employees of the quarter destination honored second...

Saturday BriefingPage �

August �, 2009

Employees of the Quarter Honored Second Quarter 2009

By The Human Resources Service Center

The Outrigger ‘ohana gathered at the OHANA Waikiki East on Tuesday, July 28, to honor and recognize Employees of the Quarter for the Second Quarter of 2009. Barry Wallace, Dr. Chuck Kelley, and Department Heads extended their congratulations and offered words of praise to all of the distinguished honorees and nominees.

Lisa Francis - Guest Service Representative

Lisa currently works at the Outrigger Twin Towns Resort in Australia. As a Mea Ho‘okipa (Host), Lisa greets every guest with warmth and a smile. She provides our guests with outstanding customer service and consistently exceeds their expectations. Lisa embraces the values of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a and in the spirit of the value of A‘o (To Learn and To Share), she is attending a Certificate course in Hospitality Operations. Lisa is an invaluable member of our ‘ohana.

Continued on page 12

Lisa Francis

Continued on page 3

Destination Discrimination?

“There you go again!” That’s what Ronald Reagan said to Jimmy Carter in the �980 presidential debates, and it might be an appropriate phrase to describe the current, repeated attacks by the Obama administration on the Travel & Tourism industry. The first attack came earlier this year when the President said in a town hall meeting that companies receiving taxpayer “bailout” money shouldn’t use corporate jets or “take trips to Las Vegas or the Super Bowl.” The result was devastating to resort hotels across the nation as dozens, if not hundreds, of convention bookings were hastily cancelled. Hawaii’s Hilton Hawaiian Village lost a �2,000-room-night booking from Wells Fargo & Co. that would have brought over $6 million in revenue to our state plus countless hours of job opportunity, wages and tips for hotel Housekeepers, Banquet staff and Bell staff, plus work for taxi drivers, hula dancers and lei-makers throughout Hawaii Nei. I had hoped the furor would die down before long, but this week the Wall Street Journal revealed that some biggest agencies of the federal government, including the Department of Agriculture and Department of Justice, are being discouraged from booking meetings at “locations and accommodations that give the appearance of being lavish or are resort destinations.” According to Agriculture Department guidelines issued this spring, Las Vegas, Reno and Orlando are on the “no-no list.” Denver, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Portland (Oregon) and Chicago are OK. It’s even OK to whoop it

Lei Shaoyu Miu – Housekeeper

Shao, a 22-year Outrigger veteran, currently works at the OHANA Waikiki East. She is very honest and trustworthy and demonstrates our values of Kaulike (Equality) and Accountability (Kuleana) in all she does. She takes pride in her work and uses good judgment in prioritizing her responsibilities. Shao’s participation in company events, her “can do” attitude, and her Aloha spirit have earned her many compliments from guests and coworkers. Lei Shaoyu Miu

Saturday Briefing

Saturday Briefing is published by and for employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group.

Editor-In-Chief: Richard KelleySenior Editor: Marie Casciato Assistant Editor: Pila Hanson

Contributing Writers: Employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group

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

Submit suggestions, comments, and news tidbits to Marie Casciato

at [email protected] or via interoffice mail to

OEH/Executive Office, or contact her at (808) 92�-660�.

© 2009 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Happy Birthday!Aug �9: Shao Ling Huang, Hipolita A. Rosete, Johnny S. Saribay, Louise L. Ventura, Judith Rapaich, Amy E.M.C. Honey, Lindsay M.

Kaiser, and Reynante S. Guillermo.

Aug 20: Rosalinda Oraa, David TWS Nishi, Dawn Akie Yonamine, Bryan V. Tumacder, Kathleen K. Copp, Summer L. Flores, Luis B. Celeregia, and Elman N. Pagaduan.

Aug 2�: Juana S. Guzman and Visitacion V. Blaine.

Aug 22: Jonelle O. Garcia, Ka-Wan L. Fong, Chih Chuan Kuan, and Robert R. Kelley.

Aug 23: Peter Starkey Jr., Chiu Tai Cheng Wong, Cliff Angelias, Un Ha L. Zheng, Phillip C. Milana Jr., Hung Da Ngo, Valeriana L. Bonilla, Wesley C. Ansai, Benecio L. Somera, Conchita C. Matsumoto, and Kathleen Oyadomari.

Aug 24: Reynaldo C. Gamboa.

Aug 25: Felix Abalos Ferrer, Eric I. Matsumoto, Mei Ying Gong, and Mercedes E. Lanza.

