3.3 MB PDF - Saturday Briefing

November 25, 2006
Revamped Website
Gives Visitors a Real Feel
for Waikiki Beach Walk™
By Mel Kaneshige
Waikiki Beach Walk™ recently launched its new interactive website that allows
visitors to effortlessly peruse the various shopping, dining, and hotel options that
Waikiki Beach Walk™ will offer beginning December 2006. The new site has the same
address as the old site, www.waikikibeachwalk.com, but is completely revamped with
features such as a comprehensive map of the entire Waikiki Beach Walk area, in-depth
descriptions of the stores, restaurants and attractions, and numerous photographs.
Continued on page 10
Waikiki Beach Walk’s™ newly updated website at www.waikikibeachwalk.com
allows visitors to experience exciting hotel, shopping, and dining options
Sleepless in Suva
Government Standoff
in Fiji
In Fiji, this time of the year is
normally very good for tourism.
Championship surfers gather to test
their skills on the big waves near
Tavarua, school semesters are ending
in Australia and New Zealand, and
families are looking forward to a
tropical vacation in Fiji over the
Christmas holidays. Hotels run near
capacity, hotel workers have excellent
job opportunities, and the government
collects millions of dollars in tax
revenues. Unfortunately this year, a
standoff between various factions of
government has many fearing there
will be another attempt to overthrow
the political leadership, which would
shatter what is normally the peak
visitor season. That fear is not without
foundation because, since 1987, there
have been three coups and a failed
mutiny in this beautiful, multiethnic,
multi-island nation.
According to various news reports,
the standoff began when the popularlyelected government introduced three
controversial bills in parliament.
• The Qoliqoli legislation that would
transfer rights to commercially use
the waters and seabeds surrounding
the islands to private parties.
• Another bill aimed at identifying
the traditional ownership of what is
now freehold land. Some fear this
Continued on page 6
Saturday Briefing
Page 1
Happy Birthday!
Dec 12: Amado D. Duque Jr., Sidney
B. Daez, Jiezhen Su, Guadalupe A.
Esposo, Consuelo P. Butay, and Aileen
G. Geronimo.
Dec 13: Shao Bing Liang, Renato G.
Garingo, Nancy G. Morelli, and Lorry
M. Ijima Sato.
Dec 14: Eddie G. Dolores, Ruthann S.
Yamanaka, Jessie P. Jacinto, Dayle S.
Hoopai, Coral N. Livingston, Micheal
S. Sloan, Stephanie M. Mau, Christina
Iokia, Jennifer L. Hum, and Shao
Huan Liu.
Dec 15: Qun Hao Huang, Yue Jun L.
Li, Ricardo Damo Jr., Manuel M. Oro,
Russell G. Helton, and Dayna L. Trovato
Dec 16: Lacey R. Smith, Rahmes C.
Relampagos, Lois S. Ajimine, and
Daryll Hersche.
Dec 17: Jeffery N. K. Luahiwa, Manuel
Alforo, Abbi E. Olson, Laureano B.
Sanchez, Sharon C. Y. Kim, Teresa
A. Shepherd, Shanly Wu, Imelda A.
Lumabao, and Ok Soon Kim.
Dec 18: Shao Qiong L. Liu.
Saturday Briefing is published by and for
employees of Outrigger Hotels Hawaii.
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley
Senior Editor: Marie Casciato
Assistant Editor: Lehua Kala`i
Contributing Writers: Outrigger/OHANA Employees
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) 921-6601.
Visit us online at: www.outrigger.com/sb or
www.ohanahotels.com/sb
© 2006 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii
Saturday Briefing
Page 2
An Equal Opportunity Employer
If you are interested in the positions 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) 921-6989.
Application deadline for the following positions is December 1, 2006.
Organizational Development and Internal Communications
(Full-Time)
Will be responsible for developing and administrating programs that facilitate
the growth and development of employees, as well as enhanced internal
communications processes to ensure employees are consistently and regularly
informed of company news and events and that are coordinated with existing
internal communication programs. At least five years experience in organizational
development and internal communications, and a bachelor’s degree in
organizational development, psychology, human resources, or communications
required. Knowledge of employment laws, basics of curriculum design adult
learning principles, and demonstrated proficiency with technology essential. Must
have excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to design and
deliver effective and professional programs to all levels of employees.
