3.6 MB PDF - Saturday Briefing

December 5, 2009
Keauhou Beach Resort
Announces Return of
Cultural Department
By Paul Horner
APEC - Hawaii Lands a
Meetings & Conventions
“Olympics”
The blessing took place at the entrance of the new
Cultural Office in the porte cochere area of the hotel.
Kumu Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett presided over
the blessing and proclaimed that the Cultural department
shall be the new “piko” (center) of operations at our
property. Also joining us were some key members of the
Those of us connected with Hawaii’s multifaceted Travel &
Tourism industry were thrilled and excited two Sundays ago when
President Barack Obama announced in Singapore that the 2011
Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC)
summit will be held in
Honolulu. This meeting
of world leaders will
benefit the entire state
in many ways and,
depending on how it is
handled, has the potential to restart our Visitor Industry and economy,
which have endured significant economic hardship for several years.
It is hard to overstate the importance of the APEC gathering
for Hawaii. Our state’s foremost meetings and conventions expert,
Pris Texeira, told me, “In the world of meetings and conventions,
APEC is HUGE! It’s the equivalent of the Olympics for Hawaii in
the meetings industry.” The attendance at this year’s APEC summit
in Singapore totaled over 10,000.
APEC brings together the leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific region
economies each year to discuss the status and future potential for
trade and investments all around the Pacific Rim. Generally, the
heads of state or government from all the countries linked by the
Pacific in South and North America, Asia, and Oceania attend, as
well as cabinet ministers and other top officials.
APEC’s members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile,
China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia,
Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia,
Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
According to Imelda Saad, reporting for channelnewsasia.
com, the 2009 summit in Singapore was handled exceptionally
well. The city-state “rolled out the red carpet,” and everything ran
Continued on page 4
Continued on page 10
On Friday, November 20, 2009 a blessing was held
at the Keauhou Beach Resort to welcome the return of
our Cultural department. Our new Cultural department
includes Cultural Director Kumu Keala Ching, Kumu Hula
and co-founder of Nā Wai Iwi Ola; Huaka‘i Supervisor
Rolinda Bean, entertainer and co-founder of Nā Wai Iwi
Ola; and Huaka‘i Facilitators Healani Kimitete-Ah Mow
and Mana Hasegawa.
Paul Horner, Matt Hamabata, Executive Director, The Kohala Center,
and Anabelle Smith
Saturday Briefing
Page Toastmasters
Worth Its Weight in Gold!
By Rie Burson
I have been a member of the Outrigger
Toastmasters Club since May 2009. I was
hesitant to join, as English is my second
language; however, now I am very pleased to
participate in this bi-monthly meeting.
Speaking in public requires a lot of
practice; i.e., tone of voice, gestures,
pacing, using appropriate words, capturing
audience attention, making your point, and
presenting a clear conclusion. Achieving all
of this takes practice and time. I am pleased
to say that my club members have supported
Rie Burson
and taught me so much. I am grateful to
be learning this important skill. The club members and I always encourage and
support each other.
I have finished my second speech, and I am currently working on my third.
The experience I have gained from this course has positively impacted my ability
to speak publicly at our Employee of the Quarter gatherings, when conducting
staff meetings, and in my daily interaction with fellow employees.
This course has proven to be worth its weight in gold, and I am looking
forward to what it brings next!
Happy Birthday!
Dec 16: Lacey R. Smith and Lois Sumie Ajimine.
Dec 17: Manual Alforo, Ok Soon Kim, Donald W. Chapman, Shanly Wu,
Sharon C.Y. Kim, Ilona A. O’Brien, Teresa Z. Shepherd, Michelle H. Manantan,
and Laureano B. Sanchez.
Dec 18: Melanie Y.J. Shin and Sally S.I. Lu.
Dec 19: Rodel B. Juan, Lianne L. Bryant, and Linda Chong.
Dec 20: Jordan K. Halbuna, Kimiko F. Quan, Cynthia M. Cunningham, Fiona
Hong, and Sergio Jr A. Pascual.
Dec 21: Mary Catherine Choo Loy and Roger U. Ubaldo.
