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January 14, 2012 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

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Alfred Preis 2011 Honoree: Jean Rolles

By Kevin Takemori, Hawai‘i Arts Alliance

On Friday, January 6, 2012, Hawai‘i Arts Alliance celebrated Jean Rolles with the prestigious Alfred Preis Honor for her lifetime commitment and support for the arts and arts education in Hawai‘i. Established in 1982, the Alfred Preis Honor is named after the founder of Hawai‘i Arts Alliance. An architect in Honolulu, Alfred Preis’ most noteworthy design is the iconic U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. He was also the first Executive Director for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and is recognized as creator of the legislation that designates one percent of public building construction funds for Art in Public Places. Jean has been a long-time supporter and leader of statewide as well as national efforts to bring arts into the schools to improve performance in ALL areas of learning. The sold-out dinner honoring Jean was held at the Kahala Hotel & Resort’s elegant Maile Ballroom. Many of the biggest supporters of the arts and education in Hawai‘i were there to honor Jean, in what many touted as “the Arts Celebration of the Year.” The audience was awed with a special performance by the entire Hawaii Opera Theatre Chorus, led by past Arts Alliance Chair Nola Nahulu, and past Preis honoree Beebe Freitas. An ensemble from the Hawaii Opera Theatre also offered an oli and doxology to open the

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Memories of Estelle L. Kelley

By Dr. Richard Kelley

My father, Roy C. Kelley, usually gets most of the credit for founding our company in 1947, but the truth is that my mother, Estelle Kelley, played an equally vital role, and I believe her influence is still felt in the DNA of every part of Outrigger Enterprises Group. I was reminded of that this past week and would like to share some memories of my mother with you. My thoughts about Estelle became focused last Monday evening as I attended a dinner in Denver honoring this year’s “Citizen of the West.” This annual event is part of the huge National Western Stock Show. Cowboys, ranchers, farmers, their suppliers and other members of the agricultural community converge on Denver from all over Colorado and adjacent states to exchange ideas, demonstrate their skills and pick up information on the latest technology and equipment needed to survive in today’s world. The person named Citizen of the West is one who embodies the spirit and determination of the Western pioneering heritage and ideals. This year’s honoree was Lynne Cheney, wife of the former U.S. vice president, Dick Cheney, who also attended the event. Even as a girl, Lynne Cheney demonstrated the spirit, determination and ideals of the West. As I listened to her story, I noted a great deal of similarity to the life of Estelle Kelley, even though the two ladies grew up in different parts of the country and different decades of the 20th century. Lynne Ann Vincent was born in the little town of Casper, Wyoming, on August 14, 1941, less than four months before the bombs fell on Pearl Harbor. As a teenager, she rode horses in barrel races and roped calves in the local rodeo arena. She served as a majorette in her high school’s marching band, and today she can still

Seated: Kathy and David Carey, Jean Rolles and Dr. Chuck KelleyStanding: Donna Leong, Estelle M. Kelley, Alan and Debbie White and Gregg and Ruthann Yamanaka

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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 Proofing Assistant: Char Luning Contributing Writers: Employees of OEG

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

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com, via interoffice mail to OEH/HR, or by phone at (808) 921-6957.

© 2012 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

CondolencesBy Ivy Kwok

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 ABOUT OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT. We only accept online applications for the open-listed positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 921-6989. Application deadline for the following positions is January 20, 2012.

Outrigger Aina Nalu ResortGuest Service Representative (Full Time & On Call)

Must have at least one year customer service and cashiering experience, preferably in the hospitality industry. Excellent computer skills and ability to type 30 wpm required. Must be a team player with excellent communication skills and flexibility to work any shift and day.

Outrigger Kanaloa at KonaMaintenance (Full Time)

Must have a minimum of two years experience with interior and exterior maintenance, including demonstrated ability to install, repair, service, inspect, and maintain FF&E facilities. Must also have experience with heating, cooling, plumbing, ventilation, water, electrical and mechanical systems and be flexible to work any day and shift.

EmploymEnt opportunitiEs

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Hyo Im Chung, a Housekeeper at the Outrigger Waikiki who passed away on January 4. Hyo Im Chung joined Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in October 1984. She was a hard worker and a deeply caring person. Her generosity and thoughtfulness were always appreciated by her team when she would bring in Korean food from her home to share. 

