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AUGUST 8, 2015

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

A spectacular tranquil island escape - The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

“Maruhabaa” (welcome) to our first guests at the Outrigger Konotta

Maldives ResortBy Darren Edmonstone

All the hard work by the hosts and management team of our new Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort (MOK) was realized when we welcomed our first guests to the island Saturday, Aug. 1. A perfect setting of calm waters, white sand, blue skies, swaying coconut trees and Boduberu (Maldivian drums and dance), welcomed a family of six from Dubai. The father cut the ribbon upon arrival to the resort in a brief ceremony, and his daughters unveiled the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort signage, assisted by General Manager Pascal Billon. In the days that followed, our Maldivian hosts said Maruhabaa to guests from China, Korea and the USA, too. So another chapter in the Outrigger story has begun, this time in the Maldives, a low-lying island nation of 26 stunning large atolls and about 1200 islands just north of the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The atolls and the people have a great spirit of Veshi (place) that fits well with our own ‘Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort >> 5

Richard Kelley

Hurricane season Hawai‘iBy Richard Kelley

This week, Hawai‘i was blessed again as Hurricane Guillermo weakened to a tropical storm, kept on a northerly course and brushed past our island chain without causing significant damage. It was a reminder that we must always be on high alert and prepared to deal with severe weather in every area where Outrigger Hotels and Resorts does business. This is particularly true in 2015 for our properties and staff in the Hawaiian Islands, where water temperatures have been unusually high – a condition that tends to keep approaching hurricanes from losing strength even as they head somewhat northward. Our island chain sits in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean and is normally threatened by about four or five tropical cyclones

Hurricane season Hawai‘i >> 6

Guillermo’s track

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Editor-In-ChiefRichard Kelley

Supervising EditorPila Hanson

Senior EditorKathy Foley

Contributing WritersHosts of OEG

Visit us online at www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com by Wednesday noon (Hawai‘i time)

Saturday Briefing is published weekly by and for hosts of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)

© 2015 Outrigger Hotels HawaiiAn Equal Opportunity Employer

Happy birthday!August 19: Darwin Dabu, Amon Damrongrit, Mariano Doculan, Reynante S. Guillermo, Amy E.M.C. Honey, Adam Ibrahim, James Rajesh Kumar, Oraumpai Pholyiam, Jope Radrodro, Judith Rapaich and Gerald Neville Richard.

August 20: Kathleen K. Copp, Kinisimere Lewaqere, Setariki Nacovu, David T.W.S. Nishi, Rosalinda Oraa, Elman N. Pagaduan, Michellee-Anne M. Phelps, Vasiti Qaraniqio, Amenatave Ratu, Rika K. Smith, Asena Ulunisau and Summer L. Flores Yoro.

August 21: Visitacion V. Blaine, Mario Dinesh, Raphael Eyre, Juana S. Guzman, Zi Jing Huang, Marika Moceleka, Rachelle Raboude, Alexander Schumacker, William Gwilliam Thaggard, Eseroma Tivulu, Nivedita Ujoodha and Jian Ying Zhang.

August 22: Medicia D.C. Jose, Jill Y.M. Kawakami, Robert Roy Kelley, Chih Chuan Kuan, Bernard S. Leybag, James Lucero and Dale M. Mustard.

August 23: Valeriana B. Domingo, Marisa M. Guerrero, Supannee Jackson, Wanphen Khumkrong, Romel G. Lizada, Conchita C. Matsumoto, Philip C. Milana Jr., Roongaroon Nganprasertkit, Satoshi Nishimura, Reynaldo E. Orpilla, Kathleen Oyadomari, Yanira B. Ramos, Benecio L. Somera, Chiu Tai Cheng Wong and Un Ha L. Zheng.

August 24: Reynaldo C. Gamboa, Linda V.G. Kelley, Prashneel Kumar, Ulamila Lakai, Munita Shivani Mudaliar, Pita Oneone, Ranuku Raqio and Isabel Santos.

August 25: Chandraduth Sing Dhunoo, Felix Abalos Ferrer, Mei Ying Gong, Marcelo C. Halog Jr., Apinya Klapsang, Eric I. Matsumoto, Jogi Naidu, Prawing Nawatong, Sarayut Panmat and Thawisak Prachongbua.

CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE

APAC

FIJI

GUAM . HAWAI‘I

THAILAND

Wed., Aug. 12 H.M. Queen’s Birthday (public holiday). Asia Pacific.

Aug. 15-22 Hibiscus Festival. Suva Foreshore, Suva, Fiji. Visit: http://goo.gl/CJjHgG

Aug. 1-31 Host Engagement Survey. Contact: HR (Guam and Hawai‘i)

Fri., Aug. 14 5 p.m., Slack Key Jam. Kani Ka Pila Grille, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach. Waikīkī, Honolulu, HI. Visit: http://goo.gl/pD7w8c

Aug. 15 & 16 Spartan Race Hawaii. Kualoa Ranch, Kahalu‘u, HI. Visit: http://spartanracehawaii.com/

Sun., Aug. 16 6 p.m. Slack Key Festival at Kapi‘olani Park. Waikīkī, Honolulu, HI. Visit: http://goo.gl/Kmhdpu

Sun., Aug. 16 3 p.m. Bike for Mom (for Her Majesty the Queen). Several Provinces, Thailand. Visit: http://goo.gl/PQeymL

If you are interested in a position listed below and meet the qualifications, please go to Outrigger.com and click on Employment. 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 positions is August 14, 2015.