Dec 22: Demy S. Tamayo, Arhlene L.T. Honda, Christine C. Kok, and Elpidio
S. Oviedo.
Saturday Briefing is published by and for employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group.
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley
Senior 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) 921-6601.
© 1984 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,
you may����������������������������
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apply online. Please�������
go to
www.outrigger.com, click on ABOUT
OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES�����������������
. We
���������������
only accept
online application����������������������
s for the open listed
positions������������������������������
from internal candidates. If
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you have any questions, please call Chad
Teramae at (808) 92��������������������
����������������������
1-6989. Application
deadline for the following positions is
December 11, 2009.
Restaurant Supervisor
(Full-Time)
Will be responsible for coordinating the
activities of the staff to deliver quality
products and services to the restaurant and
banquet/catering customers. Must possess
excellent communication, organizational,
and interpersonal skills and be able to
work flexible days and shifts.
Guest Service Manager
(Full-Time)
A minimum of two years supervisory
experience in a hotel guest service
environment required. Must be highlyorganized, computer proficient, and
possess excellent written and verbal
communication skills. Must also be able to
work any shift and day.
Guest Service Representative
(Full Time)
At least one year customer service and
cashiering experience, preferably in the
hospitality industry, required. Must have
excellent communication skills, basic
computer skills, and the ability to type
30 wpm. Must also be a team player and
flexible to work any day and shift.
Outrigger Aina Nalu Resort
Guest Service Representative
(On Call)
At least one year customer service and
cashiering experience, preferably in the
hospitality industry, required. Must have
excellent communication skills, basic
computer skills, and the ability to type
30 wpm. Must also be a team player and
flexible to work any day and shift.
Calling All Sports Fans!
By Aitogi Totemese
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
is once again the title sponsor of
the University of Hawaii’s Men’s
Volleyball Invitational. We are
loooking for volunteers to make
this event a success, and you will
get to see a great tournament.
Penn State, Ohio State, and
USC are the teams joining the
University of Hawaii team at the
Outrigger Volleyball Invitational.
Volunteers are needed for the following days and times and
will receive a free T-shirt, meal, parking, and entry to the game.
Volleyball Invitational - January 7 – 9, 2010
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
If you are interested, please contact me at 921-6895 or
via email at [email protected], by Thursday,
December 10. Please leave your name, department, hotel you
are currently employed at, T-shirt size, and which night you
would like to volunteer for.
Mahalo and hope to see you there!
Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji Monthly Gathering
By Una Murray
The vuvale (family) of the Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji
(FOR) gathered together on Friday 27, November, to honor
outstanding employees and those who celebrated birthdays
in November.
Ilisoni Vibose began the program with a prayer, followed
by General Manager Darren Shaw, who welcomed the
executives, managers, and staff and thanked everyone for
their incredible dedication and hard work.
Kelepi Nabainivalu, the Outrigger Volleyball Team
Manager, introduced the FOR volleyball teams and
officials and presented them with the trophies and
medals they won at the Annual Fiji Hotel Workers
Volleyball Tournament.
Charlotte Steele then introduced Moreen Sharma, who
was recently crowned the Digicel Coral Coast Carnival 2009
Seraiya Ganilau Gonewai, Maria Qoreti, Evylin Kumar,
Ashika Devi, Priya Dharshani, and Tevita Naqari
Queen, and thanked the management and staff for their
contributions during the week-long festival.
Kini Sarai then had the honor of announcing November’s
Award winners. Congratulations to:
Susana Raika
Back of the House Employee of the Month
Anareta Marawa
Front of the House Employee of the Month
Kirti Chand
Manager of the Month
The program concluded with the singing of “Happy
Birthday” and the cutting of the cake.
Back of the House Employee of the Month Susana Raika,
Front of the House Employee of the Month Anareta Marawa,
Darren Shaw, and Manager of the Month Kirti Chand
Saturday Briefing
Page Keauhou Beach Resort
Announces Return of Cultural Department
Continued from page 1
local community, including the current President
of Kamehameha Investment Corporation, John
Rocha, and Dr. Greg Chun who is the new Vice
President of the Keauhou Kahalu‘u Educational
department, as well as Matt Hamabata, the
Executive Director of The Kohala Center.
