Outrigger Celebrates Its Return to the Tweed/Coolangatta Coast

March 15, 2008
Outrigger Celebrates
Its Return to the
Tweed/Coolangatta Coast
By Cliff Olson
The stirring sounds
of traditional Hawaiian
chants melded beautifully
with the rhythmic beats
of a local indigenous
group to herald in a
new era for Outrigger
Hotels & Resorts when
we celebrated our newest
Australian resort - the
magnificent Outrigger
Twin Towns Resort on
Tuesday, March 11.
Tourism industry
executives from around
Australia mingled
with Outrigger staff,
government officials, and
Jenny and Cliff Olson
business representatives
to celebrate our takeover
of the 343-suite 4.5 star resort, comprising two towers and a host
of guest facilities.
We were extremely pleased to welcome from Outrigger’s
Corporate Headquarters in Hawaii Senior Vice President
Operations Dave Lawrence and Manager, Cultural Experiences
Ka‘ipo Ho. We were also delighted to welcome Outrigger on the
Lagoon - Fiji’s Geoff Shaw and Andrew Gee, who travelled to the
event from Sydney.
Twin Towns is an iconic destination and arguably Coolangatta/
Tweed Heads’ most significant landmark. When we were approached
to acquire the two accommodation towers in mid-2007, we didn’t
hesitate to look closer at the proposition. We were already on
Continued on page 5
Accidental Tourist
As I wrapped up another edition of Saturday
Briefing last week, some friends called and asked if I’d
be interested in joining them for some exercise. It was a
beautiful day in Hawaii. Senior Editor Marie Casciato
and Assistant Editor Lehua Kala‘i had everything
under control. I needed to log some more miles on my
pedometer. So I said, “Why not!”
Suddenly, I became an “accidental tourist,” and as
the day progressed, I reacquainted myself with many of
the fascinating and enjoyable opportunities available to
visitors and residents on the island of Oahu.
Continued on page 8
Dr. Richard Kelley and John Morgan, President and
General Manager of Kualoa Ranch
Saturday Briefing
Page Happy Birthday!
Mar 31: David A. Smith, Leonora M. Astrero, and
Connie F. Geer.
Apr 01: Ricky K. Kuga, Ariel C. Galiza, Raquel
T. Encomienda, Terencia P. Vaquilar, Tammy C.
Arakaki, Lily T. Y. Gima, Agripina C. Agyapas, and
Elvie V. Amor.
Apr 02: Myna Y. R. Eheler, Martha J. La Benz, and
Ismile P. Espaniola Jr.
Apr 03: Edmundo R. A. Villanueva, Jeffrey T. Tokuda, Mavis J. Lavin, Xiu
Y. Choy, Estelle K. Y. Leblanc, and Il Sun Choe.
Apr 04: Benito E. Tacazon, Drake W. Gampon, Noel L. Gamiao, Tyrez
Howard, Alfred D. Dannog, Sai K. L. Siu, Janeite Pak, Joe J. Guieb,
Jennifer G. Peralta, and William T. Bethel.
Apr 05: Doris S. Doty, Feng Z. Chen, Irene F. Duarosan, Luellia M.
Queja, James Miguel III, Jennifer P. Thepsenavong, and Wendy W. L. Lee.
Apr 06: Kerry H. Iha, Mildred C. Vicerra, Colby J. Alcos, Mark A. Hayes,
and Jong W. Kim.
Lunch & Learn
“Think Fit”
Speaker:
Pete Clines, HMSA/HealthPass
Date:
Wednesday, March 26
Location: Poolside Conference Room
Time:12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
RSVP:
By March 21 to
[email protected]
If you’re not as active as you want to be and
want to learn how to increase your physical activity
level, this workshop is for you! Get started on
your plan for fitness and learn basics about aerobic
exercise, strength training, flexibility, and more!
Comfortable clothes recommended.
Saturday Briefing is published by and for the employees
of Outrigger Enterprises Group.
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley
Senior Editor: Marie Casciato
Assistant Editor: Lehua Kala`i
Contributing 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 [email protected] or via interoffice mail to
OEH/Executive Office, or contact her at (808) 921-6601.
