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MAY 30, 2015

A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

Dr. Richard KelleyMildred Courtney

Mildred Courtney >> 7

Mildred Courtney celebrates 60 years of service! For my friend and colleague Mildred Courtney, yesterday, May 29, 2015, marked the completion of 60 years as a member of the Outrigger ‘ohana! In this hectic, fast-paced world, a 60th career anniversary is almost as rare as snow in Waikīkī, so it’s appropriate to take a moment to honor this extraordinary lady and look back at how both she and our company have changed and

grown over the past six decades. Mildred is an amazing woman in many ways. In 1955 I was away at college while my parents, Roy and Estelle Kelley, were completing the Reef Hotel,1 (ORF) the first high-rise hotel to have been built in Waikīkī for many decades. With its 10-story tower rising over the palm trees, the project received a lot of attention in the press. That same year, Mildred, a bright young woman who had been born in Honolulu but raised on the “Big Island” of Hawai‘i, was hired as a telephone switchboard operator.

Mildred Courtney was evacuated from the telephone swtichboard room at the Reef Hotel after waters from massive Waikīkī rains

flooded the hotel’s basementRoy Kelley and friend on Waikīkī Beach

in front of the Reef Hotel under construction, circa 1955

Her “office” was in a small room in the basement of the Reef, in front of an old-fashioned “plugboard” – a PBX telephone switchboard. 2 It had a rotary dial and a copper-tipped electrical cord for every incoming line and a plug for every room and administrative phone on the property. Mildred quickly rose to become chief operator. Four years later, in 1959, we almost lost Mildred when Waikīkī was deluged with more than nine inches (23 cm) of rain that fell in one astonishing 24-hour period. Water backed up along Kālia Road in front of the hotel and poured into the basement, most of which was a garage, rising over head-high. The elevators and power soon went out, and parked cars were bobbing around like boats. Most of the PBX operators quickly fled the building. Not Mildred. She refused to “abandon ship” and kept answering calls, even as the floodwaters rose. When the PBX finally shorted out, she sought refuge in the narrow

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Saturday Briefing is published by and for

hosts of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)

Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley

Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson

Senior Editor: Kathy Foley

Contributing Writers: Hosts of OEG

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

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com.

© 2015 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Happy birthday!June 10: Robert Hurov, Epeli Koroisuguta Kalokalodromu, Lusiana Nanuku, Salome Niasara, Michelle K.M. Paiaina-Makua, Warren Read, Sukitta Rotjanaphuttiphat, Ilaitia Sake, Ioka B. Tauanuu, Worawut Treekaew, Primitivo V. Unciano, Wiwannee Wattana-urai and Kieran A. Yap.

June 11: Sasiwimon Chonsiri, William Woo Il Kim, Swalay Ramjean Mohammud, Patcharee Noothong, Raymond M. Sparber, Makelesi Suliana Suwai and Aliti Gaunavou Vidovi.

June 12: Angela Bambalan, Yogeeta Choolye, Shirlynne V. Cruz, Dorinda Kay Dunlap, Harold F. Haverland Jr., Lowata Raiwalui, Vanessa Steele, Kallaya Tongchoo, Sakiusa Tubunaruarua and Florante Agbayani Villanueva.

June 13: Marivic C. Gushikuma, Nipaporn Joeikaew, Adi Laisani Mataitini, Loan N. Montgomery-Freitas, Selita Nakai, Teddy M. Naputo, Charles S. Okazaki and Blane T. Yokota.

June 14: Qiaohui He, Mark Joson, Hui Hong Tan Lu, Fazil Oozeeraully, Dinesh Somar and Nittaya Termthong.

June 15: Sheila M. Bernardo, Sonia Damaso, Aruna Devi, Meiying Huang, Craig Lalo, Vilma R. Landagora, Marie Regine Annabelle Peroomal and Susanna H.T. Siu.

June 16: Mustaq Ali, Nareshsing Ballgobin, Dwayne V. Boyce, Teribeth M. Ching, Brindahmatee Johaheer, Camille Kanemori, Sukulu Karavaki, Shun-Rye Lee, Anirud Maneepiluk, Adi Siteri Vidovi and Kisina Yoichi.

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 contact your HR Business Unit Representative. Application deadline for the following position is June 5, 2015.

Housekeeper I (Full-time)Must have one year of housekeeping experience with excellent communication skills and flexibility to work any day and shift.

Programmer Analyst II (Full-Time)Minimum five years programming experience with a broad range of technologies such as NET, VB, C#, SQL Databases, Structured Query Language, Sitecore CMS, Web Services, web programming and XML. Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job requirements. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the hospitality industry preferred. Must be able to work effectively under strict time constraints and deadlines, create online and batch-type application programs in required programming language, be able to translate user needs into functional technology solutions, be able to establish and maintain solid relationships with internal and external business customers, and have effective problem-solving skills.