Our new cultural programming will
include cultural activities seven days a week.
Daily tours of our cultural sites, Hawaiian
language classes, traditional Hawaiian lei
making classes, makahiki games, Hula Kahiko,
Hula ‘Auana, chanting, hālau presentations, and
live Hawaiian entertainment are all a part of
our new comprehensive cultural program that
starts in late December 2009.
Our new Huaka‘i department falls under the
umbrella of our cultural programming. Huaka‘i
will feature activities that actually took place
on this land 500 - 600 years ago, pre-Captain
Cook. The activities will include traditional netmaking, lessons in Hawaiian dry-stack masonry,
stories and lessons in the construction of the
Hōlua sled, and in-depth lessons in traditional
Hawaiian hula and chant. These activities will
be for the guests that want a much deeper
cultural experience. There will be daylight
tours that include lunch and evening tours that
will include dinner under the stars and lessons
about the ancient Hawaiian understanding of
the constellations in the night-sky. Huaka‘i will
begin operations in mid-January 2010.
Diana Pai, Mana Hasegawa, Rolinda Bean, Kumu Keala Ching,
Healani Kimitete-Ah Mow, and Puamaile Kimitete
Kumu Keala Ching
and Matt Hamabata
Rolinda Bean,
Paul Horner, and
Kimberly Agas
Imi Peterson and her niece Tymani Hardie
Saturday Briefing
Page Outrigger Hosts Hawai‘i Pacific University
Career Day
By Pila Hanson
Recently, Outrigger was fortunate to team up with the Travel
Industry Management Student Organization (TIMSO) at Hawai‘i
Pacific University (HPU) to host a Career Day for Travel Industry
Management and Business students attending the University. Over
80 students gathered at the OHANA Waikiki East Poolside Terrace to
hear from Outrigger executives and managers about Outrigger, and
to learn first hand what it takes to be successful in our industry. Our
executives and managers also shared their personal stories and histories
and encouraged the students to follow their passions and be willing
to take risks in their careers. They also took this opportunity to share
the reasons why they believe Outrigger is the employer of choice and a
great place to work.
Many thanks to our executives and managers who took time
out of their busy schedules to speak to our guests: David Carey, Mel
Kaneshige, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Barry Wallace, Ruthann Yamanaka,
Donna Leong, Blane Yokota, and Kaipo Ho. Also, a big mahalo to
all the managers who joined us to network with the students during
and after the session! Most of all, mahalo to thank Honza Hroch,
Outrigger employee and President of HPU TIMSO, for bringing this
idea to life!
Kimberly Agas, Director of the TIM Program and Assistant
Professor of Marketing and Economics, Dr. Wendy Lam,
and Dr. Chuck Kelley
Outrigger managers and students from the HPU Travel Industry Management School and Business School
Saturday Briefing
Page A. David West Remembered
By Dr. Richard Kelley and the Outrigger ‘Ohana
“We were all saddened to learn of the recent and unexpected
passing of long-time Field Sales Manager A. David West at his
home in Phoenix. During his 15 years with Outrigger, David
touched the lives of so many here and in the hospitality
industry from coast to coast. It is not often that someone
comes along who makes friends so readily and who truly
leaves a legacy of dedication and compassion both personally
and professionally. As illustrated by the comments of his
friends and coworkers printed below, we all feel so fortunate
to have known him. He will be long remembered and truly
missed. Aloha David.” – Dr. Richard Kelley
“I consider myself very fortunate to have had the
opportunity to really get to know A. David. Our eight years
of friendship were filled with many memorable moments.
A. David was an avid Chicago Bears fan, and it was always a
thrill to watch “Da Bears” games with him at Buffalo Wild
Wings in Phoenix. On one occasion, I had the opportunity
to go kayaking with David in the lakes above Phoenix,
and on the drive back to Gilbert, we listened to music and
enjoyed the scenery—now that was a good day. A seldom
known fact is that his neighbors referred to David as “the
pool guy” because he loved to chill at the pool and read a
book after work. One Valentine’s Day we—A. David, Tom
Wakita, Brad Meader, Don Sato, and myself—were on the
road and ended up having dinner at a romantic restaurant.
