Saturday BriefingPage �

September �3, 2008

Continued on page 7

Continued on page 6

Outrigger Thailand Office ExpandsBy Darren Edmonstone

Our team in the Phuket, Thailand, office joins me in saying “Sawadee” Hawaii! “Sawadee” is the Thai equivalent of “Aloha.” Polite language, however, dictates that a male will add “Krab” to the end of the greeting or a female will add “Ka.” These suffixes have no literal meeting other than a show of respect. As a male, I wish you “Sawadee Krab.” As the correspondence between the Thailand office and the rest of the Outrigger family increases, you will notice a Thai prefix often used, the word “Khun.” Khun is a multi-gender prefix used as a sign of respect, so when speaking or writing to someone, respect is indicated by adding Khun before the person’s name (i.e., Sawadee Krab Khun David means - hello David, put in the politest context.)

Lilia Arca - Oahu

Jennifer Suryadi, Pieter van der Hoeven, Khun Kai, and Ka‘ipo Ho

Saluting Our Olympic-Class Housekeepers

Over the next two weeks, Outrigger and OHANA will honor our Housekeepers across the Pacific. We will proudly recognize our Housekeeping staff and thank them for everything they do to keep our rooms and public areas looking as great as they do.

Although they work quietly, far from the limelight, our Housekeepers do a magnificent job. They perform their duties flawlessly around the clock, every day of the week, throughout the year, even on Christmas Day. Using the slang of today’s Internet world, we can count on them “24/7/365” – and they always turn in a champion performance.

Saturday BriefingPage 2

2008 Annual Health FairRelax, Relate, Release

By Mercedes Lanza, Lauren Reis, and Wendle Raping

Has stress got you down? Then you should attend Outrigger/OHANA’s Annual Health Fair, where you can receive free health screenings and information and enjoy fun activities. This fun and educational event will feature Flu Shots, Massage Therapy, Foot Reflexology, Glucose, Cholesterol and Triglycerides screenings, blood pressure readings, skin care specialists, games, and much more!

Tuesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 25OHANA East

Lobby Conference Room�0 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HMSA, Kaiser, and VSP plan representatives will be available to provide benefit plan information, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us on either day for a healthy good time.

Sept 30: Rosandy Mwejenwa, Jacob R. Nohara, Valerie K.P. Tanaka, Kevin H. Nakamichi, Genaro P. Natividad, and Terrance K. Buckley.

Oct �: Gay N. Shinbara, Lori N. Ishiyama, Yuk Ann Hee-Au, Man Chi Lau, Lethiea Von, and Jettson J.S. Hew.

Oct 2: Teresita P. Moore, Philip R.O. Gagala, Suxian Zhou, Jonathan K. Pikini, Angelita M. Soliven, and Juanito G. Oandasan.

Oct 3: Milton T. Kami, Ricol H. Akana-Phillips, Glenda W. Shirley, Charlene A. Luning, Estrelita Sagadraca, and Unaloto V. Latu.

Oct 4: Kristina K.S. Flores, Tammy Awong, Carmelita P. Cascasan, Melvin Y. Kaneshige, Monica L. Kauhane, Clenna Seguancia, George J. Morikawa, Dean M. Murata, and Fran C. Basuel

Oct 5: Doreen M. Regohos, Bryant L. Sinang, Jeffrey T. Marcelino, and Diane Cox.

Oct 6: Cinderella M. Cacayorin, Richard A. Carta, Sheila C.Y. Shinn, Ashly K. Copp, Alvin K. Kahoonei III, Aurelia C. Paelma, Chao Hong Xu, Kenny Quach, and Chi-Man Mar.

Employment Opportunity If you are interested in the position listed below and meet the qualifications, please submit an in-house application obtained from your Supervisor or Human Resources. If you have any questions, please call Eric Ishikawa at (808) 92�-6989. Application deadline for the following position is September �9, 2008.

Kona Hawaiian ResortMaintenance (Full Time)

A minimum of two years experience in building maintenance, including electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tile work, carpeting, appliance repair, and mechanical. Must be flexible to work all shifts and days. Interested applicants may fax their in-house application to (808) 334-4799.

Saturday Briefing is published by and for the employees

of Outrigger Enterprises Group.

Editor-In-Chief: Richard KelleySenior Editor: Marie Casciato Assistant Editor: Lehua Kala`iContributing Writers: Employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group

Visit us online at: www.outrigger.com/sb

or www.ohanahotels.com/sb

Submit suggestions, comments, and news tidbits to Marie Casciato at

marie.casciato@outrigger.com or via interoffice mail to OEH/Executive Office,

or contact her at (808) 92�-660�.© 2008 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Our deepest sympathy to Jim Heather and his family on the passing of Jim’s mother Jackie Heather on September 2.