KIAHUNA PLANTATION RESORT KAUAI BY OUTRIGGER®Lead Maintenance (Full-time)

Minimum two years’ experience in all aspects of building maintenance including, but not limited to, building maintenance and repairs, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywall repair, appliance repair and mechanical skills. Three years supervisory experience preferred. Must possess strong communication skills and flexibility to work any shift and day.

ROYAL SEA CLIFF BY OUTRIGGER®Landscape/Grounds (Full-time)

Two years of landscaping experience preferred. Must be able to operate hedge trimmers, weed-eaters, push mowers, blowers and various power lawn equipment. Ability to operate hand pruners, pole and pruning saws, machete and loppers. Must have a positive service-oriented attitude toward guests, hosts and the company.

FAIRWAY VILLAS WAIKOLOA BY OUTRIGGER®Room Attendant Temporary (Full-time)

Must have one year of housekeeping experience with excellent communication skills and flexibility to work any day and shift.

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Outrigger Guam Beach Resort holds semi-annual health fair

By Clarissa Sacla

The Outrigger Guam Beach Resort held a health fair for hosts on Thursday, May 21. Organized by health insurance carrier, Calvo’s Selectcare Health Plans, several medical clinics, dentists and fitness groups were on hand to provide their services. Organizations were also in attendance to bring awareness about diabetes and cancer prevention. Hosts took advantage of the free health screenings, healthy lifestyle information and free giveaways (including on-the-spot three-minute massages from Mandara Spa). The event draws a good crowd and provides hosts with helpful information to live a healthier lifestyle. Chiropractic consultation

Danie Eay (HR) registers attendee Ireneo Vargas (kitchen)

Housekeeping ladies enjoy their freebiesFree health screening

CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE

June 1 Visakha Bucha Day (Public Holiday)

May 30-June 7 AnnualSouthPacificBowlingCarnival,Suva,Fiji

June 5-7 FijiInternationalTriathlon,Denaru.Visit:http://goo.gl/YJVYpF

Sun.,June7 4:30a.m.PhuketMarathon.Visit:http:/phuketmarathon.com/

Sat.,June6 11a.m.OZONEDay(OutriggerZone) WaikikiAquarium.Visit:http://goo.gl/M8k61a

Sun.,June7 5p.m.NaMeleNoNaPuaSundayShowcase withJeffRasmussenWaikikiBeachWalk® Visit:http://www.waikikibeachwalk.com

THAILAND

FIJI

ASIA PACIFIC

U.S.

MOMENTS OF AL HAOutrigger Reef Waikiki Beach“Just wanted to tell my story. We got married in 1967 at a church in Washington D.C. We had our first baby one year later in April 1968.

“My husband had been in Vietnam the year before. Of course he being in the army infantry had to go back in January 1969. We were poor. But he wrote and told me about American Airlines and the Reef Hotel and the great prices they would give us to meet there. I started saving every cent.

“Airfare from D.C. was only $300 round trip. The Reef Hotel was $29 a night. With my families’ help I took my very first flight. It was like heaven on earth to see him for a whole week.

“The hotel workers were great to us. We just celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary. Someday we will come back to that beautiful island. But I want to thank you for caring about the service men and their families. I don’t know why I waited this long to write this but it has been on my heart lately.

Thank you again!”Bertha Moran via email

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Global Contact Center welcomes David and RuthannBy Kelly Smallwood

Our Global Contact Center (GCC) was honored to welcome David Carey and Ruthann Yamanaka to Denver for our recent Host Roundtables. The team enjoyed David and Ruthann sharing overall company updates and information on our newest properties. The GCC recently celebrated The Outrigger Way (with our values as our guide) by asking our hosts to tell us how they live The Outrigger Way and/or how they saw others living The Outrigger Way. Hosts turned in enough examples to fill a full bulletin board! We proudly displayed the bulletin board during Host Roundtable meetings to highlight how our GCC in Denver truly embrace our values of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a.

Living The Outrigger Way values board

Hyacinth Millington, David Carey, Michelle Pena, Robin Walsh, Ryan Drummond and Ruthann Yamanaka

David Carey, Dan Rowe, Shannon Nolder, Kelly Smallwood, Martha DeLisa, John Bruner and Michael Adams

David Carey, Drew Dodge, Jill Lottie, Barbara Foster, Pat Gonzales, Janelle Ellis, Sara Johnson, Judy Rapaich and Deb Hall (front)

Back: David Carey, Sherry Sherman, Carrie Trupiano, Raquel Martin, Deb Kelly, Tom Seeton. Front: Stacy Rasmussen,

Tsehai Tesfai and Ruthann Yamanaka

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Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas cares for its communityBy Sukanya Somphan

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas hosts joined with Laguna Phuket Corporate Social Responsibility for its annual mangrove planting on May 26 in Phang-nga province. About 2,000 mangrove saplings were planted by 100 associate volunteers. The objective of this initiative is to conserve and rehabilitate mangrove forests for sustainable tourism and reduction of global warming. The activity is part of Laguna Phuket’s “Helping to Support a Green Community” initiative that TLP has been actively involved in since 2007.

