Saturday BriefingPage 1

Sun Wong Honored as One of Hawai‘i’s Top Young Business Professionals

By Sean Dee

On June 26, over 400 people gathered at the Hawai‘i Convention Center for Pacific Business News’ 15th annual Forty Under 40 celebration to honor 40 of the state’s up and coming young businesswomen and businessmen under the age of 40. A member of this year’s “class” was our own Sun Wong, corporate director of global marketing, who

joined a strong roster of dynamic young professionals representing a diversity of fields that included hospitality, sustainability, technology, online-marketing, public relations, education, health care, nonprofits and more.

Sun joins past Outrigger honorees Elizabeth Cambra, “class of 2007” and Bitsy Kelley “class of 2001.”

During the review process for the prestigious award, judges were impressed with Sun’s sharp business acumen, passion for learning and deep understanding of the marketing and tourism industries. In a letter of support written on behalf of Sun’s nomination, Les Enderton, executive director of the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau wrote, “Sun has a rare combination of marketing expertise and a vibrant, winning personality to get the job done. She has a strong understanding of Hawaii tourism marketing and the ability to effectively communicate her strategies and conclusions in a positive, results-oriented manner.”

Sun Wong >> 2

Sun Wong (far right) with fellow recipient Kimberly C.

Fujinaka, director of integrated marketing for PacRim

Marketing Group, Inc., and Nancy Daniels

Let Freedom Ring >> 8

Independence Day 2014 – Let Freedom Ring

By Dr. Richard Kelley

This Friday, many Americans will have a day off from work on the Fourth of July, Independence Day. The holiday is a celebration of United States birthday, and families and friends traditionally gather for beer, hot dogs, ice cream and fireworks. Celebrating is wonderful, but I think we should also use the occasion to think about the handful of brave men and women who, 238 years ago, risked their lives, families, businesses, farms and homes to throw off the shackles of high taxes, tyranny and oppression that had been imposed upon them by King George III and the English parliament. Under that yoke, the 13 American colonies had no representation. These men and women gave us our much-cherished freedom, but I fear that these days we are neglecting their gift and losing more of it than we realize. The Declaration of Independence is an eloquent statement, and in today’s world of computers, it is hard to believe that it was hand-written on parchment, using a quill pen dipped repeatedly into an inkwell. Thomas Jefferson, its principal author, wrote on a folding writing box he set up on a table. More than two centuries after it was written, the Declaration still stirs emotions. “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration goes on to list 18 examples of tyranny imposed by King George III on the colonies and their people, including the charge that “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.”

July 4-5, 2014 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

®

Saturday BriefingPage 2

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 July 11, 2014.

Housekeeper I (Full-Time)

Must be able to work well with others, follow instructions and communicate in English. The ability to work any day and shift is required. Experience in cleaning and servicing guest rooms and/or public areas is preferred.

Restaurant Utility (Full-Time)

Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. This position assists in the daily function of the kitchen to meet general standards. Duties to include but not limited to loading and unloading the dishwasher and making sure all areas are clean and well maintained. Experience in working in a kitchen environment preferred.

Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort

Assistant General Manager (Full-Time)

Supervise and support all aspects of property daily operations in accordance with company goals, policies and procedures. College degree in Hotel Administration preferred. A minimum of five years previous experience in hotel management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. A minimum of two years previous experience as an assistant general manager and experience with vacation ownership preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Must also be able to read, analyze and process basic mathematical calculations in regard to daily review of revenue and expense figures, profit and loss analysis, annual budgeting, rate and occupancy forecasting, labor review and other projects as assigned. Previous experience with vacation ownership preferred. Excellent computer skills and familiarization and use of other office equipment required. Must also be able to work a flexible schedule, including holidays, and be on call. Must possess good judgment in emergency situations.

Happy Birthday!July 16: Adi Salote Domolailai, Laurie M. Hirata, Sherlynn Langinbolang, Krishnachand Matai, Marie Julietta Katriona Modeste, Vimla Muddoo, Selita Nabori, Shekar Seeburrun, Teerapog Vongjankong and Miaoling Ye.