Saturday BriefingPage 3

August Staff Get TogetherBy Una Murray

The Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji (FOR) holds monthly celebrations to honor its most outstanding employees and to recognize members of our vuvale (family) who have excelled in their area. Each month, awards are given in three categories—Back-of-the-House Employee of the Month, Front-of-the-House Employee of the Month, and Manager of the Month. July and August were extremely busy months for the FOR. General Manager Darren Shaw thanked everyone for their commitment to excellence and for providing FOR guests with the highest-level of customer service. In addition, he thanked the Sales department for their hard work in selling and promoting the FOR locally and overseas and noted that the property experienced a high-number of repeat guests. He also told everyone how proud he was of them for their commitment to the community, as evidenced by the astonishing amount of money the FOR vuvale (family) raised for charity at the recently-held carnival. Hotel Owner Geoff Shaw also attended the event. He told the vuvale how impressed he was with their commitment to the property and the company and that he was proud to have the honor of presenting the awards to FOR’s outstanding employees. Congratulations to our August Honorees:

Gerald Sharma Back-of-the-House

Employee of the Month

Vani Adiwaliwali Front-of-the-House

Employee of the Month

Praveena Dewan Manager of the Month

Back-of-the-House Employee of the Month Gerald Sharma is congratulated by Geoff Shaw

Geoff Shaw presents Vani Adiwaliwali Front-of-the-House Employee of the Month

with her award

Manager of the Month Praveena Dewan proudly accepts her award from

Geoff Shaw

Saturday BriefingPage 4

Vow Renewal Ceremony at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach

By Luana Maitland

Kahu Blaine Kia, Sue Chang, Mr. & Mrs. Tomas Alessandri, with their daughter Jaslyn, and Hula Dancer Kawena Mechler

Friday, September 5, was another beautiful morning on the beach fronting the Outrigger Reef (ORF), and Mr. & Mrs. Tomas Alessandri of Massachusetts wanted to relive their special wedding day by renewing their vows on the white sandy beach of Waikiki. The Alessandris heard about the ORF’s Hawaiian Vow Renewal ceremony from their parents, who are frequent return guests of the Outrigger Reef and who participated in the Vow Renewal Ceremony this past May in celebration of their 50th anniversary. According to Mrs. Alessandri, her mother couldn’t stop talking about the beauty of the

ceremony and of the wonderful pictures taken of them, so they could remember and relive that very special moment. The Alessandris were convinced enough to stay an additional three nights at the Outrigger Reef, so they could partake in the ceremony. The event was extra special, as their daughter Jaslyn was able to join them. On hand to congratulate them was Housekeeper Sue Chang, who provided services to three generations of the family. On their departure, little Jaslyn said when she gets big, she is going to get married on the beach at the Outrigger Reef. You know, I think she probably will!

Saturday BriefingPage 5

The Keauhou Beach Resort Hosts U.S. Coral Task Force Meeting

By Marylou Foley

The Keauhou Beach Resort hosted the 20th bi-annual meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) Co-chaired by the Department of Interior and the Department of Commerce. The mission of the organization is to coordinate actions to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. On Tuesday evening, Greg Chun, President of Bishop Holdings, shared information about the long-term commitment to the cultural restoration of the heiau. Afterward, he hosted the dignitaries to an evening under the stars with a captivating presentation on the kumulipo by Kamakahiwa Kanahele. The following day, Dan Basta of NOAA/National Marine Sanctuaries hosted a reception with a rare performance by kumu hula Nalani Kanakaole, Halau O Kekuhi, and a presentation of the Edward N. Kaanaana Umu Kai Lifetime Achievement Award for Perpetuation of Traditional Wisdom and Values to Nainoa Thompson. Key individuals attending from Washington, D.C., included Jim Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ); Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior (DOI); Tim Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and Dan Basta, Director National Marine Sanctuary Program. Representatives from the Pacific Islands in attendance included Governor Felix Comacho of Guam; Governor Togiola Tulafono of American Samoa; Governor Benigno R. Fitial of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and Governor Sebastian Anefal of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia. A sincere mahalo to Allen Tom, NOAA/NMS, and Paul Horner and his staff for successfully hosting this important meeting on ocean sustainability for future generations.