KIAHUNA PLANTATION RESORT BY OUTRIGGER®Weeder (on-call)

Responsible for removing weeds and litter from lawns and groundcover. Must be able to communicate in English and be able to read and understand various written communication and instructions. Must be able to operate the following equipment and tools: hand-held blower, rake, machete and hand-held weeding tool. Must have a friendly, positive and service-oriented attitude.

KIAHUNA PLANTATION RESORT BY OUTRIGGER®Guest Services Agent/Relief Night Auditor (part-time)

A minimum of one year customer service and cash handling experience, preferably in the hospitality industry required. Must have basic computer skills and ability to type 40 wpm. Must also be a team player with excellent communication skills and ability to work any day and shift, including graveyard and night audit when needed.

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Corporate Communications Coordinator Glaiza de Gracia shares how she overcame “#gradLife”

Before moving to Hawai‘i from California for graduate school about a year and a half ago, my fitness regime included working out at the gym, running daily and occasionally fitting in Tahitian dance workouts with my halau. When I moved here, I had two “must haves:” a church of my faith and a 24 Hour Fitness in my neighborhood. Happily, my “must haves” were met. Gym workouts and daily runs continued to be routine my first year here. Like a lot of “transplants,” I began to explore Hawai‘i’s beauty through weekly hikes, enjoying the outdoors with my boyfriend, Kuaika. My workouts were going well and I was motivated to get stronger and faster. As grad school progressed, I found myself consumed in research and study. Libraries and coffee shops replaced the gym, the road and the trails. It seemed that all of a sudden I had no routine, no sleep, inconsistent workouts, all-night cram sessions and developed some bad eating habits. I conveniently blamed my unhealthy lifestyle to “#gradLife.” I knew I had to break this bad cycle and after two long years and

a graduate degree, it was time. I thought it would be “a piece of cake” to get back into exercising, but fitting in a consistent run proved difficult, not to mention my frustration in lacking stamina. Where was that muscle memory people always talk about? I felt defeated and gave up. Feeling horrible physically made me a very dramatic “Sour Patch Kid” and on the receiving end of my wrath was the one closest to me, Kuaika. He gently reminded me that I had to work my way back to where I was before, slowly. I needed to develop a routine, workout plans and meal preps to get back to the healthy lifestyle I desired. He gave me the gentle nudge and encouragement I needed to begin to slowly incorporate exercise back into my life. It wasn’t and isn’t easy; in addition, Hawai‘i’s plate lunches and malasadas taunt my self-discipline. Outdoor runs around Kapi‘olani Park or to Magic Island and back after work have helped me build my endurance. Gym workouts with Kuaika are now routine and running races are something I enjoy (thank

you, Outrigger, for sponsoring Hawai‘i sports!). Weekend hikes with visiting friends and family are a treat, and I even learned how to surf and paddleboard, so I’ve added the ocean to my playground. The clean eating adjustment is a work in progress. Kuaika is a local boy who enjoys local grinds. Lean protein with veggies isn’t popular but in support of one another, we have more vegetables, try to eat smaller portions and do treat ourselves to the occasional loco moco - yes, with gravy all over! We also limit our carbs and fats. I sometimes substitute pasta in lasagna with grilled eggplant or zucchini and use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Our NutriBullet makes great healthy smoothies, and we opt for baking rather than frying. Since improving my eating habits and incorporating more physical activity into my day, I have increased energy and am a lot more content. Let’s just say Kuaika is very happy about that too. My advice to those who are striving to get back into the game is to start small, start now and have a good support system in place. You can do it!

Glaiza and Kuaika hiking, surfing and running at the Outrigger-sponsored Hapalua

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Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas celebrationBy Sukanya Somphan (Orm)

Khun Poonperm Rungrojsri, Khun Marc Landgraf (GM) and Khun Jureerat Khwanmuang

Hosts celebrate birthdays with cake!

ESPN announces Diamond Head Classic bracket By Kathy Hansberry

As the exclusive hotel partner, Outrigger Resorts is proud to share the recently announced 2015 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic bracket to be played Dec. 22, 23 and 25 at the Stan Sheriff Center. The eight competing teams include Auburn, BYU, Harvard, New Mexico, Northern Iowa, Oklahoma, Washington State and host Hawai‘i. The multi-day, destination event will feature 12 games over three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracketed-tournament format. Three of the 12 matchups, including the championship game, will be showcased on ESPN2. A minimum of seven games will be carried on ESPNU with two additional games to be shown on ESPNU or ESPN3. The tournament has become a holiday tradition and tips off on ESPNU Dec. 22, with Auburn pitted against New Mexico at 9:30 a.m. (Hawai‘i time), followed by BYU vs.

