MAY 16, 2015
A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA
Estelle Louise Kelley Scholarships help KCC students pursue dreams
By Dr. Chuck Kelley and Dr. Richard Kelley
Dr. Chuck Kelley
Dr. Richard Kelley
The Kapi‘olani Community College (KCC)
Hospitality & Tourism Education Department
held its 10th Annual Scholarships and
Awards Banquet last week and, as is usually
the case, the highlight of the event was the
presentation of scholarships for the upcoming
school year.
As an industry leader and a strong
supporter of the University of Hawai‘i System,
Outrigger Resorts and the Kelley family
created the Estelle Louise Kelley Scholarship
program in 1989 to benefit students enrolled
in either KCC’s Hotel Operations Program or its
Pre-Business Transfer Program.
This year, eight deserving students
majoring in hospitality won Estelle Louise
Kelley Scholarships. We are especially pleased
to report that one of them, Denise Torres, is
a member of the Outrigger ‘ohana. Currently
at the front desk of OHANA Waikiki East,
Denise has faced many challenges balancing
full-time employment, pursuing her education
and raising a family. The Estelle Louise Kelley
Scholarship will help Denise and her family
as she returns to school to further build her
knowledge and skills.
The occasion also gives us an appropriate moment to honor Estelle
Louise Kelley and the critical role she played in developing the company
now known as Outrigger Resorts. Her husband, Roy C. Kelley, usually
gets most of the credit for founding our company in the difficult, postWorld War II days of 1947, but the truth is that Estelle Kelley played an
equally vital role, and we believe her influence is still felt in the DNA of
every part of our company.
Like Roy, 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 landed a job as
legal secretary to Judge James Coke. This provided household funds
while Roy pursued his architectural career. Later, as she and Roy began
to rent out apartments near their home 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
Estelle Louise Kelley Scholarships >> 8
Estelle working at the Edgewater
Page 1
Employment opportunities
If you are interested in a position listed below and meet the
qualifications, please go to Outrigger.com and click on Employment
at the bottom of the page. We only accept online applications for the
open positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions,
please contact your HR Business Unit Representative. Application
deadline for the following positions is May 22, 2015.
May 27: Jessie Ann E. Acio, Franklin A. Agarpao,
Benisingh Bheeroo, Famiza Bibi, Sherilyn Marie
Farris, Joel Fernandez, Gui Mei Gao, Mikaela
Heerings, Cassel H. Kanahele, Swayde W.
Keanu, Jin Soo Moon and Lynne Scanlan.
May 28: Tahiny Andre Andriamanolo,
Samantha W. Arreza, Mylyn T. Dela Cruz,
Edison C. Gajonera, Charlie Khan, Laisani
Kunawave, Helen Mackee, Paula Tuilau, Melaia
Vidovi and Kelera Vusonitokalau.
May 29: Leilani J. Adap, Margaret Hagan, Linda
Y. Honma-Lacaran, Jane C. Inouye, Boonapot
Kaewkla, Sweeta Luchoo, Kelli Medford,
Wannisa Srangmuang, Ron Terrado, Tulia
Tuiqilau, Monica K.K. Wong and Hyang Suk Yu.
May 30: Esmeralda L. Ancheta, Elenoa Batimala,
Annalyn Besagarm, Louis Clifford Deni Comole,
Mandy Zhao Fang, Anna Leah Gonzales, Franki
Larise, Graciela Leonor, Ani Naivuga Lete, Shivam
Naicker, Isabel Orozco and Maaja Poluskina.
May 31: Andrew Antolini, Wendy Brandon,
Anne Marie Brown, Katarina Daveta, Lolita
Fernandez, Cresencio Fernando, Michael L.
Galace, Vinal Kumar, Rod Kutwaroo, Armynia
Peter, Robert M. Racelo, Akewit Ruangthong,
Bruce A. Schneider and Moape Senikau.
June 1: Jean Bernard Christopher Adrien,
Joannie Cruz, Patcharin Doungmusik, Junar
Ibay, Phawanya Phansiriphat, Kok Fan Shiu,
Mohammed Usman, Loata Valerusa and
Josephine J. Villar.
June 2: Ahmed Ali, Joenny T. Banez, Pureza
Baptista, Esther Clayton, Asia Bi Hassan,
Miriama Hicks, Gerrick Keith Kim, Diana R.
Lene, Soodarsan Satiah, Joshika Subratty,
Jennie M.W. Truong and Karen L. Villarmia and
William Thomas Visser.