Employment Opportunities If you are interested in the positions listed below and meet the qualifications, you may apply online. Please go to www.outrigger.com, click on ABOUTmay apply online. Please go to www.outrigger.com, click on ABOUT apply online. Please go to www.outrigger.com, click on ABOUT go to www.outrigger.com, click on ABOUT OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. We only accept. We only acceptWe only accept online applications for the open listed positions from internal candidates. If yous for the open listed positions from internal candidates. If you from internal candidates. If youIf you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 92�-6989. Application92�-6989. Application�-6989. Application deadline for the following positions is August 7, 2009.

Bell Person (On-Call & Full Time)Must have at least one year customer service experience and be able to lift and carry 70 lbs. Must also be flexible to work any shift and day.

Control Clerk (On-Call)At least one year clerical experience required. Must have excellent communication skills to service guests and employees and be able to read and understand various correspondence and reports. Must also be able to work flexible shifts and days. Stellex experience preferred.

Lifesaver ClubBy Dr. Chuck Kelley and Ashley Cabradilla

A big mahalo to everyone who came to the OHANA Waikiki East Blood Drive on Friday, July 24. With your help, we collected 25 pints of blood! The blood will be separated into its three main components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets and used to treat life threatening medical problems. In total, we collected enough blood to potentially save 75 lives! To those of you who were deferred, a big mahalo for coming out and trying. Please don’t give up on your efforts. To those of you who were unable to make it to the drive or were deferred, and would like to donate at a location most convenient for you, please contact:

Blood Bank of Hawaii 845-9966 http://www.bbh.org

If you are interested in donating at the next Outrigger Blood Drive, please mark your calendars for Monday, September 28, at the Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk® hotel.

Brian Miyamoto

More photographs on page 3

Saturday Briefing

Ruel Laborte - General Cleaner

Ruel currently works at the Outrigger Lae Nani. He has an admirable attitude about his work, guests, and coworkers. Ruel works hard to keep our guests happy by providing them with outstanding service. His commitment to Kīnā‘ole (Flawlessness) and Accountability (Kuleana) is evident in the initiative he shows when taking on tasks and duties beyond his normal responsibilities.

Patrick Ramos - Bell Clerk

Patrick, who is currently working at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, is a �3-year Outrigger veteran. He has tremendous respect for his Wahi (Place) and always does his job with Kīnā‘ole (Flawlessness) and Aloha. Even when it is busy, he is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Patrick is also recognized on property as the Hawaiian culture expert on language and hula.

Employees of the Quarter - Second Quarter 2009Continued from page 1

Continued on page 4

Patrick Ramos Ruel Laborte

Lifesaver ClubContinued from page 2

Dean Nakasone and Randall Morisako C.J. Merrill and Doreen Nohara

Suzanne Doty and Mercedes Lanza Michael Murakami

Saturday Briefing

Debra Kelly - Retail Reservations Agent

Debra, a five-year Outrigger veteran, currently works at the Outrigger Worldwide Contact Center in Denver. She is very reliable and can be counted on to perform her duties with excellence. Debra willingly assists others when needed, and can be counted on to handle special projects in a timely, professional manner. Her commitment to Kīnā‘ole (Flawlessness) is evident in all she does.

Teresa Morrison - Security Officer

Teresa currently works at the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. She performs her duties with dedication and professionalism. She always goes the extra mile by assisting others whenever needed. Guests, owners, and coworkers have complimented Teresa for her positive attitude, helpfulness, and the outstanding level of service she provides them. Teresa is an invaluable member of our ‘ohana.

Eulogio Gapuzan – Housekeeper

“Eloy” for short, currently works at the Outrigger Waikiki Shore. He is very reliable and dependable, and often lends a helping hand. He works hard to keep our guests happy, and always lightens up the day with his big smile and sense of humor. His positive attitude, determination, and hard work portray our values of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a.

Kyle Kawabata - Bell Person

Kyle, who currently works at the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber, is a invaluable Mea Ho‘okipa (Host). He is always very friendly and helpful towards others. Kyle’s “can-do” attitude uplifts and motivates his team, which gained the Bell department a ‘�0’ for service on guest surveys. Always with a smile and a good sense of humor, Kyle brings fun and laughter to work.

Cynthia Feng - Guest Service Representative

Cynthia currently works at the OHANA Waikiki West. Cynthia consistently performs as one of the property’s top upgrade revenue producers. She has excellent customer service skills and has received numerous positive guest comments. Cynthia also takes initiative as a team leader for her coworkers. She goes above and beyond to ensure positive morale for the entire team.