We felt quite out of place—a bunch of bachelors sharing
stories of our road trip and talking sports—surrounded
by scores of couples sharing a romantic evening, but we
still had a great time. Whenever we visited one of David’s
accounts, he was always very warmly greeted, and it
was evident that he was highly regarded by everyone he
conducted business with and that he built many friendships
along the way. My fondest memories though were the many
hours spent sharing stories of our daughters and how truly
cool it is to be a dad.” – Tim Alex
“David was based in Chicago and was one of ten Sales
Directors comprising the North American Sales team, when
I joined the Outrigger Sales department. To meet the market
Continued on page 7
Front Row: Alani Liu, Narelle Eichorn, and Shoko Komine
Back Row: Bob Giggey, Wendy Frost, Tim Alex, Cindy Cunningham, and A. David West
Saturday Briefing
Page A. David West Remembered
Continued from page 6
conditions after 9/11, a
significant consolidation
was necessary, and the team
was reduced to David, Alani
Liu, Cindy Cunningham,
Sandy Morrow, and Wendy
Frost. In support of the
realignment of territories,
David agreed to relocate
to Phoenix and covered
a sizeable territory in
the southern part of the
country. A number of our
key accounts were located
in his territory, and they
told me consistently of their
appreciation of David’s
Shoko Komine and A. David West
efforts in representing and
supporting the Outrigger brands. They liked him, spoke highly of him,
and he represented our company well. I did not get to spend a lot of
time with David, but when circumstances brought us together in Hawaii
or on the mainland, I always enjoyed his company and will remember
David as ‘one of the good guys.’” – Peter Jenkins
“I knew David for almost 12 years and worked very closely with him
during that time. Everyone who met David liked him, and our clients
always had wonderful things to say about him. He was a great asset to
our Sales team—he will be missed.” Alani Liu
“We shared work, laughter, and conversations about David’s
daughters and my granddaughter. As a Sales team, we traveled together
to Tahiti, Australia, and New Zealand, giving us the opportunity to
share many laughs and fun adventures. I’m fortunate to have known
David and will always remember watching him, as he interacted with
his daughters. He will be missed.” – Sandy Morrow
“During the church service held for David West, the priest reminded
everyone to celebrate David’s life. In his memory, I would like to share with
you a few things about him. His favorite musician was Jimmy Buffett; he
loved to read, so we shared many books over the years; David loved warm,
sunny weather, so when he and his family moved back to Arizona several
years ago, he was where he wanted to be.” – Cindy Cunningham
“David wasn’t only a colleague, but he was also a great friend, one of
the boys, and an overall kind person. According to George Quesada of
Pleasant Holidays, he was one of the best representatives in the Hawaii
market. Our customers respected his professionalism and loved David.
Whenever we visited a customer with David, they would drop everything
to greet him. He could make appointments with customers when no
other competitor, destination, or sales person was allowed to visit. David
represented Outrigger Enterprise Group with PRIDE, DIGNITY, and
ALOHA.” – Tom Wakita
We were fortunate to have known and worked with David and he
will truly be missed—Aloha, David.
Tree Lighting
Ceremony and Great
Hawaiian Music
By Luana Maitland
The holidays are here, and the Outrigger Reef
on the Beach kicked it off with the Annual Tree
Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 1.
We started the evening with the Kaleoaloha Keiki
Choir, who entertained our guests with Hawaiian
and traditional Christmas songs, followed by the
lighting of the Christmas Trees. Chosen to do
the official tree lighting this year was Lucienne
LeBlanc, daughter of Chris and Estelle LeBlanc
(Manager, Interactive Commerce for OEG).
We ended the evening with the splendid voice
of Weldon Kekauoha at the Kani Ka Pila Grille.
Kumu Sonny Ching of Hālau Nā Mamo O
Pu‘uanahulu stopped by to enjoy the great music,
delicious food, and also graced us with his hula.
We have more holiday events scheduled, so
pack your bags, gather your family, and come stay
with us.
Upcoming Free Holiday Events
at Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Christmas Card Making
December 9 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hawaiian Ornament Making
December 16 & 23 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Christmas Mele at Kani Ka Pila Grille
December 19 & 20 - 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Employee Christmas Stocking Contest
December 21 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa - $17.50
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Kani Ka Pila Grille
on December 22 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Cost includes buffet breakfast, picture with Santa,
face painting, and balloon twisting.