Assistant Restaurant Manager (Full-Time)
Minimum of two years food and beverage and supervisory experience
required. Will be responsible to coordinate the activities of the staff to
deliver quality products and services to the restaurant and banquet/
catering customer. Must possess excellent communication, organizational
and interpersonal skills and be able to work any day and shift.
Cocktail Waithelp (On-Call)
Will be responsible to service guests with beverages and food in a timely
manner, resulting in a positive guest experience. Must have a friendly,
positive and service-oriented attitude and be able to work any day and shift.
CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE
AUSTRALIA
May 18-22
Hōkūle‘a in Australia. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/mj5dmgd
May 21-24
Blues on Broadbeach, Outrigger Surfers Paradise
Visit: http://tinyurl.com/nvh6y6
May 21-24
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Outrigger
Surfers Paradise. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/poe7hsr
U.S.
Tues., May 19, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Military Appreciation Day at the Honolulu Zoo
Thurs. May 21, 6-9 p.m.
Celebrate Kawika Kahiapo, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach,
Kani Ka Pila Grille. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/pntdhfk
Fri., May 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Complimentary Music Workshops Celebrating Mele Mei, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach, Voyager
Conference Room. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/pyfogys
Fri., May 22, 3-5 p.m.
Happy Hour entertainment by George Kahumoku and
Richard Hoopii, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach, Kani Ka
Pila Grille. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/pntdhfk
Sat., May 23, 4 p.m.
38th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards Show,
Hawai‘i Convention Center
Visit: http://tinyurl.com/nl4npvf
Sun., May 24, 5 p.m.
Nā Mele No Nā Pua Sunday Showcase featuring Eric Lee
at Waikiki Beach Walk®. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/o3xx2op
Sun., May 24, 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Mele Mei with Kupaoa and Mark Yamanaka,
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach, Kani Ka Pila Grille
Visit: http://tinyurl.com/pntdhfk
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Mahalo and aloha, Kwai Wui Ng
By Kathy Oyadomari
On May 8, management and fellow hosts of the Outrigger Waikiki
Beach Resort (OWK) gathered to celebrate the retirement of Kwai
Wui (Jimmy) Ng. Dr. Chuck Kelley, Bitsy Kelley, Barry Wallace, Chuck
Shishido and Robert McConnell expressed their appreciation on behalf
of Outrigger Resorts for his hard work and dedication and presented
Jimmy with gifts of aloha in recognition of his 25 years of service.
Jimmy shared that he is thankful to the Kelley family for providing
him an opportunity to work at Outrigger enabling him to send his two
children to college. His daughter graduated from Washington State
and works for Boeing and his son attended UH Mānoa and works for
Oceanic Cable.
During retirement, Jimmy plans on lots of travel and is looking
forward to visiting family and friends in China and Macau.
While working at Outrigger, Jimmy developed many friendships
and will especially miss his OWK ‘ohana. Jimmy encourages his coworkers to work and play hard and be healthy and happy.
With thanks and well wishes, we bid our fond aloha to Jimmy.
Robert McConnell, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Ivy Kwok, Kwai Wui (Jimmy) Ng,
Barry Wallace, Bitsy Kelley and Chuck Shishido
Sean Dee officially named
to HTA board
By David Carey
It gives me
great pleasure to
announce that
Executive Vice
President and
Chief Marketing
Officer Sean Dee
has officially been
confirmed by the
state Senate to the
Sean Dee
HTA (Hawai‘i Tourism
Authority) board of
directors. Sean’s term expires June 30, 2018;
he has been serving in an interim capacity
since July 1, 2014.
The HTA is the state’s lead agency for
tourism and sets policy and direction to
grow Hawai‘i’s economy through the state’s
number-one industry.
The 12-member HTA board of directors
also includes: Aaron Sala, chair; Craig Nakamura,
vice chair; Lorrie Stone, vice chair; Fred
Atkins; Jack Corteway; Gerald De Mello; Donna
Domingo; L. Richard Fried, Jr.; George Kam;
David Rae and Denise Hayashi Yamaguchi.
Tourism is our state’s leading economic
driver and largest employer and the HTA
continually works to ensure its sustainability
well into the future. Sean’s marketing and
sales expertise, coupled with his talent for
brand creation and management, have and will
continue to contribute greatly to HTA’s efforts.
Congratulations, Sean.