© 2008 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii
Saturday Briefing
Page An Equal Opportunity Employer
Employment
Opportunities
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 March 21, 2008.
General Manager (Full Time)
Will be responsible for actively promoting
the hotel as a quality deluxe hotel within
the world tourism market and as a caring
and supportive corporate citizen in all local
community activities. A minimum of five
years hotel management experience with at
least three years as a General Manager of a
full service resort with full Food & Beverage
services and a bachelor’s degree is required.
Essential qualifications include a successful
record of supervising managers, proven skills
in employee relations, revenue management,
guest satisfaction, service standards, facility
maintenance, workplace harmony, and property
safety practices in accordance with accepted
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts’ standards.
Political Fundraisers
By Lehua Kala‘i
If you are interested in obtaining information
regarding Hawaii politics, please call the OHH
PAC Hotline at 921-6660 and leave a message on
the recorder.
Thursday, March 27
Senator Lorraine Inouye
District 1 – Waimea, Honolaa, Pauilo,
Laupahoehoe, Pepekeo, Piihonua,
Waiakea, Keaukaha, and Hilo
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Bishop Museum Hawaiian Courtyard
1525 Bernice Street
Representative Sharon Har
District 40 – Royal Kunia,
Makakilo, and Kapolei
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Matter of Taste
Gentry Pacific Design Center
560 N. Nimitz Highway
Moments of
Aloha
Wyland Waikiki
“ . . . For the past 15 years, my family
and I have stayed at the Outrigger on
the Beach, our home away from home.
This year, after a few days, we took
a cruise and needed one night in a
hotel upon our return. Unfortunately,
the Outrigger was booked. We
took the recommendation from the
reservationist on the phone and stayed
at the Wyland. Great option! The
rooms were very nice and the people
were nicer. The Bellmen answered
every question we had, and told us
where to go to get all the different
types of foods we were looking for.
One of our TVs wasn’t working and
maintenance brought us a new one
right away. We needed a large cab
for the five of us and luggage; it was
waiting for us. This is where it goes
above and beyond. We realized when
we got to the airport that a very
special souvenir that was wrapped very
carefully, because it was crystal, was
left behind in the room. I called and
spoke to a
lady at the
Front Desk
[Sandy Lee].
She sent
someone
up and they
found it in
the garbage.
She called
me back
as we were
Sandy Lee
boarding the
plane and
then mailed it to our home. They took
a bad situation and fixed it. That made
our vacation end on a good note. I
just want to say thanks, great job and
we will see you next year.”
Jack Herzog
Woodinville, WA
“PS - My second job is a secret shopper
for the Seattle Mariners and your
people exceeded everything we look for
at Safeco Field.”
By Kathy Hansberry
Outrigger Enterprises Groups’
Nā Mele No Nā Pua free concert series
features guitar virtuoso and legendary
entertainer Willie K taking the stage at
the Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach
Walk® Grand Lanai on Saturday,
March 29, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Willie Kahaiali‘i, who is better
known as Willie K, was raised on
Maui and has been playing music
since the age of ten. By his high school
graduation, he was playing in as many
as eight bands, performing an eclectic
mix of music, from country western to
salsa, rock, rhythm and blues, and, of
course, Hawaiian. He later moved to
San Francisco, determined to make it
Legendary entertainer Willie K
in the mainland music scene.
After several years in California, Willie K returned home to focus on recording his
own albums. His first three albums changed the direction of contemporary Hawaiian
music. His musical gift was further validated when he swept up four Na Hoku Hanohano
Awards from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. He later teamed up with Amy
Hanaiali‘i Gilliom to produce three more albums for which he won two more Na Hoku
Hanohano Awards for Producer of the Year and Hawaiian Album of the Year.
Along with his accolades, Willie K’s success has also gained him national
attention, having made appearances on various notable television programs,
including VH-1’s “100 Greatest Love Songs,” “Extra,” a halftime show
performance during a Monday
Night Football game, and the NFL’s
Pro Bowl Halftime show.
