Troung, Mike Regan, Alan White, Ricardo Aquilar, Yat Sam Yip,

Chung Wing Chee, Ed Case and David Carey. Front: Elpidio Oviedo,

Wilfredy Baoit, Hung Da Ngo, Fu Chao Wong and Ivy Kwok.

Shao King Lui, Yu Bing Li, Wan Mei Li, David Carey, Llezle Peralta, Alan White,

Francisca Lim, Rosalina Tabayan, Divina Tabayan and Espirita Sumibcay

Saturday BriefingPage 13

Carol Lopes, Reuben Nakagawa, Karen Mashiba and Arnold Agustin

Back: Carlita Herring, Yu Shin Ng and Jie Ya Cheung

Front: Annie Mar and Zenaida Cachola

Back: Wei Yin Ho, Crisfel Antonio, Dip Ying Leung and Feng

Na Leong. Front: Angel Wan, Winnie Ho and Sophia Luo.

Back: Demi Carson and Laura Li

Front: Charlotte Kanamu and Abella Carroll

Back: Nora Valdez, Ida Gager, Laura Li and Nena Tran

Front: Jin Feng Ha and Daniel Spracklen

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers ... << From 12

Back: Nelia Navarro and Yu Xia Huang

Front: Sulian Xu and Yong Yao Lai

Nida Lumantas, Ofelia Valdez, Carol Lopes and Jane Chen

Back: Karen Fong, Jie Ya Cheung, Annie Mar and Feng Shi Yee

Front: Ferdinand Obille, Gina Maneja and Elman Pagaduan Yuet Chun Liang and Shanly Wu

Back: Josefina Rivera, Ok Soon Kim

and Annie Catingub. Front: Lleuellyn

Calses and Purie Garcia.

No celebration is complete without

CAKE! This one was a beauty,

just like our housekeepers!

Saturday BriefingPage 14

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers ... << From 13

Cristina Agmata, Eddielyne Sarmiento, Mioko Kustin,

Dolores Inoke, Nelia Gabriel and Lucina Sacro

Melanie Fukutani, Lydia Suniga, Irene Vidal, Ernesto Castro, Josie Paragas,

Mia Dela Cruz, Alejandro Curammeng, Jerome Dumapit and Editha Rafael

Back: Barry Wallace and Alan White. Front: Ernesto Castro, Josie Paragas,

Mia Dela Cruz, Irene Vidal and Editha Rafael.

Back: Lucina Sacro, Cristina Tamayo, Melanie Fukutani and Ed Case

Front: Eddielyne Sarmiento, Mioko Kustin and Dolores Inoke

Back: Jin Min Gan, Chong Ka Kim and Reggie Molina. Front: Mia Lau,

Doris Chu, Paz Rosal, Desiree Valdez and Fiona Hong.

Back: Alan White, Vivian Chen, Lai Kam Kwan, Su Fang Huang and Chuck

Shishido. Front: Yi Zhen Lee, Mila Robiniol, Janelle Chong and Yue Yan Lau.

Back: Alan White, Jacky Zheng and Wendy Ko. Front: Bitsy Kelley, Chiu Tai

Wong, Joann Liu, Xiao Lan Zhang, Elain Peng and Shao Ru Li.

Back: Alan White, Gloria Estabaya, Li Qi Zheng and Ji Qiao Liang. Front: Cindy

Castillo, Sophia Liu, Cindy Guan, Carol Ly, Bitsy Kelley and Zhuo Hui Zhao.

Saturday BriefingPage 15

Thank Heaven for Our Housekeepers ... << From 14

Back: Chuck Shishido, Estrelita Sagadraca, Zhi Jean Young, Gui Mei Gao, Julie Ha

and Bitsy Kelley. Front: Yu Ling Li, Xi Ping Wu, Norma Pablo, Judy Lin and Ivy Kwok.