Housekeeping Clerk
(Full-Time)
At least five years in housekeeping required. Must have basic computer knowledge,
be able to speak and understand English, and be flexible to work any shift and day.
Mauna Loa Village by the Sea - Housekeeper
(Full-Time, Part-Time, On-Call)
Must be able to work flexible days and shifts. Experience in cleaning and
servicing guest rooms and/or public areas preferred. Interested applicants may fax
their in-house application to (808) 322-6301.
Waithelp/Cashier (On Call)
Must have at least a year of restaurant experience and be flexible to work day and
evening shifts. Experience with Micros preferred.
Waithelp/Porter (Part Time)
Must have at least a year of restaurant experience and be flexible to work day and
evening shifts.
Porter/Utility (Part Time)
Must have at least a year of restaurant experience and be flexible to work day and
evening shifts.
Outrigger Waipouli Beach
Bell Person (Full time)
Must have at least six months customer service experience, be able to lift 70 lbs
and flexible to work any shift and day. Interested applicants may fax their in-house
application to (808) 823-1400.
Outrigger Waipouli Beach
Room Attendant (Full Time)
Must be able to work flexible days and shifts. Experience in cleaning and
servicing guest rooms and/or public areas preferred. Interested applicants may fax
their in-house application to (808) 823-1400.
Human Resources Reorganizing
to Support Future Growth at Outrigger
By Ruthann Yamanaka
I’m happy to announce
some exciting changes in
our Human Resources
department that will help
us better serve Outrigger’s
growing ‘ohana and
business needs.
Our department has
made the following changes:
• LiLi Hallett has been
promoted to corporate
director, Human
Resources Business
Partner. She will oversee
a team of professionals
Ruthann Yamanaka
who will provide services
for Outrigger, OHANA, Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach
Walk™, Wyndham®, and the Condominium Collection
properties in Hawaii. The team, which reports to LiLi,
includes current Human Resources Division Director
Kathy Oyadomari, current Human Resources Manager
Colleen Tanioka, and newly-hired Human Resources
Manager Clarisse Eguchi (See related story on page 10).
• Corporate Director Patty Foley will continue as head of
the Human Resource Service Center. The work previously
done by Colleen Tanioka as Manager has been reallocated
to Sheri Braunthal and Monica Fo.
üSheri Braunthal has been promoted to Manager,
Employment & Benefits. In addition to her current
benefits responsibilities, she is now responsible for all
functions relating to staffing and recruitment. Human
Resources Assistant Eric Ishikawa supports Sheri.
üMonica Fo has been promoted to Manager, Human
Resource Administration & Compensation. In addition to
compensation, Monica now oversees all aspects of Human
Resource Administration, including records management
and human resources information reporting. Jennifer
Peralta, who was promoted to Human Resource Assistant,
supports her.
• The Cultural Experiences department headed by Ka‘ipo
Ho will now focus exclusively on Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, which
highlights the importance of Outrigger’s well-established
employee-written values and goals.
• The newly-created position of Manager, Organizational
Development and Internal Communications, will support
the diverse training and development needs of employees.
(See Employment Opportunities on page 2.)
With these changes, the Human Resources Department
can better deliver strategic approaches to our human resources
functions, while continuing our goal of maintaining a positive
employee experience. That’s simply “The Outrigger Way.”
We look forward to the exciting times of working
together with our exceptional Outrigger ‘ohana!
Moments of Aloha
Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa
“We recently were on the Island of Kauai and were driving by the Outrigger Waipouli
Beach Resort and stopped in to see if we could get a look at this new Outrigger Resort.
The Resort was just starting to accept guests. We were sent down a hallway by a security
guard and walked into an office that said ‘Outrigger Resorts.’ We were greeted by a
gentleman named Dale Stetson, the general manager of the hotel. He immediately asked
us if we wanted to go on a tour of the resort, dropped what he was doing and showed
us around. The reason I’m writing this letter is to say thank you to Dale for going out
of his way to accommodate us without notice and to let the folks at Outrigger know
that a person like Dale is rare to run into. We do site reviews all over the world and Dale is at
the very top of our list for GM’s. He was friendly, helpful, and also has a great sense of humor.