Andrew Boyd - Guest Service Representative

Andrew currently works at the Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk®. As a Mea Ho‘okipa (Host), Andrew welcomes guests with a warm, friendly smile and positive attitude. Andrew’s kindness makes our guests feel special and welcomed. Andrew speaks Japanese fluently, and has been instrumental in the building of our bilingual team who are better able to serve our Japanese clientele.


Continued on page 5

Andrew Boyd Teresa Morrison

Kyle Kawabata

Debra Kelly Eulogio Gapuzan

Cynthia Feng

Saturday Briefing

Congratulations also to the following Employee of the Quarter nominees recognized for their outstanding performance during the 2nd Quarter of 2009: Franklin Agarpao, Lourdes Queen, Renee Kiyono, Melchor Servito, Qiao Lian Li, Salome Manalo, Agatha Kim, Ai Jin Li, Yeu Hing Shiu, Arthur Corotan, Karen Gonzaga, Dennis Yeomans, Rose Galiza, Dong Ting Huang, Mary Ann Andrade, Cary Hirayama, Alejo Batinga, Elpidio Oviedo, Rowena Colling, Stanley Daguay, Aurelio Transfiguracion, Yong Yuan Fang, Sarah Bernabe, Florante Ravago, Norman Taira Jr., Stanley Trueman, John Cacayurin, Wilfred Marcos, Nancy Brunner, and Marivic Gushikuma.


Kathy Hansberry - Public Relations Coordinator

Kathy currently works in the Marketing department where she has proven herself to be a dedicated and caring member of the ‘ohana. Kathy possesses a positive attitude that shines through in everything she does. The word “no” doesn’t seem to be in her vocabulary and any assignment she is given is met with keen interest, a smile, and a “can do” attitude. Kathy is the department’s Alaka‘i and embraces the values of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a in all she does.

Kathy Hansberry

Siu Sum Lai – Housekeeper

Siu Sum is a long-time employee, who currently works at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Throughout the years, in the spirit of A‘o (To Learn and To Share), Siu Sum has demonstrated a sense of loyalty and dedication to the department by training other employees. Siu Sum is also very committed to Kīnā‘ole (Flawlessness) and provides our guests with the highest level of service.

Rudy Aggasid, Jr - Bell Person

Rudy currently works at the Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach. He leads by example at the Bell Desk and sets the bar high with his exacting standards. When it comes to positive name mentions on guest comment cards, Rudy has been the leader for the past six months. He goes above and beyond the standard level of service for our guests. Rudy is always enthusiastic about his work—and it shows!

Valeriana Bonilla – Housekeeper

Valeriana currently works at the Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk where her commitment to providing our guests with top quality service has earned her much praise. Valeriana is reliable, thorough, compassionate, respectful, friendly, and always willing to assist wherever and whenever needed. Going above and beyond, in all she does, Valeriana performs her job with Kīnā‘ole (Flawlessness).

Troy Boyce - Bell Person

Troy, currently works at the OHANA Waikiki Malia, where he embraces Outrigger’s values of Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a in all he does. He greets our guests with warmth and Aloha, making them feel welcome. He is very dependable, reliable, and flexible and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Troy is an outstanding Mea Ho‘okipa (Host) and an invaluable member of our ‘ohana.Valeriana Bonilla Troy Boyce

Siu Sum Lai Rudy Aggasid, Jr

Saturday Briefing

Outrigger’s Company Services Expresses Their Values of the Week Spirit

By Ka‘ipo Ho

For the past three months, our Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a efforts have been focused on reintroducing our company values to our Outrigger ‘ohana through our Outrigger Value of the Week program. Every other week, one of our executives kicked things off by introducing our value of the week in the Saturday Briefing, prompting our hotel and company-services Alaka‘i, or Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a leaders, to initiate special activities and events in support of the value of the week. This week we started our eighth and final value, Aloha, and over the past fourteen weeks our Alaka‘i have consistently done a fantastic job of motivating their teams to participate. Their innovative ideas have created a lot of buzz about our values throughout the company. This month, I’d like to feature the “values handiwork” of our corporate services departments and Alaka‘i. On the fifth floor of the Corporate Annex building, Alaka‘i Kathy Hansberry, Michelle Dubach, Terri Escritor, and Val Tanaka planted a tree, figuratively speaking of course, in the fifth floor kitchen area. With the introduction of each value, a new branch blossomed with colorful leaves, flowers, butterflies, and a few other blessings from mother nature.