Happy Birthday!

Jan 25: Ulamila B., Violeta F. Robles, Jaime B. Companero and Reynaldo Sumilong.

Jan 26: Brenda Nunez, Avery K. Aoki, Marie Perez and Ingyu (Ted) Yang.

Jan 27: Jane T., Ateca B., Tepola R., Tokasa N Betty Cabasag, Benjamin M. Semana Jr., Magnolia G. Tivao, Ritchie C. Suico, Julyann Abraham and Shae Hageman.

Jan 28: William W., Mohammed F., Jody K. Munetake, Xiao F. Xu, Inocencia P. Baclig, Erika S. Notebo-Wakumoto, Romeo Roman Magbanua, Leonida G. Lumantas, Jung Soo Kim, Aki Gunderson, Ruben Datoc Sarol, Shawn Bailado, Louisa S. Cabanas, Hannah Coughlan and Bhumika Patel.

Jan 29: Silovate N., Asmeen B., Rusila T., Michelle Y. Johnson, Tracy J. Crofton, Ann W.C. Law, and Mindy E. Nakagawa.

Jan 30: Etuate L., Elise K. Maddy, Alma A. Cabot, Rudolph D. Seifert, Kabe Langidrik, Agnes Mamis, Robin L. Walsh, Marlyn U. Locquiao, Faye Yoshino Fernandez, Thelma Ninter and Madison Tingate.

Jan 31: Jefferson C. Pascual, Severino T. Palacay Jr., Ramsey C. Garcia, Oliver Andres De Leon, Sebastian A.W. Wells, Anthony Dizon, Sharol Kasio, Charles Hayllar, Cecilio Alimboyong and Sandra Martin.

Our condolences to her husband Sun Kyu Chung and her 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. We will truly miss her.

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IT Goes Narcissus!By Sheila Pike

 

IT held a team building exercise that began on November 1 and ended on December 28. Along the way, there was much fun, learning and camaraderie that allowed staff members to get to know one another better and from a different perspective. Indoor blooming kits were given to each team member to begin our third annual plant contest. Everyone had the same box of Paperwhites consisting of a white plastic pot, a condensed planting mix disk the size of a hockey puck and four narcissus bulbs. Contestants were to follow the three easy steps on the side of the box: Step 1: grow their soil by adding 2 cups of warm water, allowing it all to be absorbed into a full pot of planting mix. Amazing! Step 2: Plant bulb(s) in soil. Step 3: Place in sunny, warm spot and enjoy flowers in 3 – 5 weeks. Easier for some than others! Rules were laid out for all to follow: Only use what’s in the box, no taking them home and those with windows were to share their sun space. Prizes were given for Best Overall, First Bloom, Biggest and Most Flowers, Tallest, ‘Poor T’ing’ and Best Decorated. Men would judge the ladies’ plants and vice versa. Best overall would be voted on by everyone.

There was lots of competitiveness, lots of bragging, lots of comparing and once, an accidental sabotaging! We were amazed by any form of growth — a bulb that was finally sprouting, leaves that were growing, buds appearing almost overnight and even some blooming flowers.  Different strategies were researched and followed as to the best place to promote growth like on the windowsill, on top of cabinets, inside dark cabinets, in dark rooms, under desks and on top of desks. On the day of the finals some team members’ plants had flowers, some had leaves and some were still at the beginning stages of just bulbs. For the Best Decorated competition, the entries were outstanding with various adornments — Spam balloons, stickers, ornaments, cotton wonderlands, Christmas bulbs, garland, handwritten designs and a tomb for the plant that won the ‘Poor T’ing’ award. Best Overall went to the Spam®-decorated plant because its owner also dressed in Spam® attire! Everyone was a winner! Our team became closer as we experienced the fun of watching our plants grow. Here it is week ten and there are fragrant flowers in the office. And yes, some of us still have bulbs, but we are hopeful they will blossom into beautiful flowers in the coming weeks.

Photo above: In the beginning... Front: Crystal Salavea, Sheila Pike, Lisa Sur, Marivic Gushikuma and Laurie Hirata. Back: Raymond Scott, John Neeley, Donnella Frantz, Colleen Harada, JenniferThepsenavong, Reed Nakamura, Alan Lee and David Reed.