Thanks Dale and hopefully when we return to Kauai next year we’ll be able to secure fam rates
for your resort. The Waipouli Beach Resort is certainly one of Outriggers best resorts, a first
class property. We returned from the islands and haven’t stopped talking about it yet. We will be
sending many guests there in the future.”
Chuck and Connie Brook
Outrigger Specialists
Express Travel, Inc.-Incentive Connection Travel, Inc.   
Medford, Oregon
Dale Stetson
Saturday Briefing
Page 3
A Chief Engineer’s Job is Never Done
By Mindy Daub
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort’s
(KBR) Chief Engineer Victor
Macabio found his job description
taking on a new dimension—
snorkeling! KBR is perched over
the water, and in the aftermath
of the recent earthquake, a lot of
debris ended up in our beautiful
ocean. So, Victor brought in his
snorkel, fins, and net and dove
right in to remove the debris that
fell into the water below the hotel.
After all, we do need to protect
our resident honu and friends.
Mahalo Victor!
Saturday Briefing
Page 4
Society of Seven to be Inducted into
Las Vegas Walk of Stars
By Fran Kirk
Although an afternoon ceremony is scheduled and the
sun will be high in the sky, the stars are sure to shine bright
for the Society of Seven (SOS) on Tuesday, November 28,
when they will be inaugurated into the Las Vegas Walk of
Stars at a special ceremony to be held at the well-known
Flamingo Las Vegas hotel.
The Las Vegas Walk of Stars was developed in
cooperation with Clark County, which sanctioned four
miles of sidewalk to the East and West of Las Vegas
Boulevard South between Sahara and Russell. A three-foot
square slab of polished granite, weighing 180 pounds, will
be inlaid with the SOS name and placed in front of the
Flamingo Las Vegas during the November 28 ceremony,
which will be attended by such notables as Honolulu
Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and Mendrei L. and Cecilia
Leelin of Rosy Cheeks Entertainment Group Inc., which
produces Society of Seven in Las Vegas.
Since the “original” group relocated to Las Vegas, the
Society of Seven has become one of the city’s top entertainment
attractions. Now appearing at 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays
at the Flamingo Las Vegas, Society of Seven has been called
“fabulous, must see!” by the Las Vegas Sun, “hilarious” by
Showbiz Weekly and “A Strip staple!” by the Las Vegas Review
Journal. In a recent review, Las Vegas Magazine called the SOS
“a powerhouse of eclectic talent, pitch-perfect harmony, solid
gold choreography and unabashed merriment.”
The Society of Seven has been praised for combining
“every show on the strip on one stage.” Their lavish
production numbers range from blues to comedy,
impersonations to rock, humor to instrumentals and ballads.
From the group’s historical roots performing on the Ed
Sullivan Show after the TV host saw them playing at the
Thunderbird to their early years as a show band, the Society
of Seven has evolved into a stellar group whose “secret magic
is conveying an instant likeability,” said the recent Las Vegas
Review Journal. Earlier in their career, the group performed
at the Sahara, Flamingo Las Vegas, Golden Nugget, Aladdin,
and later Bally’s, as well as cementing their popularity at the
Outrigger Main Showroom in Honolulu.
Founder Tony Ruivivar and original SOS member Bert
Sagum have stood the test of time with a show that “rings
home as genuine.” It’s no wonder that Las Vegas has taken to
the group, and given its top honor to the Society of Seven.
Who are the SOS?
Founder-director-leader Tony Ruivivar is the creative
force behind the group’s lively performances, which not only
delight sold-out audiences at the Flamingo, but also on the
Society of Seven’s international tours and return visits to the
historic Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu. Ruivivar also is known
for his guitar artistry and vocals, as well as his introductions
of the group’s numbers.
Bert Sagum, also in SOS since the start, is the
unpredictable comic center of the group, the “spark plug”
who fires them up, and the source of laughs from audience
members of all ages.
Hoku Low, who has been in the group almost 30 years,
boasts a crystal clear high voice and plays both bass and
horns. Newcomers Marc Escueta, multi-talented in voice,
instruments, and comedy, and impressive vocalist Vince
Mendoza, who also is on saxophone and drums, add to
the appeal of the Society of Seven, which is rounded out
by long-time members and musical arrangers Roy Guerzo,
keyboardist, and Wayne Wakai on keyboards and horns.