Harvard at 11:30 a.m. Evening games feature Oklahoma vs. Washington State at 6 p.m. and Northern Iowa and tournament host Hawai‘i at 8 p.m. Basketball fans can cheer on their favorite team and catch these exciting games live by purchasing tickets online at http://www.etickethawaii.com/. For more information, visit www.HawaiianAirlinesDiamondHeadClassic.com.

On 29 July, the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas congratulated Hosts of the Month and celebrated birthdays for the month. Congratulations to:

Khun Poonperm Rungrojsri technician • Back of House

Khum Poonperm has a good attitude and is very supportive. His performance is outstanding and his good work acknowledged by his team and colleagues.

Khun Jureerat Khwanmuangkids club attendant • Front of House Khun Jureerat is friendly and supportive. Guests and fellow colleagues are appreciative of her good service and we are proud to have her on our team.

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Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort ... << From 1

The beauty of our resort matches the beauty of the island setting. Our 53 villas are spectacularly spacious from 2,271 sq ft for a beautiful Beach Pool Villa to the expansive 6,458 sq ft Presidential Villa. Guests can dive into the translucent turquoise sea from the privacy of their overwater villa, or walk a few steps across pristine powdery sand from their two-story Beach Villa into waters teaming with marine treasures. With so many beautiful, well-formed coral beds around Konotta and nearby islands, opportunities for our OZONE initiatives abound in the Maldives. In the 36 hours or so before the first guests arrived there was a tremendous “all hands on deck” team effort from our hosts and management team from the resort and our Asia-Pacific regional office. Everyone was working hard (and sweating) to make the resort and the

1 Guests arrive in spectacular fashion via speedboat

2 Pascal Billon and Darren Edmonstone look on as the ribbon is cut by our first guest

3 A warm island welcome

4 The Outrigger brand officially unveiled!

5 The opening of the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort - a well-deserved celebration!

surrounding beach ready for Aug. 1. And what a transformation it was! Congratulations and thank you to Pascal Billon and his entire team for all of the hard work and dedication in getting us to the opening. Maruhabaa to our hosts at our newest resort and to our international guests seeking a tranquil escape to their own secluded island at the exclusive Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort. Our journey to becoming the world’s premier beachfront resort brand continues!

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Hurricane season Hawai‘i ... << From 1

Hilo's Rainbow Falls after Iselle, 2014

Pacific storms crossed back and forth over the Hawaiian Islands in 2012Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger®

experienced 7.4 inches of rain in 24 hours

‘Iniki - Visitors wade down Kalia Road fronting the Outrigger Reef, 1992

each year. So far this year we have been lucky in that no hurricanes have made landfall, but it was only last year that Hurricane Iselle caused considerable damage on the Big Island of Hawai‘i.

According to Andrea Thompson, writing for Climate Central1, although Hawai‘i is in a tropical region, it “doesn’t have the same risk of being hit by tropical cyclones2 that islands in the Caribbean or Asia have. That’s because Hawai‘i is typically surrounded by relatively cold ocean waters. “Hawai‘i is in a region with wind patterns that tend to produce a lot of ‘shear,’ or a difference in the speed or direction of winds at different heights in the atmosphere that tend to rip apart a storm,” Thompson adds. “But this summer and last, that natural protection has been diminished. An El Niño has reversed those upper level winds and reduced some of the shear that can break up storms. “Storms also tend to form further [sic] to the west in the eastern Pacific during El Niño years, which makes it more likely they could reach Hawai‘i. The relationship between a higher hurricane risk for Hawai‘i and El Niño has been well established. “Waters around the islands have also been unusually warm, though this isn’t thought to be the result of El Niño. They are part of a widespread area of elevated sea surface temperatures spanning the length of the U.S. West Coast and reaching out to mid-ocean.” This is most likely one of the reasons the U.S. West Coast is experiencing such a severe drought. Many of us vividly recall when Hurricane ‘Iniki hit Kaua‘i 23 years ago, uprooting lives, destroying buildings and shutting down the tourist industry for many months. It blew down every power pole on the island. Hurricane ‘Iwa also severely impacted Kaua‘i in 1982, and Hurricane Dot hit the Big Island in 1959. Nor are the locations of some of our other properties immune from tropical cyclones. In 2002, Typhoon Chata’an

and Super Typhoon Pongsona delivered a one-two punch and caused severe damage – including to our properties – on Guam, which sits right in the middle of the western Pacific’s “Typhoon Alley.” With all this information in mind, it seems like a good time to get out the manuals, review safety procedures, emergency staffing procedures, etc. In Hawai‘i, “Hurricane Season” lasts from June through November. Let’s be prepared!

-------------------------1 http://www.climatecentral.org/what-we-do/people/andrea-thompson 2 tropical cyclones - The generic term for tropical storms, hurricanes and typhoons (Glossary – National Hurricane Center)3 http://goo.gl/fMOQXy

‘Iniki - A waterfall down the Outrigger Reef’s basement steps