Contestant participants not pictured: Jason Sewell and Hong Nguyen

Photo left: Entries from the ladiesPhoto bottom left: Entries from the men

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Outrigger Laguna Phuket Host of the Year

By Patcharee (Paew) Chanantho

Congratulations to Khun Wirayut Sangkaew (Pom) awarded Host of Year. Khun Pom joined Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas from pre-opening as Steward. He displays consistency in productivity, an excellent attitude towards his peers and management and after one year, was promoted to Cook Helper. Khun Pom said that he was ecstatic and greatly honoured to receive this award and thanked all for this opportunity. He promised to continue to work to the highest standard he can whilst improving job knowledge and training in development of his career path. Whilst not expecting to be Executive Chef in the future, he will work his best towards his dream. A deserving winner!

  The runner up for Host of Year is Matohey Chetae (Ma). Khun Ma joined the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas just over one year ago. This married, 29-year-old is also a proud father of a newborn girl. He said it is a pleasure to be a part of Outrigger team.   Arriving to Outrigger with limited hospitality background, Khun Ma has a big personality and vibrant personality. From day one, he worked hard and is often rewarded with guest feedback accolades and well as recognition by his team. Congratulations to two of 2011 shining stars!

GM Darren Shaw, Khun Pom and Executive Chef Robert Czeschka

Darren Shaw, Khun Ma and Rooms Division Manager Khun Aey

Aussie Mateship AwardsBy Gavan Conway

 

Earlier this year employees in Australia developed “Mateship Values” to complement Outrigger’s Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a values. Our Mateship values are all about being there for each other, and helping your mate. To celebrate the introduction of “Mateship,” employees were asked to nominate a workmate who exemplifies the values. Three team members were chosen to receive a “Mateship Award.” Congratulations: 

Frances Hale (E-Commerce Manager Corporate Office)• “Fran is the go to girl in

the office for problems.”• “I feel that Fran

would stand by me and support me both personally and professionally.”

• I think she fits the mateship values very well.”

Thiago Magalhaes

(Houseman)• “Because he is a team

player and no job is ever too hard, always happy to help which makes my job easier.” “He goes about his work effortlessly; no job is too big or too small for him to do.”

• “He is always willing to assist any one that has a request.”

 Simon Gordon (Public Area Cleaner)

• “Simon is always happy and enthusiastic, with a big smile on his face.”

• “He is always friendly and helpful towards others.”

• “Reliable & Honest with a ‘Can-Do’ attitude, without expecting anything in return.”

 

It is worth noting that both Thiago (Brazil) and Simon (England) have only recently moved to Australia. It is a credit to them that they have adapted to the Australian lifestyle so quickly. Each winner was presented with an ‘Akubra’ hat. The Akubra is the Aussie answer to the American cowboy hat which is traditionally worn by stockmen and other outdoor workers.  

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Paddle 4 at the Holiday Inn© Waikiki Beachcomber Resort“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

By Darnell Zablan

Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a Christmas Tree of OrnamentsWinning Ornament • Darnell Zablan Manager’s Choices on our Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a Board

In keeping up with the holiday season and the Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a paddle process, the Holiday Inn© Waikiki Beachcomber Resort celebrated Paddle 4 – “Celebrating Why We Do What We Do” with our first ornament contest.  Each employee was given an opportunity to express the paddle theme with one unique requirement − to utilize our OHANA-branded coasters in support of our green efforts.

Our employees impressed one another with their creativity and holiday spirit in the Outrigger Way. The common themes were family, friends, travel and God, which corresponded perfectly with what the holiday season is all about. Overall, all of our employees were winners, and it was remarkable to see their creations displayed during our Annual Christmas Luncheon.

The Celebrations Continue at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji

By Una Murray

While Christmas tales tell of Santa/Father Christmas in his red suit arriving from the sky on his sleigh, it was a far different story at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji on Sunday, December 25. He surprised guests with children and staff by paddling ashore on a kayak! He attended the morning service and the celebrations surrounding the season and gave out sweets and gifts to the children. There were lots of activities throughout the day and special menus at all our Food & Beverage establishments. On Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, at the Baravi, guests relaxed by the pool while listening to live jazz or took part in lots of fun activities. Again our Food & Beverage establishments joined in the festivities by offering fine seafood, Southwest American fare and even a barbecue!