When performing at the Flamingo, SOS is now joined by
two-time Philippine Entertainer of the Year, Lani Misalucha,
who adds a sexy vibe to the group with her sultry voice and
natural stage presence.
The Las Vegas Walk of Stars has honored celebrities such
as Wayne Newton, Liberace, Rich Little, TV gaming legend
and best selling author Wayne Allyn Root, and most recently
the Las Vegas show greats Siegfried & Roy. If any Outrigger or
OHANA employees are in Las Vegas on November 28, I hope
you’ll stop by the Flamingo to see the Society of Seven receive
this wonderful honor.
The Society of Seven
Saturday Briefing
Page 5
Sleepless in Suva
Continued from page 1
will cloud the title on private property and perhaps lead to
endless litigation as to whether compensation paid at the
time of the original transfer was “fair.”
• The Tolerance and Reconciliation bill is probably the most
controversial, as it would essentially be a “get out of jail
free” ticket for George Speight and others now in prison
for their involvement in the last attempt to overthrow the
government, the Coup of 2000.
On one side is Prime
Minister Laisenia Qarase who
believes his election has given
him a mandate to push through
this legislation. Against him is
the head of the Fiji military,
Commodore Voreqe “Frank”
Bainimarama, who is firm in his
opposition to the Tolerance and
Reconciliation bill. In between
sits the Great Council of Chiefs,
a 52-member body that plays a
constitutional role in selecting
the president and almost half of
Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase
the Senate seats in parliament.
To me, it is interesting that the issues in Fiji are not
unlike some of the issues we have tackled in Hawaii.
• The Qoliqoli legislation reminds me of Hawaii’s laws
that give certain private property rights to the owners of
shoreline fishponds.
• The concept of questioning ownership of land is still being
resolved in Hawaii, with recent court decisions affirming
certain gathering rights vested in Hawaiians who can prove
Dr. Kelley (right) with Mr. Geoffrey Shaw,
owner of Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji and Castaway Island Resort, Fiji
lineage to original landowners, even though the land was
sold many, many years ago.
• The potential release of George Speight, et al., from prison
comes from the Fijian tradition of forgiveness by way of
presentation and exchange of tabua—whale’s teeth—to
the aggrieved party, in this case, the greater community. In
Hawaii, a similar tradition exists. Called ho‘oponopono, it
has three elements—confession, apology, and forgiveness—
which together lead to conflict resolution.
Continued on page 7
Entertainers at Castaway Island Resort, Fiji keep a bowl of kava handy throughout the evening
Saturday Briefing
Page 6
Sleepless in Suva
Continued from page 6
In the meantime, the uncertainty in Fiji has had
a definite impact on overseas tourism. Occupancy
at Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji will be about 60
percent this month and in the range of 70 percent
during the next 60 days. Our popular companion
property, Castaway Island Resort, located about
20 miles off Nadi, has not experienced any
cancellations. However, at the larger hotels on
Denarau Island, a few minutes’ drive from Nadi,
which depend on the Meetings, Incentives,
Conventions, and Exhibitions markets (MICE),
there have been reports of significant loss of business
since the standoff began about a month ago.
At Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji, work on
the beautiful hilltop spa continues and is expected
to be completed during the first quarter of 2007.
It will be a fantastic facility.
Let’s hope that by the time the spa is ready to
open its doors, if not sooner, tabua will have been
exchanged, and Fiji will continue to be a favorite
destination for travelers from around the world.
The main dining room at Castaway Island, Fiji
Pool at Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji taken in May 2006. Construction on hilltop is the spa building, which, six months later, is nearing completion.
Saturday Briefing
Page 7
From the Whacky, Wonderful Workers of
Wyndham - Waikiki Beach Walk™
By Neil Murakami
On September 18, our journey began by donning hard
hats and trekking through the myriad of barriers on Lewers
Street. Upon reaching our new workplace, we found that the
elevators weren’t turned over to us, so up the stairs we went.