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Holiday Inn® Resort Waikiki Beachcomber hosts Liholiho Elementary first-graders

By Debbie Murakami

Holiday Inn® Resort Waikiki Beachcomber (OBC) played host to the entire first grade class of Liholiho Elementary School on Thursday, May 21. In total, 75 students, 60 parents and 5 teachers participated in Career Readiness Day.

The day began with a “meet & greet” in the Magic of Polynesia Showroom with the OBC management team. From there, the sizable group was split in two with one group remaining in the showroom for a cooking demonstration and the other going on a hotel site tour. Jimmy Buffett’s Chef Jose Gonzalez entertained his youthful audience by making an herb oil using fresh parsley, rosemary, oregano and sweet basil, all organically grown in Wai‘anae. Trays of fresh herbs were distributed to the students, so they could pick the leaves and prep them for blending. Chef Jose and student volunteers then measured out salad oil, Dijon mustard and herbs for blending and everyone got to sample the herb oil which garnered comments from, “tastes fresh” to “bleh.” Chef Jose also spoke about the importance of supporting local businesses like farmers and ranchers; how all the different industries in Waikīkī work together to provide great hospitality for our guests; and how eating fresh is eating healthy. The tour group got a “back of house” look at Jimmy Buffett’s kitchen, front desk, revenue, accounting, housekeeping, maintenance, bell and valet. Knowledgeable tour guides—Director of Sales Natalie Caceres, Guest Services Manager Reid Kobashigawa, Engineering/Front Desk Admin. Teri Takahashi and Multi-Property Accountant Cortney Jackson—explained the different jobs and careers

in the hospitality industry. They focused on how service plays a huge role in everyone’s job to ensure guests are happy and want to come back again. At the completion of the 40-minute tour and demonstration, the groups switched so everyone had a chance to experience both activities and then a delicious lunch provided by Jimmy Buffett’s capped off the fun and informative “field trip.” After a hectic glimpse of Waikīkī hospitality, OBC staff and managers bid the Liholiho first-graders aloha. The event took a tremendous amount of planning and effort, but everyone felt it was worth it. To sum it up in the words of one first-grade student, “This was the best day!” Mahalo to Aitogi Totemese, Brandon Asuncion, Cortney Jackson, Evelyn Garcia, Jennifer Frias, Jim Hodges, Kyle Kawabata, Lee-Ann Lee, Lili Ragasa, Luke Hamada, Natalie Caceres, Randall Morisako, Reid Kobashigawa, Roberta Kinoshita, Taryn Wong, Teri Takahashi, Xorda Laurin, the entire OBC staff, Jimmy Buffett’s Kevin Chow, Tiffany Lee and Chef Jose Gonzalez, Magic of Polynesia’s Deven Kimoto and Jarquin Tomed, Dan Tsuda and the Elite Valet team and Liholiho Elementary School’s CathyLynne Fong.

Chef Jose

Making herb oil

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Mildred Courtney ... << From 1

space between the top of the switchboard cabinet and the ceiling. My brother-in-law, Chuck Rolles, paddled in on a surfboard to rescue her. After the PBX was later moved upstairs behind the front desk, Mildred handled most of the calls that came in for Outrigger co-founder Roy Kelley. If the call seemed important, she would track him down no matter where he was. This was often a challenge because Roy did not keep a calendar or a schedule. He sat at his cluttered desk in the Reef Hotel lobby talking to guests and associates until something diverted his attention, whether it was walking over to another hotel, working on plans in a drafting room in the basement, or climbing up to check the placement of steel at a construction site. But Mildred always managed to locate him. Then, to get his attention, she quickly and deftly tapped the toggle switch on the PBX twice to produce a distinctive ring-ring tone, which alerted Roy that the call on hold was important and needed to be answered. Over time, in addition to managing the telephone department and handling guest calls, Mildred became Roy’s personal assistant. She also became our company’s first guest relations manager. On “Boat Days” she’d sail out of Honolulu Harbor on a tugboat sponsored by the Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau to greet the legendary ocean liners Lurline, Monterey and Matsonia that brought visitors to Hawai‘i in the pre-jet-airplane era. The tug met the big ships just off Waikīkī Beach. After climbing aboard amid the tricky offshore swells, she greeted, interviewed and photographed arriving guests even before the vessel steamed into port, then rushed back to the office to get stories and photos of them in our company’s weekly newspaper, Waikiki Visitor, before the press deadline. Guests loved it and would ask for extra copies to send home! Mildred then graduated to hotel manager and then to vice president of our company’s three Waikiki Surf properties and the Malia, all located near the intersection of Kūhiō Avenue and Lewers Street. Having worked with Roy Kelley for so many years, she absorbed and