Jennifer Frias, Patricia “PK” Ka‘ahanui, Jolyn Nihipali, Aitogi Totemese, Napua Ho, and Jamie Wong singing their praises of “We are family!”

The Condo Accounting team show that accountants can be extremely creative too! Front row: Mady Agcamaran, Wendy Afuso, and Alicia Vidal

Second row: Marlyn Locquiao, Beverly Villanueva, and Gary TachinoThird row: Kristyn Misajon, Sally Lu, and Libby Young Back row: Bruce Hehn, Lily Ragasa, and Christine KokContinued on page 7

Saturday Briefing

Down on the fourth floor, Alaka‘i Char Luning, Mercedes Lanza, and Chad Teramae led our corporate Human Resources team in creating a fashionable Outrigger values lei graced with a motto composed by the team—I lei - nā pua (The flowers become a lei). The flowers are symbolic of the individual talents and contributions we each make to Outrigger every day, while the lei is a representation of our Outrigger ‘ohana, or family, and our collective efforts to make Outrigger a great place to work for our employees and a great place to stay for our guests. Over in the Condominium Division, Alaka‘i Christine Kok inspired her team to free themselves from their daily numbers-crunching routine to create a new values poster for each of our eight company values. In the OHANA and Groups departments, Napua Ho appointed the entire team as honorary Alaka‘i, and individuals shared the role of champion for each of our values. Across the hall to the Hospitality Services Executive Office, Kathy Foley worked her magic to rally participation within her area with activities ranging from homemade fortune cookies, to a “guess-who” baby photo activity, to creating meaningful values flyers for her team. Back in May, Company Services celebrated their First May Day event, and the Alaka‘i team is now busy planning for the next big affair to coincide with Statehood Day on August 2�. Our initial Company Services Alaka‘i team started with three members from Human Resources and one from Marketing. Today, that team is eleven members strong, including, in addition to the original four, Angela Brown and our newest member Beverly Villanueva. We are also fortunate to have the help of Crystal Salavea, Cheryl Minato, and Pam Niesz who have been instrumental in communicating our Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a efforts within their areas and motivating their teams to participate. To all our company Alaka‘i, E ho‘okahi ka‘ilau like ana, let us wield our paddles together – work together – to keep Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a in forward motion.

Outrigger’s Company Services Expresses Their Values of the Week Spirit

Continued from page 6

The “green-thumb” team of Val Tanaka, Kathy Hansberry, Michelle Dubach and Terri Escritor proudly display their 5th floor’s Outrigger Values Tree

Char Luning, Chad Teramae and Mercedes Lanza sharing the Human Resources Outrigger Values Lei, with our Human Resources motto, I lei – nā pua (The flowers become a lei)

Saturday Briefing

The Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation hosted the Pa‘ani Games on Wednesday, July 22. The games were part of the Koloa Plantation Days, a week-long celebration of Hawaii’s sugar industry and heritage. “From Sugar to Statehood” was the theme for this year’s festivities. Although the sugar mill and fields throughout the state are idle, many people in Hawaii are former workers or descendants of plantation workers. The Koloa Plantation Days celebration brings people to Koloa and Poipu on Kauai’s south shore to celebrate our connection to the plantation lifestyle. Each department was responsible for a game. The Administration department manned the registration table; the Front Office staffed the Kūkini (foot races); Kiloi Niu (coconut toss) was sponsored by the Grounds department; the Maintenance department provided the ‘Ulu Maika (lawn bowling), the Housekeeping department manned the ‘Ō‘ō Ihe (spear throwing). In addition to the games, there were arts and crafts which included paper leis and Hawaiian-themed art. One of the more popular stations was coconut weaving taught by our very own Fernando Constantino and Oliver DeLeon. Guests also enjoyed the sound of live Hawaiian Music thanks to Expedia® who partnered with Outrigger to enhance the guests’ experience. The Pa‘ani Games were a huge success and were attended by record number of visitors and local residents who participated in the traditional Hawaiian Games. Mahalo to all the ‘ohana who participated in making this event a success—it truly was team effort.