INTERNATIONAL
MARKET PLACE (IMP) UPDATE
Ongoing - early July
Ongoing - July 17
Ongoing - Sept 11
Ongoing - June 2
Foundation work
Steel work
Precast concrete work
Slab work on deck
Monday - Friday start times - 7 a.m.
YouTube IMP fly through video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxVWJAotoiM
Saturday Briefing is published by and for
hosts of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley
Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson
Senior Editor: Kathy Foley
Contributing Writers: OEG Hosts
Visit us online at: www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com
Submissions to Kathy Foley at [email protected].
© 2015 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Page 3
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort joins
Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation in fundraising event
By Napaporn Phandee
Metzo’s Bistro by Outrigger
Laguna Phuket Beach Resort (TLR)
led by Chef Mustapha Haj Omar
joined 11 top talented chefs from
Phuket’s hottest restaurants, on
Friday 8th May 2015, in an annual
fundraising event “Pop-up at Bliss,”
organised by the Phuket Has Been
Good to Us Foundation. The venues
and chefs volunteered their time to
raise money for this important charity
to support their work with many
underprivileged children in Phuket.
With over unique 25 culinary
creations, a variety of beverages,
including cocktails and wine, and
amazing weather, approximately 200
people enjoyed this worthwhile event.
Chef Mustapha said, “We are delighted
we are able to build on our already
strong relationship with Phuket Has
Been Good to Us and be a part of
making the event a great success.
We plan to continue supporting
such fundraising events like this in
the future and helping to make a
difference for the children of Phuket.”
Phuket Has Been Good To
Us Foundation works to improve
the economic opportunities and
life chances of young people by
funding and implementing high
quality, practical English language
education in government schools
on Phuket Island.
TLR’s Chef Mustapha Haj Omar
and Chef Roberto Conrad
Metzo’s Bistro and team at Pop-up at Bliss event
Top 12 talented chefs in Phuket supporting Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation
Panoramic view of Pop-up at Bliss
Page 4
Ohana House activities continue at Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort
By Annabelle Lois
Ohana House community effort
Ohana House members helped a family in the region whose home was affected by recent flooding. There was much to be
done and the team put their hands together and cleaned, painted and repaired the home to a very grateful Bel Ombre family.
More competitive team spirit!
A potato sack race was organized on April 28. There was lots of fun and laughter with the “Flamboyant” House
garnering first place followed by the “Cato Vert” House. All in all, it was a fun and cooperative team effort!
Page 5
CALL OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS
By Hitomi Saunders
As you may have read in a previous issue of Saturday
Briefing, Outrigger is a major sponsor of the Honolulu Ekiden
& Music 2015. Outrigger will have a booth at the Expo
on Saturday, May 30, and an activation table on raceday,
Sunday, May 31, at Kapi‘olani Park (the start and finish site).
We have some volunteers lined up but are still in need
of help as noted below.
Honolulu Ekiden Expo 2015
Hawai‘i Convention Center
Sat., May 30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. 1 volunteer needed
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
1 volunteer needed
1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. 2 volunteers needed
4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 1 volunteer needed
Honolulu Ekiden Relay Marathon
Kapi‘olani Park
Sun., May 31. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8:45 a.m.-11 a.m. 1 volunteer needed
11 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
1 volunteer needed
Volunteers are asked to wear their #teamOutrigger
dryfit shirt and hand out promotional Outrigger giveaways.
If you can help, please contact Hitomi Saunders at
921-6836 or [email protected] and let her
know if you need a #teamOutrigger shirt at that time.
Visit: http://www.hnlekiden.org/
MOMENTS OF AL HA
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach
“I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts
on our recent stay at The Outrigger Reef On The Beach.
This past visit marked the 22nd time we have stayed at
this property. Although we are 4,500 miles from home
when in Waikiki, we have truly found a ‘home away from
home’ at The Reef.
“This coming year will mark the 30th anniversary of
our first stay, and our tentative plans are to celebrate that
anniversary with our 23rd stay with you in March of 2016.
“Special recognition is due certain employees who
have become our ‘ohana in the islands. Tino Geronimo’s
staff do an excellent job as “the face of The Outrigger
Page 6
Reef On The Beach,” being the first contact with
arriving customers. We have become close to many of
these people, but in particular, John Thompson at the
Front Desk and Eric Lewis at the Bell Desk have been
our close friends since the 1980s. We have attended
church services with the Thompson family (with John
personally picking us up at the hotel), and dined with
Eric and his wife Rheva numerous times. In fact, in 2010,
Eric and Rheva spent four memorable days visiting us
at our home in Wisconsin. As you can see, we do have
‘ohana on Oahu.