2008 Nā Mele No Nā Pua
Beginning in April, Outrigger’s
Concert Dates
Nā Mele No Nā Pua signature
concert series will shift to a biSaturday, March 29
monthly schedule, with concerts
Featuring Willie K
being held on the last Sunday of the
month. Concert times will remain
Sunday, April 27
the same from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Featuring Frank DeLima
on the Grand Lanai of the Embassy
Sunday, June 29
Artists to be Advised
Sunday, August 31
Artists to be Advised
Sunday, October 26
Artists to be Advised
Sunday, December 21
(Special Pre-Christmas Concert)
Artists to be Advised
Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk hotel.
Each concert is free and open to the
public, while seating allows. Elevator
access to the Grand Lanai is located
on Lewers Street ground level.
Valet parking for up to four
hours is $5 for concert-goers at the
Embassy Suites - Waikiki Beach Walk
(201 Beachwalk) and the Wyndham
Vacation Ownership - Waikiki Beach
Walk (227 Lewers Street), with any
same-day purchase from any Waikiki
Beach Walk merchant.
Saturday Briefing
Page A Fond Farewell to Ilaisa Cavu
By Una Murray
Last Wednesday, the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
(FOR) bid a fond farewell to Director of Operations
Ilaisa Cavu who left the FOR to pursue other interests.
In the true Bula Spirit, General Manager Darren Shaw,
Executives, and Managers gathered in the Vakavanua
Lounge with Ilaisa for a farewell cocktail and to wish him
well in his new endeavors.
Ilaisa, who worked at the FOR since 2000, was
one of the opening team members. He started as Food
& Beverage Director and was promoted to Director of
Operations in 2002. In this position, he was responsible
for the day-to-day guest and operational functions of the
207-room, 47-bure resort.
His exceptional guest and staff relations skills, together
with a strong local knowledge, assisted in enhancing
Outrigger’s growing popularity.
The Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji vuvale (family) wish
Ilaisa well—he will be missed.
Kini Sarai,
Charlotte Steele,
Wayne Robinson,
Darren Shaw,
Ilaisa Cavu,
and Liku Galala
Rajnesh Kumar,
Ilaisa Cavu,
Hari Prasad,
and Navin Murti
Saturday Briefing
Page Outrigger Returns to the
Tweed/Coolangatta Coast
Continued from page 1
the expansion trail having just signed
an agreement to operate a new resort
under construction at Noosa (Outrigger
Viridian Resort & Spa). Our expansion
plans are continuing as last week, we
announced our third Australian resort,
the $80 million Outrigger Townsville
Resort to be built in North Queensland.
On behalf of the entire Outrigger
‘ohana, we are confident of contributing
to the local economy and tourism
industry. We know the area very well,
based on our past experience operating
resorts in Coolangatta and at Salt, and
we’re honoured to be back operating in
this beautiful part of the world.
Dave and Flor Lawrence, and Rob Smith
Desrae Rotumah and Ka‘ipo Ho
Chrissie Thomas, Phil Villiers, and Robyne Luke
Bronwyn Marshall, Leonie and Gavan Conway, and Lisa Tzanetopoulos
Saturday Briefing
Page What’s New at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach
By Luana Maitland
As part of the ongoing renovation of the Outrigger
Reef on the Beach (ORF), many new shops and service
counters have opened. Guests and employees are enjoying
these new additions.
The first store to open, just before the 2007 holiday
season, was Kuloko Arts of Hawaii. This shop specializes in
original fine art, prints, gifts, jewelry, hats, and more—all
created by local artists. Their “Artist in Residence” program
features in-store demonstrations on a regular basis, so stop by
to see the artists in action.
Another new addition, Ku‘ai Market, is a food pantry,
where guests can start their day with the perfect cup of
coffee or stock up on accessories for a day at the beach. The
shop has a wonderful variety of souvenirs, gifts, food items,
and spirits.
As visitors walk through the Front Lobby, they will find
a beautiful brand-new service counter for the Outrigger
Activities Center and Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s
Welcome Desk. In addition, a brand new Hertz Rent A Car
opened in the lower level of the hotel, next to the Business
Center, allowing guests to easily rent vehicles for day trips
and excursions around the island.