Paul Horner, Athline Clark (Department of Land and Natural Resources), and Nainoa Thompson

Dan Basta (NOAA), Narissa Plants (Senator Inouye’s Office), and Greg Chun (Bishop Holdings)

Standing: Tim Keeney (NOAA), Jim Connaughton (CEQ), Marylou Foley, the Governor of American Samoa Togiola Tulafono, and (seated) Dan Basta (NOAA)

Saturday BriefingPage 6

Being the modern generation, however, we often in correspondence abbreviate the Khun to K. in order to save time! Important to know is that Khun is not part of someone’s name, it is a show of respect and used with the first name. Khun is used for both male and female. Now if I have not confused anyone yet, it is also important to know that the Thai people often prefer to be called by their nickname rather than their actual name! Nicknames also tend to be a lot easier to pronounce for the bumbling non-native tongue, so the Phuket office team all use their nicknames in daily correspondence and conversation. Lastly, in our first Thai �0� lesson, we need to sign off our emails, and in Hawaii, Mahalo is the standard. In Thailand, we thank people for taking the time to read our thoughts, so we sign off by thanking them with a “Kob Khun Krab,” which literally means “Thanks.” When used as a sign off, this represents the equivalent of Mahalo. So who can you practice these new-found cultural and language skills on? Why not try them out on one of the members from our Thai Outrigger ‘ohana? So you know who you are communicating with, let me give you a brief rundown of the ‘ohana in Phuket in the order of joining:

Khun Gai – Executive AssistantKhun Gai is Outrigger Thailand’s first employee. Khun Gai set up the Phuket office and looks after my Asian schedule. She joined Outrigger from a career that has spanned hotels to fashion. Khun Gai is the proud mother of six-month-old baby, Gina. She is a Bangkok native whose family moved to the island of Phuket two years ago.

Khun Thai – Chief AccountantKhun Thai is a Phuket native with a wealth of experience in both property and resorts. Khun Thai is also our resident fitness coach and food critic; she is an expert in both areas, as well as an extremely talented Accountant.

Khun Oum – Personal Assistant to General ManagerKhun Oum is a native of Pranburi, just south of Hua Hin, and moved to Phuket three months ago. Now that she has her tennis club established, she is thoroughly enjoying Phuket.

Khun Pong – Information Technology ManagerKhun Pong originally hails from Bangkok but moved to Phuket a number of years ago in a Sales & Marketing capacity for one of the island’s larger resorts. His passion for technology saw him, in his most recent role, oversee the installation of Micros Fidelio at the Indigo Pearl Resort. Away from the office, Khun Pong is a keen tennis player.

Outrigger Thailand Office GrowsContinued from page 1

Khun Kai – Director of Sales & MarketingA little while ago Khun Kai graced the front page of the Saturday Briefing (see July �2, 2008 issue), and just recently visited Hawaii for an extensive corporate orientation, along with Pieter van der Hoeven, General Manager and Jennifer Suryadi, Director of Sales for Bali.

Khun Lek – Human Resources ManagerKhun Lek has vast experience in the resort field, most recently in a pre-opening role at the Vijjit Resort, Outrigger Serenity Terraces neighbor. Khun Lek will ensure that Outrigger Thailand quickly establishes itself as an employer of choice.

Khun Salisa – Assistant Sales ManagerThe well-traveled Khun Salisa joins Outrigger after completing her studies at the renowned Glion Hotel School in Switzerland. Following her studies in Switzerland, Khun Salisa spent two years honing her sales skills at the Boca Raton Resort, Florida, with her most recent experience as the Assistant Managing Director for a boutique property in Patong Beach, Phuket. Khun Salisa, whose family is from Phuket, is happy to have found a home at Outrigger Resorts.

Just as the office has been established, some of the team will be moving on site to Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort and Spa for the pre-opening and set-up phase for the resort, which is due to open at the end of February 2009. Obviously, with this operation coming online very soon, the recruitment of all operational personnel will begin in earnest, and our Thai ‘ohana will continue to grow. We look forward to sharing more updates with you, as we continue to grow in the Asian region. Kob Khun Krab!