Kathleen Dehne and Nida Constantino handled the very popular Kukini (foot races)

Gilmore Claonan, Elpedio Salud, and Elvis Tacazon manned the Kiloi Niu (Coconut Toss)

An Outrigger Tradition - The Pa‘ani GamesBy Marianne Thesken

Thomas Apilado shows a young guest how to throw a spear

Saturday Briefing

An Outrigger Tradition - The Pa‘ani GamesContinued from page 8


Jonelle Taira-Kakutani, Joletta DeCosta-Mararagan, Dianne Newman, and Bevin Parker-Evans at the Registration Table

Ceto Andres, Thomas Apilado, and Gino Jarquiomanned the ‘Ō‘ō Ihe (Spear Throwing) event

Oliver DeLeon tries his hand at ‘Ō‘ō Ihe (Spear Throwing)

Saturday BriefingPage �0



Gino Jarquio, Elpidio Saud, Eddie Soriano, and Randy Sapalason

Elvis Tacazon with the youngest of guests at the Kiloi Niu (coconut toss)

One of the more popular stations was coconut weaving taught by Fernando Constantino and Oliver DeLeon

Keith Hardy, Roz Ozaki, Richard Arruda, and Delmer Albano at the ‘Ulu Maika (Lawn Bowling) event

Ceto Andres shows a young guest how to prepare a net for throwing

Even the youngest of keiki wanted to try ‘Ulu Maika and Delmer Albano was there to help out

Saturday BriefingPage ��


Gana Maheshwaran Agnes Ramiro, Nova Geronimo, and Noraida Marvil, Norma Butay

Edgar Melchor, Eduardo Cadavona, Benny Laguatan, and Elvis Tacazon Dale Verkaaik

Saturday BriefingPage �2

Destination Discrimination?Continued from page 1

Moments of AlohaOutrigger Aina Nalu Resort

“Aloha! I would like to thank you [Barrett De Santos] for the absolutely wonderful accommodations provided by the Outrigger Aina Nalu Resort. I was totally impressed during our initial conversation about my school’s needs for our 6th grade retreat. You were cordial, extremely helpful, and accommodating. My subsequent calls to Athena [Cajudoy] further confirmed your resort’s commitment to providing

quality service to guests. She answered all my questions and even scheduled a walkthrough of the rooms and resort property at a convenient time for me. A week prior to the retreat, Diana [Lene] guided me on the schedule walkthrough. This provided me with details critical to finalizing our retreat plans. She made note of all my requests and emailed me to confirm the arrangements we discussed. Our 6th grade retreat was enhanced by the beautiful surroundings we were in and the service provided by your staff. It was obvious to me that you are competent individuals dedicated to accommodating the individual needs of resort guests. Much Aloha and Mahalo to you and your incredible staff.” Bernadette LopezChrist The King SchoolKahului, HI 96732

Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk®“I just wanted to share the pictures we took on May 27, 2009. We had a wonderful time in Hawaii during our vacation and celebrating my birthday and Duke’s retirement. We would like to thank you [Gina Furuike] so much for your hospitality and professionalism during our stay at the Embassy Suites in Waikiki Beach from May 20th to May 27th. We were very pleased with the service we received from the entire staff during our vacation. We will recommend all our family, friends and associates to stay at the Embassy Suites in Waikiki Beach. Thank you so much— mahalo a nui lou [loa] and we will see you later—a hui hou.”Duke Johnson Woodbridge, VA 22192

Barrett De Santos

Duke and Gwen Johnson with Gina Furuike

up in Ft. Collins (Colorado), a rural town of �3�,000 that has a 237-room Marriott with �3 meeting rooms, but no city convention center. Will there be a new slogan? – “What happens in Ft. Collins . . . .” Some wonder why Hawaii was not mentioned in the banned list until they remember it is the President’s home state. The reaction from the Travel & Tourism industry was immediate and strong. Many pointed out that in today’s economic climate, resort areas have a lot of empty rooms and are more than willing to make deals on the use of meeting and tradeshow facilities. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) introduced a bill to prevent federal agencies from discriminating against Reno, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, and other resort cities when choosing destinations for business meetings. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel sent Reid a letter noting the Obama administration’s view that travel

decisions should revolve around cost-benefit analysis rather than a location’s reputation. Reid immediately forwarded that letter to all Cabinet secretaries and the heads of all federal agencies asking them to make sure their rules don’t prohibit travel to any cities. He also noted that “Las Vegas currently has a relatively low average room rate of about $90.” I hope this issue has now been put to bed for good. In today’s market, every dollar counts and, like it or not, government is today’s growth industry. Although apparently no government meetings were canceled since the controversial travel memos were issued, we have to worry about a possibly large number of future government meetings that will no longer be booked in resort areas, as meeting planners and department heads seek to steer clear of controversy. If that is the case, destination discrimination could affect meeting and convention travel for years to come.

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