“Thanks must also be extended to Gina Reeves and
the exceptional service provided by her staff at check-in.
Gina personally helped us resolve a reservation issue on
our 2015 visit. Current employees who have assisted us in
this area include, Renee [Kiyono], Stanley [Louis-Charles]
and Rey [Soriano]. Mahalo to these quality individuals.
“There are easily another 15-20 names which could
have been mentioned in this note, but suffice it to say,
we are pleased with all areas of service at this property.
“Continued success, as we look forward to future
visits to The Outrigger Reef On The Beach.”
John and Kris Berns - Sturgeon Bay, WI
Outrigger wins Travel Weekly China award
By Ming Yue
Winning Travel Weekly China’s “The Best Potential
Hotel Group of the Year” is landmark on the journey of
Outrigger’s brand awareness in China.
Since its debut in 2002, China Travel & Meetings
Industry Awards, organized by Travel Weekly China,
recognizes the best enterprises in China’s travel, meetings
and incentive industry. The event has won recognition from
the industry for its fairness, transparency and creativity.
Elaine Wang, director of marketing, and her team
in Outrigger’s China global sales representative office
submitted Outrigger’s nomination in Chinese and English
for “The Best Potential Hotel Group of the Year” since we
are new to the Chinese market.
On March 31, Travel Weekly China published the “Top
3” list for each category award online, and we were thrilled
to see we made the cut!
The next step in the process was to invite readers
to vote online. Elaine and her team posted articles on
our official wechat (our social media) including “We are
Outrigger” and “The Outrigger Way” to highlight our
brand while encouraging fans to vote “Outrigger!”
The awards ceremony was on held on May 6 in
Shanghai and our two worthy competitors were ONYX
Hospitality Group with decades of experience running
some of Thailand’s most successful hotel operations and an
experienced team that spans the globe, and Hengda Hotel
& Resorts from Canton, southern China, having expanded
rapidly over the past eight years with about 20 deluxe hotels
nationwide and a very good reputation.
I was thrilled and honored to accept “The Best
Potential Hotel Group of the Year” award on behalf of
Outrigger. Elaine also garnered prime time stage presence
as she drew the name of a lucky winner of a three-night
stay at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort offered
in exchange for a 40-second video showcasing the
Outrigger brand.
The Outrigger brand, no doubt, was top of mind to the
audience of 30 reputable judges and 200 representatives
from the China travel industry.
Our goal is to grow Outrigger’s brand awareness in the
China market, and as we work toward that effort, we thank
our OEG and APAC family for their support.
Elaine Wang and Ming Yue proudly accept the award
Elaine Wang on stage for the lucky drawing for a three-night stay at
The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort
Page 7
LEARN HOW TO EMBRACE YOUR BEST HEALTH POTENTIAL
“Living Better with Life’s Simple 7”
Every attendee receives a reusable Outrigger logo bag!
Remember, effective July 1, stores will no longer carry plastic bags at checkout!
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
SPEAKER:
Thursday, May 21, 2015
noon - 1 p.m. (bring your lunch)
OHANA Waikiki East Hotel, Lobby Conference Room
Denise Dittrich, RN, BSN
Learn how you can live longer, prevent heart disease,
feel stronger and healthier and live a better quality life
Estelle Louise Kelley Scholarships ... << From 1
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
Estelle Kelley
more and more
responsibilities in running the fledgling
family-owned and -operated hotel company.
As Outrigger’s original reservationist (for
whom our first computerized reservations
system, Stellex, was later named), she
confirmed bookings by typing out personal
letters to all prospective guests on a manual
typewriter, then pasting on a three-cent
stamp. Estelle was the gentle but firm person
who handled difficult guests and occasional
Chika Suganuma, Tomomi Yokoi, Ursula "Hoku" Makaiwi,
Denise Torres, Zoe Outtelet, Konomi Tran, and Matilda Apo
with Dr. Chuck (center). Not pictured: Noelani Eskaran.
Page 8
employment issues. Then she would come home and make dinner for
the family, including a delicious dessert.
Those were the days when opportunities for women were limited.
But 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, we can tell you that Roy would never have enjoyed the
success he did without her.
Estelle’s character, strength, leadership and determination are
remembered today in many ways, and we are pleased and proud to
know that includes the scholarships for deserving students at KCC.