Khun Pong, Khun Salisa, Khun Oum, Khun Lek, Khun Panjama, Khun Gai, and Khun Thai

Saturday BriefingPage 7

Regular readers of Saturday Briefing are probably aware that I have a special place in my heart for the Housekeeping staff. My first job in the hospitality industry was washing and folding towels in the housekeeping shed behind Roy and Estelle Kelley’s Islander Hotel on Seaside Avenue in Waikiki. Readers probably also know that during Housekeepers Week, I often seek a metaphor to describe and capture the unique role that Housekeepers play in the success of our hotels. This year, I had a couple of choices. In this election season in the U.S., I briefly thought about comparing them to politicians. There’s a lot of talk about “change” in politics today. And yes, our Housekeepers change the linen in our rooms, and they will always get my vote. However, a political metaphor did not seem quite right. Then with the Beijing Olympics fresh in our memories, I turned to athletics as a good way to portray the accomplishments of our gold-medal Housekeeping team. Last month, it was inspiring to see the top athletes from 203 nations enter Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” Stadium in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. In the days that followed, we were amazed by their displays of endurance, skill, and grace. To me, the most incredible performance was that of Michael Phelps, the American swimmer who broke the record for the most gold medals in a single Olympics and for the most career Olympic gold medals. That is not to overlook many other inspirational stories of both teams and individual athletes from around the world, including Hawaii’s own Brian Clay, “the world’s greatest athlete” by virtue of his gold medal in the decathlon. In all, 37 world records were broken in this year’s games, but for me, Michael Phelps was most amazing of all.

Saluting Our Olympic-Class Housekeepers

Continued from page 1

Oliver DeLeon, Gino Jarquias, and Randy Sapalasan - Kauai

Yu Bing Li - Kauai

The qualities of today’s Olympic champions are strikingly similar to those I find in the members of the Outrigger and OHANA Housekeeping teams. Let’s look at some of these attributes:

Dedication and Strong Work Ethic. No less than Olympic athletes, Outrigger and OHANA’s Housekeepers are dedicated, with a work ethic that drives them to accomplish their goals. An Olympian’s life is no walk in the park. They are constantly training, building their strength, and honing their skills to perform flawlessly. If they let up, even for a minute, the competition is ready to overtake them.

That sounds a lot like the hotel business. The challenges are never-ending. You must constantly be on the alert and can never relax. Each day brings a new set of problems to be met and overcome. If we don’t keep up the pace, the competition is ready to sprint past us.

The Housekeeping department is the core of any hotel, and just like Olympians, our Housekeepers can never relax. They must be willing to work hard every day. It takes a great deal of strength and stamina to tackle up to �6 rooms a day and make them look spic and span.

World-Class Skills. Olympians sharpen their skills to an astonishing degree, and so do our Housekeepers. If anyone doubts this, I challenge him or her to put on a Housekeeper’s uniform, organize a Housekeeping cart, go up to the floors,

Continued on page 8

Saturday BriefingPage 8

and make-up rooms for an entire day. Unless you are in top shape, efficient, and highly skilled, you will not get past lunch, let alone make it through the day.

Willingness to Help Others. USOC chief communications officer Darryl Seibel was recently quoted in USA Today as saying, “For most Olympic and Paralympic athletes, giving back is a part of their DNA. They recognize the sacrifices that others have made to help them pursue and achieve their dreams, and many feel a strong desire to give back.”

I see those same qualities in our Housekeepers. They are always there to assist others, and at the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, I

Saluting Our Olympic-Class Housekeepers

Continued from page 7

Sigfredo Raquinio - Oahu

typically see hundreds of our Housekeepers leading the pack and walking the extra mile to help Hawaii’s charitable organizations.

Honesty & Integrity. We expect the highest honesty and integrity of a person in the spotlight like an Olympic athlete. Similarly, we hold Housekeepers to an equally high standard. Every day, Outrigger and OHANA’s guests leave their rooms, valuables, and personal effects in the care of our Housekeepers. In my 6� years in the hotel business, I have hardly ever seen that trust violated.

Sense of Humor. While Olympians are deadly serious during competition, they have a humorous side as well. Take Michael Phelps for example. Just before starting a race, he was as focused and serious as anyone can be. However, in later interviews, he showed remarkable relaxation and humor, as he deftly handled comments about the body-hugging Speedo suits swimmers wear these days, as well as jokes about his size-�4 feet, double-jointed ankles, and sudden status as one of the most eligible bachelors in the nation. Tonight, you can see more of Michael Phelps’ humorous side when he hosts the season premier of NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

Laughter and humor are also abundant in the Outrigger and OHANA Housekeeping departments, which is one of the reasons I like visiting there. Just as on the playing field, in