Opening soon is Makana Trading Co., complete with
a photo shop, a beautiful jewelry selection, and swim and
resort wear. Island Jewelry is also slated to open and will
showcase Hawaiian jewelry, gems, diamonds, and pearls.
More gifts will be available at Prime Jewelry, featuring
custom and unique jewelry treasures.
Mahalo to Serenity Spa, UV Rays Hawaii - Beach Services,
Outrigger Catamaran, and Starbuck’s, who remained open
during the renovation and for providing special offers to and
taking great care of our guests. A Special Mahalo to Eric Horst,
David Nagaishi, and Del Uehara of the Shore Bird Restaurant
and Beach Bar and Ocean House Restaurant for hosting our
Kupuna and Keiki Hula Show, Steel Guitar Sunday, and KINE
Radio Aloha Friday Luncheon in their fine establishments.
As the transformation continues, come down and check
out all the exciting new additions! We look forward to seeing
you soon at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.
More photographs on page 7
Outrigger employees Frank Hinds and Violeta Robles, with Shore Bird employees Matt Soloman, Lindsay McGown, Ray Kelsall, and Graham Ayalon
Saturday Briefing
Page What’s New at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Continued from page 6
Starbuck’s employee Susie Kim serves
Outrigger Doorman John Thompson a cup of java
Kuloko Arts of Hawaii “Artist in Residence” Kristine Provenza
and Outrigger employee Luana Maitland
Hertz Rent A Car employee Eleanor Canio
and Outrigger employee Betty Cabasag
Ku‘ai Market employee Kenye Noda
and Outrigger employee Wilson Asidera
Wyndham Vacation Ownership Welcome Desk Sr. Marketing Manager
Lamond Malone and Marketing Agent Emalia Wiojaja (seated behind
counter), Outrigger Activities Center employee Ward Brewster (standing
behind counter), and Outrigger employee Sheryl Nuuanu
UV Rays Hawaii - Beach Services employees Straughn Gorman and
Blanca White (behind counter) and Outrigger employee Wilson Asidera
Saturday Briefing
Page Accidental Tourist
Continued from page 1
We drove along the eastern
shore, taking in the views of
the deep blue Pacific Ocean, as
we passed Hanauma Bay and
rounded Koko Crater. We hiked
up to the lighthouse perched
on the cliff at Makapuu and
marveled at the humpback whales
below blowing jets of white spray
into the air, as they lazed in the
Molokai Channel. As we watched
light clouds touch the peaks on
the islands of Molokai, Lanai,
and Maui, off in the distance, a
plaque just off the trail reminded
us to say a silent prayer for the
nine airmen killed when their
plane crashed there during World
War II. (Apparently they had
mistaken Makapuu Light for the
naval air station at Barbers Point,
a few miles away.)
Driving on, we came to the
historic Kualoa Ranch. It has
been many years since I last visited the property, and I could
not help but be impressed once again by the beauty and
history of this area.
John Morgan, President and General Manager, met us
in Kualoa’s busy Visitor Center. He told us how the ancient
Hawaiians considered the land there one of the most sacred
places on Oahu. “It was a residence of kings, a place of refuge
and sanctuary, and a training ground for royalty who were
schooled in the arts of war, history, and social tradition.” In
The blockbuster movie Jurassic Park was filmed at Kualoa
Saturday Briefing
Page The lighthouse at Makapuu
1850, King Kamehameha III sold approximately 622 acres
of the land to Dr. Gerritt P. Judd, a missionary and personal
advisor to the king. Additional purchases over the years increased
the area to 4,000 acres. It is a traditional ahupua‘a (Hawaiian
land division, spanning all the geographic zones from the
mountains to the ocean, thus providing the ancient inhabitants
with the full range of resources they needed), stretching from the
sea to the ridge of the Koolau Range that soars over the valleys
below. Morgan, a close friend, is a descendant of Dr. Judd.
Continued on page 9
The Jungle Expedition takes visitors to secluded spots that overlook the
dramatic windward coastline and an ancient Hawaiian fishpond
Accidental Tourist
Continued from page 8
The lands of Kualoa have had many uses over the years.