July 17: Alejo P. Batinga, Amalia Datuin, Kinisimere Nailiko, Pepito C.J. Pagtulingan, Apenisa Ratu, Floria U. Ravago and Gina M.K. Reeves and Jennifer Yip.

July 18: Teerapat Arinta, Gaudena Ruiz Domingsil, Pichayut Hirunrat, Niumaia Natogi, Monica Paseka, Gwynwyn Sismondo, Saini Veremalua and John Wigsten.

July 19: Ivy M. Lin, Alumita Ratumaiyale and Marie Desiree Annabelle Shookhye.

July 20: Benjamin Bocago, Bill Colati, Julie B. Ha, Iliano Naikelekelevesi and Tevita Tuvanavanua.

July 21: Gloria Nita Anicas, Wichittra Chaithep, Milton G.K. Galase, Chaiyakorn Klupiood, Leung Kwon Leong, Lorene K.K. Liu-Fajota, Caralyn J. Merrill, Akbar Nabi, Maria Elaine Ollet, Sawai Phaisansathan, Boonma Pholsawat, Herlina Shickan, Ashwin Singh, Teerathep Tishabhiromya, Stephanie Turner and Asenaca Uluinadi.

July 22: Ana Katrina D. Bermoro, Mereseini Valu Ciqo, Jimmy L. Hill, Kritesh Kumar, Rohit Ritesh Kumar, Clarita Larsina, Mia Mew Ngo Chang Lau, Mereani Likudraunivesi, Bob Arjay Magaling, Aldrin Ortaleza, Violeta P. Rambaud, Knokwan Sarbou and Amina Tavailagi.

Sun Wong ... << From 1

Sun came to Hawai‘i nearly 21 years ago to earn her bachelor’s degree in Travel Industry Management. What was supposed to be a temporary job as a housekeeping intern with Outrigger 18 years ago became the catalyst for a long and successful career in hospitality. Today as Outrigger’s corporate director of global marketing, Sun works hard to direct the development and execution of Outrigger’s global marketing campaigns and promotions to increase brand awareness and revenue while maximizing marketing spend and identifying strategic partnership opportunities.

Congratulations, Sun, on such a prestigious honor. Your proven work ethic, attention to detail and ability to navigate the constantly changing industry make you an invaluable resource to our company and the Hawai‘i hospitality industry.

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

Cher, second from right

SUN. SURF. SAND.Much like WaikĪkĪ beach, Surfers Paradise is known for three things: Sun, surf and sand. As a born-and-bred Gold Coaster, it was only natural from a young age to embrace this way of life. Jumping on my first board at age 7, I never looked back. Growing up just 15 minutes away from the beach and Outrigger, I enjoyed a healthy lifestyle that became part of the norm. Training 6 days a week, 2 times a day, as well as coaching the kids at the Southport Surf Life Saving, there is never a dull moment. In the last 6 months this lifestyle has been turned up a notch with my appointment to guest services manager at the Outrigger. Life has been a whirlwind trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance; it’s been busy, crazy but above all things fun. Below is an extract of my day-to-day life (well for 8 months of the year); please don’t be intimidated, as I’ve been doing it for a while.

4:45 A.M. SWIMMING. Like any normal person (yeah right!) I love to get up at this crazy hour and jump in the pool. I could probably get an extra 15 minutes rest in the morning if I packed my gear up the night before; however, I like the chaos of rushing around and organizing myself in 15 minutes. After preparing lunch and snacks, ensuring my uniform is clean and tidy, I head to the pool to swim for and hour or hour-and-half depending on what time I have to head in for the daily grind. After a 5-7km swim, I jump out of the pool for a shower and head into work for my 7 a.m.-3.30 p.m. shift.

7 A.M. - 3.30 P.M. WORK.

4:15 P.M. TRAINING THE KIDLETS AND YOGA / RUN. After a shift at work that never seems to finish at 3:30 p.m., I rush to my car and head down to the surf club to train the kids for an hour. Usually arriving in the nick of time, I change into my bathing suit and head down to the beach that at times has in excess of 30 kids ranging in age from 7 – 13. In this hour, we go through vital lifesaving skills, race and go through the importance of being surf aware. After fending off kids for an hour, I have to complete my own training that usually involves a 6 – 10km run along the beautiful Surfers Paradise esplanade or a one-hour yoga session.