Continued on page 9

Tyra Kamau, Mila Niau, Nova Geranimo, Thelma Ramos, Eugenia Pasion, Agnes Ramiro, Leonida Briones, Melonie Soriano, Vangie Fernandez, Elena Sousa, Erlita Soriano, Noraida Marvil, Antonia Langundino, Sherry Oyamot, Renold Pascua, Nenita Vigilia, Lorna Soriano, Oliver De Leon, and Randy Sapalasan - Kauai

Saturday BriefingPage 9

Narelle Eichorn Re-elected by Inbound Tourism Branch

By Dave Lawrence

I am pleased to announce that Outrigger’s Director of Sales Oceania, Narelle Eichorn, has been re-elected, for the fourth consecutive year, as Chairperson of the Southern Queensland branch of Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and was also officially recognised by her peers for her ongoing contribution to the organisation. ATEC is the leading industry body representing Australia’s $23 billion tourism industry, comprising more than �,�00 members, all working to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of Australia’s inbound tourism markets. Narelle’s re-election coincided with a special honour by her peers, where she was presented with an Award for Excellence, in recognition of her valuable contribution to ATEC over the years. Joining Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Australia in �998, Narelle has over 30 years of experience and her enthusiasm and passion for “all things tourism” is testament to her re-election to the board. Narelle said ATEC is a strong and vocal advocate for the inbound tourism industry. “Worldwide, tourism is going through some challenging times, and bodies such as ATEC play an important role in representing the industry as one unified voice,” she said. Her key areas of focus include building ATEC’s membership levels, representing the Council at numerous state and national industry events, and active participation in ATEC’s young member mentoring programmes.

Sydney-based Managing Director for ATEC, Matthew Hingerty, said Narelle is a great asset to the Southern Queensland branch. “Her experience and knowledge of inbound markets, along with her commitment to growing business opportunities, is of great benefit to local members,” he said. Mr Hingerty added, “ATEC’s regional branches are the ‘coal face’ of the organisation, and with strong and innovative leaders such as Narelle, the Southern Queensland branch will continue to move from strength to strength.” On behalf of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, I am delighted to have Narelle representing our brand so strongly “Down Under” and congratulate her on her most recent achievements.

Chairman of ATEC John King and Narelle Eichorn

Saluting Our Olympic-Class Housekeepers

Continued from page 8

Elvira Maluyo - Oahu

the hotel business, things often do not go exactly as planned. Arrivals and departures can be unexpectedly early or late. Sometimes the laundry delivers stained towels (or does not deliver at all). Occasionally the plumbing stops up just before the end of a shift. Whenever something like this happens, our Housekeepers, like true leaders, approach the situation with patience – and a large dose of humor. They know that no one lasts long in the hotel industry without the ability to look at the bright and funny side of everything that comes their way.

So when I think of Olympians and our Housekeepers, I see champions with remarkably similar characteristics. But when it comes to our Housekeepers, I don’t need a stopwatch or a team of judges holding up scorecards to know they’re winners. By any measure, the Outrigger and OHANA Housekeepers are always champions, and in my book, they win gold medals every day of the year.

Saturday BriefingPage �0

Blessing at the Outrigger Reef on the BeachBy Luana Maitland

On Monday, September 8, just as the barricades and scaffolds were being removed from the entrance of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Vice President of Operations Kimberly Agas, General Manager Bill Comstock, employees, and concessionaires gathered for a blessing by Kahu and Kumu Blaine Kia. The blessing began in the driveway and concluded in the Pacific Tower, where rooms on the �6th floor were ready for the first guests. A prayer was given for the structure, the many hands that worked on the project, and for the employees that will maintain the facility and provide exceptional services to guests. No sooner was the blessing done, when the first guests checked into the Pacific Tower—Mr. & Mrs. Shigenori Sakai from Utunomiya, Japan. They were welcomed with anuhea (cool fragrant towel) by Rey Soriano, followed by a fresh lei greeting from Glenn Vergara and Mercy Valdez. After the warm welcome, Andy Ishimine escorted them to their beautiful, newly-decorated and enlarged room, with a spectacular view of the ocean. The first impression from the Sakai’s was an excited, “WOW!” Hele Mai, come and visit with us, and while you’re here, take a tour through the newly-updated hotel and rooms in the Pacific Tower. Mahalo to Bob Finan, Debbie Akau, and the rest of the Projects Team for their dedication and time spent on this renovation.

Luana Maitland, Bill Comstock, Andy Ishimine, Kumu Blaine Kia, Kimberly Agas, John Thompson, Glenn Vergara (back), Ian Sanborn, and John Cambra

Practicing Kahu and Kumu Blaine Kia performs the blessing (Han Qin Wang and Mon Lacuata in background)