Mildred Courtney >> 8

Roy Kelley celebrates his 62nd birthday at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel with Mildred Courtney, Mike Hickey (cutting cake), Sharon Olsen (ORF gift shop), Ashby Johnson

(background center) and Tom Burke (background right with glasses) and others

Veterans of the trenches: Tom Burke, Tony Del Piano, Chuck Comeau and Mildred Courtney

emulated his philosophy – fill every room every night and carefully watch every expense every day. After 35 years, when it came time to pull back from the daily demands of managing hotels and at an age when most people would contemplate retirement, Mildred felt the need for a new challenge. In 1990 she became Outrigger’s director of government-military liaison and began working full-time with all branches of our military, handling a wide range of responsibilities. Success in this position led to further promotions, and today she holds the title of corporate director military liaison emeritus. Mildred’s success in this area is legendary. The years between 1991 (the Gulf War to liberate Kuwait) and 2011, when the U.S. military was heavily involved in the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan, were particularly challenging, to say the least. Mildred was busy seven days a week finding hotel accommodations for members of our armed services as they passed through Hawai‘i on their way to or from the Middle East.

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Mildred Courtney ... << From 7

Having been a hotel manager, Mildred knew how to search within our system when she needed to find one last room even on a night when all properties appeared to be sold out. Woe to the hotel manager who didn’t know what was going on at his or her property, or who wasn’t ready to go that extra mile to get a checked-out, vacant room ready for a weary servicemember, even very late in the evening. But Mildred went far beyond securing hotel rooms for military personnel passing through Hawai‘i. Because she has always understood the feelings and needs of the military and their families, from buck private to four-star general, she has done still more for the men and women of our armed services and their families who are stationed in Hawai‘i. Thus, she has made it possible for many military families to furnish their homes or apartments in Hawai‘i by donating hotel furniture replaced during renovation programs. She has organized turkey donations at Thanksgiving and Christmas, she has donated books for sailors to read while at sea, she has donated phone cards to enable servicemembers to call home during the holidays, and she even delivered a truckload of “snow” one Christmas for military-base kids to play in. These are just a few of the things she has done on her own without seeking a bit of publicity or reward. Nevertheless, the word spread anyhow, and Mildred has consequently been given many, many awards for her service and accomplishments, including:• The Outrigger President’s Award (five times!),

the Po‘okela (Excellence) Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award

• The Order of the Diamond presented by the Air Force Hawaii Sergeants Association

• The Patriot Award from the National Guard Association of the United States, honoring the “citizen soldier”

• The Meritorious Public Service Award from the Department of the Navy

• The Spirit of Ho‘okanaka Award from the Hawaii Air National Guard

• The prestigious Ihe (Spear) Award from the Hawai‘i Army Museum Society (HAMS).

• The American Patriot Award from the Navy League of the United States – Honolulu Council

However, perhaps the most wonderful reflection of Mildred’s accomplishments came to me in a brief private conversation I had over a decade ago with retired Marine Corps General Charles C. Krulak. From 1995 to 1999, Gen. Krulak had been the 31st Commandant, the top post in the entire Marine Corps. When he learned I worked for Outrigger Enterprises Group, Gen. Krulak said he had been stationed in Hawaii for many years and knew our company well. Then he smiled and spoke the following words with emotion and conviction, “Mildred Courtney! Now, there’s a lady. I cannot say enough about her and all that she and your company have done for the military in Hawai‘i.” I agree! It is an extraordinary pleasure to recognize Mildred Courtney on the 60th anniversary of her association with Outrigger. Please join me in thanking her for her decades-long commitment and unparalleled contributions to Hawai‘i’s military families and to the growth and reputation of our company. Congratulations, Mildred, on 60 years of distinguished service!

References:1NowtheOutriggerReefWaikikiBeachResort2PrivateBranchExchange–thenowobsoletetelephoneequipmentfeaturedinthe1980comedy“9to5,”starringJaneFondaandLillyTomlin.

Thanks to Mildred, Project Easter Basket made Easter a little bit brighter for some deserving Navy families, 2013

Mildred invited 15 Wounded Warriors from the U.S. Marines to a special luncheon at Duke’s Waikiki, 2011