Father Christmas with Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji guests

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Alfred Preis 2011 Honoree: Jean Rolles

Continued from page 1

Sharon McPhee (Hawai‘i Arts Alliance board member), Jean Rolles and Marilyn Cristofori (Hawai‘i Arts Alliance CEO).

program. Following dinner, all 60 singers surrounded the room to present selections from Verdi’s Aida. Premium table purchases included named scholarships, in Jean’s honor, to the Hawaii Opera Theatre, the Academy of Arts and the East-West Center. Young’s Market Hawaii generously provided a selection of fine wines to compliment the Kahala’s well-received “surf-n-turf” dinner menu. Guests participated in a special “Drawing for the ART$” which supported arts education in Hawai‘i schools. Featured in this drawing were exclusive paintings by Kamea Hadar and Henry Hao; original sculptures by Satoru Abe and John Koga; jewelry created by internationally renowned metal smith artist Gene Pijanowski; and a two-night stay for two at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. Arts Alliance Board member Chris Patrinos, President of ToKaMedia, created a special “Raiders of the Lost Ark”-themed video presentation entitled “Indiana Jean,” featuring photos of Jean on her global adventures and travels. Past Preis Honorees Robert Midkiff and Beebe Freitas presented Jean with a special sterling silver ARTS logo medal, created by Gene Pijanowski and modeled after the Kennedy Center Honors award. The medal received by Jean is the first of its kind issued by the Arts Alliance. Each guest received a hand-made koa wood box as a personal gift, created and donated by The Makery at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa College of Education. Jean capped the evening with passionate, well-received remarks thanking the Arts Alliance and the arts community for their support over the years. She reminded everyone that school arts programs are often the first budget item to get cut or eliminated during tough economic times. She highlighted the important and active role fulfilled by the Hawai‘i Arts Alliance in supporting all the arts and arts education in Hawai‘i. Congratulations, Jean!

“Cover Girl” Ivy Kwok

By Robert McConnell

Executive Housekeeping Today magazine, a national publication of the International Executive Housekeepers Association, will be featuring our own Outrigger veteran, Ivy Kwok in their February executive profile section.

The interview, photo and resulting article will feature Ivy’s professional background with Outrigger covering over 38 years. In addition, the article touches on some of Ivy’s personal background, such as when she arrived in Hawai‘i from Hong Kong in 1973 and worked as a room attendant at what was then the Outrigger West Hotel. Here’s a taste of what Ivy shared: “During her first week on the job, Ivy recalls it as very labor intensive. Which today, she shares her experience with her newly hired employees; she encourages them to take long soaks in the tub to re-energize for the following day. ‘It will be ‘duck soup’ (local slang meaning easy) because your body will get used to the physical demands.” Ivy takes tremendous pride in her work, treating the department and housekeepers as precious assets and as family. She displays a sense of unwavering loyalty to the company and employees. There are many reflections of good qualities and values seen in Ivy’s performance and work ethic. Ivy’s positive attitude, open-mindedness and networking abilities help her get through the daily challenges. Checkout the rest of Ivy’s interview in the February issue of Executive Housekeeping Today and congratulations, “Cover Girl!”

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Memories of Estelle L. KelleyContinued from page 1

Estelle, Pat, Jean, Rich and Roy Kelley are picked up by George Ball and his son on the banks of the Stikine River in Alaska, circa 1948