Danny Chan, Eugene Chu, Sean Dee, Man Chi Lau and Ji Qiao Liang

Back: Janice Ng, Joycelyn Manzano, Carnita Encomienda, Ester Viloria and Pam

Yagi. Front: Anna Lee Managad, Cresilda Justo, Marina Manzano and Dr. Chuck.

Back: Carnita Encomienda, Janice Ng, Daniel Ou, Jay Velasco, Ester Viloria and Pam

Yagi. Front: Anna Lee Managad, Cresilda Justo, Marina Manzano and Dr. Chuck.

Back: Jay Velasco, Cresilda Justo,

Marina Manzano, Amador

Manzano, Jessica Su, Larina Galla,

Vicky Navasca, Dr. Chuck, Michael

Zampaga, Ricky Natividad, John Lin

and Daniel Ou

Front: Anna Lee Managad, Consuelo

Butay, Mia Dela Cruz, Heidi

Guillermo, Analyn Gima, Melanie

Chan and Shao Yuan Liang Mai

Anny Salvacion, Eva Bumagat and Ester AngelesMarjury Omnes, Rey Orpilla holding baby Jayden, Pepito Pagtulingan,

Ester Angeles, Eva Bumagat, Eloy Gapuzan and Anny Salvacion

Saturday BriefingPage 16

DestinationQBy Niel Mason

DestinationQ is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the tourism industry with one of their main goals to make Queensland Australia’s number one tourist destination.

To that end, Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa Noosa (ANR) co-hosted with the Sheraton Resort and Spa Noosa in welcoming Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey and over 350 delegates to Noosa for the third annual DestinationQ forum.

The opening function was held on the sands of Noosa Main Beach fittingly celebrating the Sunshine Coast’s hero product and Noosa’s infamous hospitality.

Day one of the forum commenced with a Report to Industry by Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Tourism Cabinet Committee and the keynote address from the Hon. Campbell Newman MP. The forum also featured insights from Volker Ritcher, VP Customer Quality Management BMW, Duane Knapp, chairman and founder of BrandStrategy and Russel Howcroft, a senior executive at Network 10 Australia. The afternoon, the major part of the forum, included strategy development under the themes Visitor Experience, Working Together to Exceed Expectations and New Ideas and Investment.

Day two focused on growing your product and your destination initiated by reflections from four of our industry’s leading operators. It was our great privilege to host Mike McCartney, president and CEO Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, who presented on Hawai‘i Tourism and Aloha.

The event closed with a written commitment by government, industry and all individuals in attendance against the six pillars identified throughout the forum.

This is an exceptional opportunity with government and tourism united in a common direction.

On a lighter note, we reflect on a few highlights of the event that included:

• My getting close and personal with a wombat.

• Trying to wedge 2 x 54-seater coaches [buses] down into the resort whilst a second conference’s 33-seater coach came to collect them.

• The gentleman who hopped out of his car while we were waiting for the buses leaving it unattended in the middle of the driveway while he decided to go upstairs to get some lunch - blocking the whole driveway!

• Panic in the kitchen with 120 sandwiches short (Chef forgot he put them on the top shelf in the fridge until the very last minute).

• A coffee machine in need of major service at 6 a.m. for an 8 a.m. start ahead of delegates who enjoyed a big night out the evening prior ...

ANR Front Office Manager Lynne Scanlan praised her team, “Thank you, thank you, thank you ... it shows a fantastic TEAM effort. It was all hands on deck, and we are out the other side of what is one of the biggest events we have held this year and a great opportunity to showcase our property to Tourism Industry professionals.”

More seriously, an event of this size does not fit into any single property in Noosa. It was converted because both Outrigger and Sheraton worked collaboratively presenting a truly unique and highly relevant proposition to the Minister for Tourism. The success of the forum identified by the Premier as “The best yet!” Welcome to Noosa!

Niel Mason getting close and personal with a wombat The Hon. Campbell Newman Premier of Queensland

on Noosa Main Beach

Niel Mason and HTA’s Mike McCartney