6.30 P.M. HOME. DINNER. SLEEP. REPEAT. And that’s where my day finishes. I head home to perform the necessities and head off to bed at around 8:30 p.m. Then like a song you never want to end, REPEAT is hit and I start again the next day.

As you can tell, it’s a busy exciting life. This year alone I have several events that I will compete in starting with the 5km Color Run. I have also signed up for the Gold Coast half marathon and Coolangatta Gold (a 42km endurance race that includes ski paddling, board paddling, swimming and running). Throughout the year, I will also compete in several surf carnivals and where possible, any events that tickle my fancy. If anyone comes to Surfers from any of our other properties from around the world, please look me up for a surf or surf safety lesson.

Until then, “Live the life you love, love the life you live!”

Cher Allen, guest services manager at Outrigger Surfers Paradise, shares how livingwell is her lifestyle!

LivingWellMind • Body • Spirit

Saturday BriefingPage 4

OHANA Waikiki Malia Gets Fit!By Nora Weatherwax

On Friday, June 27, the OHANA Waikiki Malia owners and staff held a blessing of our new fitness center located on the 5th floor of the Malia Tower.

Owner Representative Glenn McGinn shared a brief history on the center and introduced Harold Kam, the center’s general contractor from Dae Ho builders.

Trixy Iwalani Tasaka, associate professor of Hawaiian language from Kapi‘olani Community College,

performed a traditional Hawaiian blessing and Sister Celeste “CC” Cabral, OSB from the Benedictine Monastery of Hawai‘i, concluded the ceremony with a Catholic blessing.

With all our policies and procedures in place, we welcomed our first two guests to utilize the fitness center within an hour of opening! The demand is there, and we are excited to meet that demand for our guests.

Kenji Kume, Michael Kawazoe, Lucky Kawazoe, Jake Spencer, Nora Weatherwax,

Harold Kim, Sister Celeste Cabral, Trixy Iwalani Tasaka and Glenn McGinn

Herb Fernandez, Nora Weatherwax, Trixy Iwalani Tasaka,

Sister Celeste Cabral, Divina Garcia and Amante Castro

Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa and Outrigger at Lae nani Mahalo Party 2014!

By Belinda Dolor

Journalist Fred R. Barnard could not have said it better…“A picture is worth a 1000 words!” The cast and “Motley” crew of our beautiful East Kaua‘i properties celebrated the successes of the first half of 2014 at a Mahalo Party and as you can see, few words are needed to glean that the party was a fun one!

The afternoon began with an icebreaker game of BINGO, followed by a warm welcome and BIG Mahalo to all by Regional General Manager Gregg Enright and Assistant General Manager Vicki Valenciano. Ono-licious food, games and Karaoke were highlights of a fun-filled afternoon.

Years of Service awards were presented to Angelita Ganitano and Felix Ferrer, celebrating their 15th anniversary with us.

The “Motley Crew” - Front: Robert Racelo, Ciony Blaine. Middle: Ed Desamparado, Helene Akiona-

Kahaunaele, Gregg Enright, Vicki Valenciano, Lalaine Villanueva, Dolly Del Rosario, Angie Ganitano,

Belinda Dolor and Andrea Villanueva. Back: Don Claro and Felix Ferrer

Mahalo Party 2014 >> 5

Saturday BriefingPage 5

Team Enright tries to strategize their way through a tricky relay: Gregg Enright,

Ciony Blaine, Lalaine Villanueva, Angie Ganitano and Nora Astrero

…but Team Tuni prevails…Champs!:Tuni Cummings, Dolly Del Rosario,

Robert Racelo and Ed Desamparado

Mahalo Party 2014 ... << From 4

Mateship Value – Embracing LifeBy Shaun McCoy

June was the month chosen to celebrate our Mateship Value, Embracing Life. We at Outrigger Twin Towns Resort feel Embracing life is all about “having a go,” taking things as they come, getting on with it and of course, having good fun! In the true spirit of “having a go,” our competitive staff held their very own Winter Olympics! It was a serious day with a certificate at stake! Teams donned their coats, scarves and winter attire and headed to the prepared arena (well, guest tennis court actually).