Estelle at Waikīkī Beach, 1929 Continued on page 8

amaze her grandchildren with her baton-twirling skills. Her high school sweetheart was classmate Richard Cheney. After high school, Lynne attended Colorado College, received her master’s degree from the University of Colorado and earned a Ph.D. in British literature from the University of Wisconsin. She married Dick Cheney in 1964, when they were both 23 years old. She raised two children and, although her husband started a political career in 1969 as an intern to Congressman William Steiger, Lynne pursued her own talents in writing. She has published 14 books, six of which were best-selling history books for children and their families. Others focused on the importance of knowing about the leaders, events and ideas that have shaped our nation and the world. Lynne has demonstrated that she is a leader with many skills. She served as chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 to 1993. In 1995, she founded the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, a think tank devoted to reforming higher education. She is a senior fellow in education and culture at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. From 1995 to 1998, she served as co-host of the Sunday edition of CNN’s Crossfire, replacing Tony Snow. In Blue Skies, No Fences, a book about growing up in the West, Lynne wrote, “You could see yourself creating your own future rather than having one handed to you. And it never occurred to me that my chances of doing this were diminished because I was a girl.” At the Citizen of the West dinner, former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson spoke about Lynne and Dick Cheney’s partnership over the years, saying, “I can tell you that Dick would never have had the success he’s had without her.” At the end of the evening, as I reflected on the life of Citizen of the West Lynne Cheney, I came to the conclusion that she is a modern-day version of Estelle Kelley. Like Lynne, Estelle came from humble beginnings. She was raised in the Los Angeles area and demonstrated a great deal of spark and drive even in her high school days. To go to college in the early 1920s, she would boldly drive across rough fields and poorly maintained roads to get to a recently established branch of the University of California a number of miles west of her home. That institution is now called UCLA. When she and Roy came to Hawai‘i in 1929, Estelle secured a job as a legal secretary with Judge James Coke to provide household funds while Roy pursued his architectural career. Later, as she and Roy began to rent out apartments in Waikīkī, she interviewed prospective tenants, kept the books, and cooked and served lunches to the

workmen building new apartments that Roy had designed. She raised three children and, in 1942, was a single parent in Los Angeles for some time after she and the children were evacuated to the U.S. mainland following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Women and children were given priority and Roy stayed behind.

After World War II, Estelle took on more and more responsibilities in running the fledgling hotel company that would eventually become Outrigger Enterprises Group. She booked reservations by sending out personal letters to prospective guests using a manual typewriter, placing the letters into an envelope and affixing a three-cent stamp in the upper right-hand corner. She was the gentle but firm person who handled difficult guests and occasional employment issues. Then she would come home and make dinner for the family, including a delicious dessert, which I can still taste in my mind. It is interesting to note that in the late 1940s, we spent several family summer vacations in Wyoming and once or twice stayed at a dude ranch, the HF Bar Ranch,

just 125 miles north of Casper. Maybe there was something in the local water that sparked leadership in both Lynne and Estelle. Those were the days when opportunities for women were limited. But, like Lynne Cheney, it never occurred to Estelle that she could not do anything she wanted “just because she was a girl.” Roy and Estelle were a great team and, just like in the Cheney family, I can tell you that Roy would never have enjoyed the success he did without her.

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Memories of Estelle L. KelleyContinued from page 7

Estelle answered reservation requests by hand, mid-1960s Estelle on the steps at Diamond Head, late 1960s

Estelle, 1980s

Estelle’s character, strength, leadership and determination are remembered today in several ways. Outrigger’s unique computerized reservation system – the successor to her individually typed confirmation letters – is named “STELLEX.” In addition, each year the Estelle Louise Kelley Scholarship Program helps many young men and women at Kapi‘olani Community College who are developing their skills in Travel & Tourism. I recently received a letter from one of these students, who wrote, “My college education has benefited immensely from this scholarship. I would not have been able to take the classes I wanted without it. I am currently working towards my associate degree in Travel & Tourism and plan to transfer to the University of Hawai‘i to get my bachelor’s degree in Travel Industry Management. It is very touching to find people like you in the community who generally care about the well being and prosperity of others.” Outrigger’s roots run deep, right to the spirit of our founders, Roy and Estelle Kelley. Just like Lynne Cheney, they were both unique, memorable Citizens of the West!

Khun Ball Impresses Judges with a Most Creative PizzaBy Patcharee (Paew) Chanantho

The Outrigger Laguna Phuket’s Executive Chef Robert “Luck” Czeschka presented a certificate for an award winning “most creative pizza” to Chanon Jitaree (Khun Ball) at the Asian Hospitality and Travel Show.

Khun Ball impressed judges with his use of innovative and creative pizza toppings. Khun Ball’s inspiration comes from Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas’ contemporary restaurant that provides guests an opportunity to create their own pizza by choosing from a large selection of toppings featuring a selection of meats, cheese, fresh herbs, seafood and fresh organic vegetables.

Pizza Chef Ball also collected points for his thin and crisp base, as well as his pizza-making methods following traditional Italian styles.

  Khun Ball with Executive Chef Robert “Luck” Czeschka