We started from the top floor, unpacking boxes of plates,
silverware, cups, pots, and pans. We put together vacuum
cleaners and tested washers. We set up beds and dusted. And
when we were done, we moved down to the next floor! As the last floor seemed to become a reality, we readied
ourselves by attending training offered by Wyndham’s corporate
office, as well as a team composed of various management staff
from Wyndham resorts scattered throughout the U.S.
We were introduced to the program MAGIC (Make A
Great Impression on the Customer) and incorporated our
Ke `Ano Wa`a values into Wyndham’s customer service
training. Best of all, we made new friends and bonds began
to form among our team.
Days passed and paper cuts healed, missing linen was
found, and broken light bulbs fixed. We practiced our
“MAGIC” and navigated our way through a new PMS
system, and finally, with great anticipation, we welcomed our
first guest on November 1, 2006.
As with most new resort openings, the property has
some “bugs” that are still being worked out, but the team is a
cohesive one, confident in our ability to share our Aloha with
both guests and coworkers and excited to be a part of this
important milestone for Waikiki.
The grand opening is slated for December 1; we welcome
all of you to stop by and check out your newest sister property,
Wyndham Vacations Resorts at Waikiki Beach Walk™.
Tiffani Saunders and
Continued on page 9
Amador Manzano
Tiffani Saunders and Kahulu Kaiama conducting hula lessons
Ismile Espaniola, Stanley Trueman, and Glenn Nagasako
Saturday Briefing
Page 8
Wyndham - Waikiki Beach Walk™
Continued from page 8
Tara De Santiago and Yoke Sasaki
Bert Nawatani
Edward Livae
Rosie Rosete and Susan Young
Nenita Nerveza and Connie Caraang
Cristina Tamayo and Mindy Nakagawa
Saturday Briefing
Page 9
Revamped Website
Gives Visitors a Real Feel for Waikiki Beach Walk™
Continued from page 1
Visitors can click on “Stay,”
“Shop,” “Dine” or “Play,” and see a
comprehensive list of Waikiki Beach
Walk’s offerings in each category.
Links to each of the individual
tenants include details like contact
information, reservation options, and
menu descriptions. By rolling the
mouse over the interactive map, site
visitors can view the location on a
3-D map showing the Waikiki Beach
Walk streetscape.
The 3-D map is the site’s most
exciting feature, providing visitors with
a real feel for the layout of the Waikiki
Beach Walk™ district. The use of Flash
player gives visitors a birds-eye view
of each shop and restaurant. With
a simple click, visitors get a detailed
aerial view of a merchant’s location
and gain a sense of where each is
located within the complex before even
stepping foot on to the property.
In the “Play” section, events
currently happening in and around the
area are highlighted, including walking
tours and storytelling sessions that
families may enjoy together right now.
As Waikiki Beach Walk’s Spring 2007
grand opening date draws near, the site
will be updated frequently to reflect the
newest information on merchants and restaurants, new photography, as well as new
events and activities as schedules are expanded and formalized. The site’s web cams also
will continue to operate as the center opens, allowing site visitors to see real-time photos
of the destination and get a detailed overview of the new construction.
The 3-D map is the site’s most exciting feature,
providing visitors with a real feel for the layout of the Waikiki Beach Walk™ district
Clarisse Eguchi Joins the Outrigger ‘Ohana
By LiLi Hallett
I am pleased to announce that Clarisse Eguchi has joined the Outrigger ‘ohana as
Human Resources Manager. As a start, Clarisse will be responsible for overseeing all aspects
of Human Resource administration and employee relations for our Outrigger Condominium
Collection employees.
Clarisse has an extensive Human Resources management background, including
experience in safety, labor negotiations, and duty manager operations. In addition, she has
worked for various industries and companies, including the New Otani Kaimana Beach.
Her educational background consists of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources
Development and Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management both from
Hawaii Pacific University. She is also PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certified and
facilitates the Labor/Employee Relations module at the UH-Outreach College.
During her leisure time, Clarisse enjoys training for triathlons and the Honolulu
Marathon. Originally from Kaua‘i, she frequently returns to visit her family.
Clarisse is excited about joining Outrigger and looks forward to sharing and learning
from the ‘ohana.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Clarisse.
Saturday Briefing
Page 10
Clarisse Eguchi