December Entertainment at Kani Ka Pila Grille
Nightly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday Brother Noland
Monday
Sean Naauao
Tuesday
Weldon Kekauoha
Wednesday Cyril Pahinui
Thursday Kawika Kahiapo & Martin Pahinui
Friday
Kaukahi
Saturday
Manoa DNA
Schedule is subject to change. Please call 924-4993
to confirm artist for the night.
Saturday Briefing
Page O-CE-N Bali Employee Outing
By Kadek Agus Mulyawan
Last week, the employees of the O-CE-N Bali by
Outrigger gathered at the Bedugul Botanical Garden for
a day of fun and relaxation. The Botanical Garden covers
almost 300 acres of land and houses more than 650
species of trees and more than 500 types of orchids. The
beautiful rolling hills are the perfect location for picnics,
and the employees of O-CE-N Bali made the most of
their stunning surroundings. Employees participated in
lots of fun games and enjoyed great food. The idea for
the gathering was to bring all the employees together
to strengthen the bonds of friendship and to cultivate
teamwork and the sense of ‘ohana (family).
Our thanks to everyone who helped with this special
event; we look forward to the next outing!
O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger team
Moments of Aloha
Outrigger Regency on Beach Walk
“We just wanted to send you a thank you Walter [Tolentino] for taking care of my
mum and dad, Mary and Ian Anderson. Dad (Ian) had to go to hospital and you put
Mum (Mary) back up in her same room for a couple of days while Dad got on his feet
(this was back in September). They have spoken so highly of you weekly when we see
them and can’t believe how kind you were to them. So from all of us, the biggest thank
you, and we will come and thank you in person when we are there next September.
Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
Colin, Luana Anderson
Mary and Ian Anderson too!
Via e-mail
Saturday Briefing
Page Walter Tolentino
Exciting Times Ahead
for Outrigger’s Australian Operations
By Grant James
The team at Outrigger’s Australian
operations hosted a week-long tour
“Down Under” for Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer,
Mel Wilinsky to investigate future
property growth opportunities.
While here, we couldn’t miss the
opportunity to show Mel around the new
Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort
& Spa under construction in the holiday
playground of Noosa, a two-hour drive
north of the Queensland capital, Brisbane.
Meeting with the development
team from Leighton Properties and
Macquarie Group of Companies, Mel
was shown around the A$300 million
resort boasting 197 rooms, luxuriant day
spa, private theatrette, bar, dining and
conference facilities.
Due to open in mid-2010, the resort
comprises eleven uniquely-designed
buildings that have been built in a way
that respects the environment and at the
same time, takes full advantage of the
existing habitat of old growth trees and
geographic formations.
The buzz in the area, which attracts 1.7
million visitors annually, is apparent given
Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort &
Spa is the first internationally-managed
resort to be built in Noosa in over 20 years.
The strong eco-design principles
of the resort mirror its exceptional
location beside Noosa National Park,
with sweeping views of the world-famous
Laguna Bay and northern sandy stretches
to Double Island Point.
In addition to visiting our Noosa
project, Mel took the opportunity to
meet with major developers currently
building 4 ½ -star resorts on the Gold
Coast and in the Whitsundays, the latter
being the gateway to the islands of the
Great Barrier Reef.
There are certainly promising times
ahead for Outrigger’s growth in Australia,
and while the world has experienced some
very difficult economic times, the Australian
economy is showing good signs of recovery.
We look forward to welcoming Mel
again in the not too distant future.
Mel Wilinsky, Narelle Eichorn, and Paul Brogan, Associate Director Macquarie Capital Funds
and a Director of Viridian Village project
Narelle Eichorn and Grant James
Saturday Briefing
Page APEC - Hawaii Lands a
Meetings & Conventions “Olympics”
Continued from page 1
with “clockwork precision.” The host committee recruited
some 2,000 volunteers to help a cadre of paid workers spruce
up the local infrastructure and public areas. They also very
successfully focused on the overall experience and hospitality.