From 1863 through 1871, it was a sugar plantation, and
remnants of the old sugar mill still stand in mute testament
to that era. During World War II, part of Kualoa was used
as a military airstrip, with large monkeypod trees providing
natural shelter for parked aircraft. Cattle have always been
an important activity for the ranch, and paniolos (Hawaiian
cowboys) still ride the land, although these days they
are usually accompanying visitors. Movie and television
production has become important, and Kualoa has been
a location for Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Mighty Joe Young,
Windtalkers, and Lost, to mention just a few well-known
films with scenes shot there.
Even more important, under Morgan’s leadership, Kualoa,
with144 employees, has become an educational center focused
on providing learning opportunities for people of all ages.
Youth groups and visitors alike can experience and celebrate
the rich culture and get close to the ‘aina (land) where
Hawaiian royalty used to roam. It is ecotourism at its best and
a unique experience less than an hour from busy Waikiki.
Our journey continued around the surfing areas
along the North Shore. A stop at Haleiwa Joe’s for a snack
followed, and the tour ended with a drink back at the
OHANA Waikiki West with Father Leo Couture, a longtime return guest from Manitoba, Canada.
Playing hooky from the office for a day was fun and
relaxing, but it also gave me an opportunity to rediscover
Father Leo Couture, a long-time return guest from Manitoba, Canada,
and Dr. Richard Kelley
some of the many places and activities that make Oahu such
a wonderful, exciting island. The shops, restaurants, and
hotels of Waikiki and Ko Olina are delightful, but if you
take the time to go a few extra miles, you’ll quickly discover
the lush beauty, culture, and aloha that have made Hawaii
such a popular destination for so many decades. I heartily
recommend it to everyone.
Ka‘a‘awa Valley at Kualoa Ranch Hawaii spanning all the geographic zones from the mountains to the ocean
Saturday Briefing
Page Aloha and Mahalo,
Christina and Lolita
B����������
y Ruthann ��������
Yamanaka
On Monday, March 10,���������������������������
Outrigger�����������������
��������������������������
extended a warm
mahalo and aloha to Christina
��������������������������������������
Ednilao and Lolita Aglipay,
t����������������������������
wo long-time members of our 'ohana.
���������������������������
Christina,
�������������������
with 26
years of service�����������������������������������������������
,����������������������������������������������
and Lolita, with 22 years of service decided
to retire to spend more time with their families and to pursue
new interests������������������������������������������������
,�����������������������������������������������
including�������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������
travel. David Carey and Jean Rolles�
joined me�������������������������������������������������
in personally
���������������������������������������������
honoring
����������������������������������
them for their dedicated
����������
years of service to Outrigger.
There is always a sense of sadness knowing that we will
no longer have the opportunity to enjoy seeing�����������
�����������������
employees
like Christina and Lolita like we have for so many years. At
the same time, it is joyful to know they will have more time
for family and leisure. With a combined 48 years of service,
I am humbled knowing that th�����������������������������
�������������������������������
e����������������������������
se two employees������������
, just like
�����
many in our company������������������������������������
, have dedicated a large portion of
their lives to helping make Outrigger a hospitality leader in
the Pacific. �
Both Christina and Lolita shared some memorable
stories, with laughter and a few tears. They said
���������������
that they
worked hard����������������������������������������������
,���������������������������������������������
loved the job�������������������������������
,������������������������������
and thoroughly
�������������������������
enjoyed
��������������
their
time with our ‘ohana�������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������
. They expressed their gratitude�����
��������������
and
appreciation to the company that “������������������������
�������������������������
truly tak���������������
es�������������
care��������
of the
����
employees.��”�
�������������������������������������������������
I am
�����������������������������������������������
grateful������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������
that I had the honor���������������
��������������������
to������������
thank them�
�����
personally for their commitment and dedicated service. On
behalf of the entire Outrigger ‘ohana, we wish Christina and
Lolita����������������������������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������������������
a retirement that is filled with longevity, good health,
wonderful adventures, and special family times.��
Ruthann Yamanaka, Jean Rolles, Christina Ednilao, Lolita Aglipa������������������
y, and David Carey
Saturday Briefing
Page 10