Events included: Snowball and spoon race, Snowman Jigsaw, Rescue Message (Whisper a message to each team member down the line) and much more!

Of course no winter event would be right without hot chocolate. A nice hot chocolate with marshmallows was enjoyed by all and prepared by our maintenance manager (Don’t give up your day job, Adam!).

A successful day with a great turnout of staff. Well done and congratulations to the “Snowballers Team!”

Annette Tomlinson, Natasha Conlion, Erica Selinger

Rafael Pucci and Paula Hermes-Smith

Helen Henry, Megan Shorrocks, Susan O’Keefe,

Debbie Fong and Wendy Buchana

Saturday BriefingPage 6

KPR Learns Fire Safety from the ExpertsBy Marianne Thesken

Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation (KPR) Director of Security Tim Blum coordinated a fire safety training in conjunction with the Kaua‘i Fire Department who brought Sparky’s Fire House to Kiahuna.

Employees learned the use and limitations of a fire extinguisher. The fire safety trailer interactive kitchen taught participants the proper placement of appliances and how to deal with oven and stove top fires. Employees experienced simulated smoking appliances, flames and heat while trying to extinguish a fire.

Other important topics were emergency notification, escape routes, smoke detectors, fire behavior, fire escape plans and safe meeting places. Employees experienced and practiced finding a way out of a smoke-filled room when the door was blocked and with the smoke alarm blaring.

Following the training, employees gathered for lunch and a photo op, grateful for the life-saving knowledge provided by the experts.

Above: Agnes Ramiro learns how to exit a burning building safely

Left: Keith Hardy expertly extinguishes a fire

Below: #teamOutrigger is fire safety trained!

Saturday BriefingPage 7

Happy 20th Anniversary Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a!By Kaipo Ho

This year, Outrigger Enterprises Group celebrates an exciting milestone. It is the 20th anniversary of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, The Outrigger Way.

Many, including me, were fortunate to have experienced Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a when it all began. If you happen to stop by the HR executive office you will see several large binders laid out, each one a journal filled with stories, photos and fond memories of the early years of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a. The journals dating 1993 through 1997 were compiled by Outrigger’s cultural resource team, Nā Ho‘okele (the navigators), who were responsible for coordinating and presenting the Ho‘okipa workshops to Outrigger’s 2,500 hosts throughout Waikīkī. In the 1993 journal is a copy of the November 27, 1993, Saturday Briefing with a story written by our then VP HR, Bill Brown; “We have worked out preliminary plans for the further implementation of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, and I am pleased to announce that Ho‘okipa training will commence in January (1994) at four Waikīkī properties…” With that official announcement, Outrigger was about to take a giant leap that would help turn a mom and pop hotel operation into a global hospitality company over the next twenty years.

Throughout 1993, famed historian, author and educator George Hu‘eu Sanford Kanahele guided Outrigger’s executive team and Nā Ho‘okele through every step of the planning and implementation of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a. During its implementation, Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a introduced a values-based management philosophy to Outrigger that changed how we viewed and performed our business of hospitality. It helped us redefine our company mission statement and lead to the development of Outrigger’s first employee created values statement. We built lifelong relationships with many of our Hawaiian community elders who shared fascinating stories of our islands’ history and cultures that inspired in us a renewed sense of pride in where we lived and worked. Through Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, our Waikīkī properties formed employee choirs of housekeepers, maintenance, front desk and back of the house hosts that entertained guests on a weekly basis in hotel lobbies. At one point there were as many as seven company choirs and four musical groups, and in 1997 Outrigger produced an employee music CD called The First Voyage. I remember how excited I was seeing our CD on display at the former Tower Records stands in Ward Center next to Brother IZ and the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau. Well, we never quite made the Hawaiian music awards, but we had fun.

As our Australia family would say, “There are heaps of stories to share.” And sharing we will do. During the upcoming weeks we will revisit the good old days of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, write about many of the exciting things we did and learned, and hear first-hand stories and experiences of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a from some of our Outrigger hosts. Then we will venture across the vast ocean to hear stories from our Outrigger families across throughout the Pacific, Oceania and Indian Ocean and learn how they celebrate Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, The Outrigger Way, in their cultures.