Paraphrasing a quote in the Saad article: Ambassador
Michael Tay, Executive Director of the APEC secretariat,
said, “It was amazing to walk into any establishment and
have a Singaporean come up and say, ‘How can I help you?
Would you like to go to this place? Would you like to go to
that place?’ They will walk with you, talk with you, and it
happens everywhere in Singapore.”
The minute I heard the announcement of APEC Hawaii
2011, I called Pris Texeira on her mobile telephone to pledge
Outrigger’s support.
Pris was quick to give credit to East-West Center
President, Dr. Charles E. Morrison, for stepping up to the
plate to lead the team that prepared Hawaii’s bid to host
APEC. Although he is neither a tourism industry professional
nor a meeting planner, he recognized the enormous
opportunity. Overcoming naysayers and skeptics, he led the
charge for this major undertaking.
Pris also praised the work
of Hawaii Tourism Authority
President Mike McCartney.
With years of political
experience, Mike knew that
even if Hawaii submitted
the best bid, it might
go nowhere without the
involvement and support
of both our congressional
delegation and the business
community. Mike partnered
with Dr. Morrison to
Hawaii Tourism Authority President
secure the support of our
Mike McCartney
congressional delegation,
the military (U.S. Pacific Command – PACOM), and a
host of Hawaii business leaders, including Outrigger CEO
David Carey.
Now, some may feel like the proverbial barking dog that
has sunk its teeth into the tire of a car it was chasing. We
captured APEC. What will we do with it? Is Hawaii up to
the challenge?
I think we can do the job with memorable flair and
efficiency, but it will take a lot of very hard work and expert
organization. Security will be a major concern, greater perhaps
than for any other event ever held here. Many will recall
the riots that broke out in Seattle during the World Trade
Organization’s Ministerial Conference in November 1999.
There were even some peaceful protests staged in Hawaii
Saturday Briefing
Page 10
during the Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank
held at the Hawaii Convention Center in May 2001.
Hawaii’s leaders from business, labor, and the state and
city governments should all vow to put aside their differences
and come together to make APEC Hawaii 2011 the best
major international meeting that has ever happened in our
state, if not the Pacific area or the country.
It is going to take a lot of commitment from everyone
– a positive attitude, a passion, and a belief that we can join
forces to upgrade our tourism infrastructure and training
during this era of economic challenges.
I saw this happen in Denver last year when everyone in
the city worked around the clock to host the Democratic
National Convention (DNC), where Barack Obama was
nominated as candidate for president. As in Singapore last
month, everything ran with “clockwork precision” in the
Mile High City.
The DNC was actually a much larger event than APEC.
Tens of thousands of delegates, media representatives, and
politicians needed to be housed and moved around the
metropolitan area. The possibility of massive protests, riots, or
terrorist activities was enormous. But thanks to good planning
and nearly flawless execution, there were only a few minor
hitches, and from my point of view, and that of almost everyone,
including the many Hawaii delegates I spoke to, everything
went extremely well. The reputation of Denver as a place that
can handle a major meeting is, like the city itself, a mile high.
I believe APEC Hawaii 2011 is the stroke of luck
Hawaii’s economy so desperately needs. This is our chance to
conclusively prove that our island state is not only a great place
to relax and enjoy beautiful weather, sparkling oceans, and
many unique multi-cultural experiences, it is our opportunity
to prove conclusively that Hawaii is also a place where those
unique features are not distractions but catalysts that actually
promote and enhance serious business get-togethers, high-level
meetings, and groundbreaking, world-changing idea exchange.
On the other hand, we should keep in mind that
having the spotlight shining on us gives the world an
unparalleled opportunity not only to see the beauty of
Hawaii as both a destination and a legitimate place to
do serious business, it illuminates blemishes too—the
deplorable state of public restrooms at many beach parks
and poorly maintained roads come quickly to mind—so
we should work hard to clear up such blemishes well before
the delegates arrive. In fact, we should do this as soon as
possible, since these blemishes are visible, every day of
every year, to our state’s nearly 7 million annual visitors, the
source of powerful “word-of-mouth” reputation.
Imua, Hawaii – Let’s make APEC Hawaii 2011 No
Ka Oi!!