One of my personal mentors, Kumu John Keola Lake, eloquently said, “We learn from our past, to stabilize our present, so we can plan for our future.” These words have deep meaning for Outrigger. The first 20 years of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a have laid a firm foundation for the next 20 years and a much richer Outrigger experiences for our hosts, guests and places where we do business.

David Carey, Perry Sorenson, Mike Devich, Tom Burke

at the 1995 launch of the Hawai‘iloa

Dr. Kanahele, second from left, enjoys a chat during a tour of the

Queen Emma Summer Palace with Outrigger managers

Outrigger hosts making plumeria lei for their guests

One of Outrigger’s many employee choirs

performing in the hotel lobby for guests

Saturday BriefingPage 8

Let Freedom Ring ... << From 1

Graphics Courtesy of Heritage Foundation

I am sorry to report that that description sounds much like what is happening in America today.

Are we not seeing “multitude of New Offices” and “swarms of Officers” imposing punitive taxation new and often oppressive regulations that are complicating our lives and dragging down our economy?

Consider the following. There has been an immense growth in the number of federal regulations during the past six years. In 1975, the bound edition of the Code of Federal Regulations contained 71,244 pages. In 2011, it was 169,301 pages long and growing! By now, the Code probably contains 190,000 pages! Combined, they regulate nearly everything we do. But, that’s not all! The U.S. Tax Code is found on 73,954 pages of bound 8 ½ by 11-inch paper. Great bedtime reading!

These rules and regulations create costs and uncertainties that are extremely costly for a large national corporation. They are near impossible for a small “mom and pop” business to read, understand and implement.

Would Outrigger Enterprises Group exist today if founders Roy and Estelle Kelley had to deal with 190,000 pages of regulations and 80,000 pages of tax code when they opened the Islander Hotel in 1947?

Regulations create costs that are incorporated into the price of products and services to every man and woman in our nation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that each American family is spending about $15,000 per year in hidden taxes for regulations. These are after-tax dollars, which doesn’t include social security and other federal taxes taken out of your paycheck. It’s the kind of money you spend without knowing how much is attributable to the costs of regulations. Think about this as you buy hot dogs at the grocery store or fill up your automobile’s gas tank at the pump. The prices for meat products and fuel are hitting all-time highs!

In 1913, the U.S. Constitution’s 16th Amendment allowed Congress to enact an income tax. At first, less than 1 percent of the population paid only 1 percent of net income. Since then – and particularly since the 1930s – as the federal government

has dramatically expanded its programs, tax rates for individuals and corporations have significantly grown.

Currently, the U.S. government collects more tax dollars from the American citizens than any nation in recorded history, yet it spends a trillion dollars more than it collects annually. That’s $7-million per minute! Yet, the government complains it does not have enough money. It is hard to believe that we have government leaders who say “the rich people” who pay more than 86 percent of all U.S. income taxes, are not paying their “fair share.”

And then we have nearly overwhelming evidence of incompetence and even fraud and corruption in many governmental agencies such as the Veterans Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and others.

To sum it all up, have we not allowed, perhaps even encouraged, another oppressive government to take the place of the one we overthrew?

As a result, we are losing the freedom and economic prosperity our ancestors fought and died for. Reports from the Heritage Foundation document and quantitate how much our nation and its citizens are losing compared to other

nations by measuring the Index of Economic Freedom. Almost from the day the first Index was published 20 years ago, the U.S. was in the top 10 of the nations of the world. This year, 2014, the U.S. has fallen to number 12!

Sadly, the U.S. score has declined almost 6 points since 2007, placing the U.S. among those countries considered to be only “mostly free.” In the 2014 Index, the U.S. recorded notable declines in Fiscal Freedom, Business Freedom, and Property Rights. The report can be found at http://www.heritage.org/index/book/executive-highlights.

Our Founding Fathers would be appalled if they could visit America today. Every time our government drains our financial resources through taxation and fees and uses the money to operate a sector of our economy we lose freedom. There are many, many specific examples, some of which might be examined in future editions of Saturday Briefing.

So as you sip a beer or bite into a hot dog this week, take a moment to reflect on where we are today. Think about those who gave us freedom. Ask yourself if we have lived up to their hopes and expectations. If not, decide what you will do to help get us back on the right track and “Let Freedom Ring.”