Page 1

Dr. Richard Kelley

New addition to Outrigger Executive (OE) team and appointment to Fiji sales teamBy David Carey and Darren Edmonstone

We are pleased to join Human Resources in welcoming Paul K. Richardson to the Outrigger ‘ohana as EVP and chief operating officer (COO), and announcing the appointment of Lauren Grech as sales manager-Fiji. Paul will be responsible for global operations, effective mid-June and report to me [David Carey]. He will work closely with the Outrigger Executive team to oversee/direct strategic operational leadership and guidance on key topics and issues affecting the company. Paul was most recently with Accor Hospitality in Shanghai where, as chief operating officer, he oversaw 33 Accor- owned hotels and 95 managed and franchised properties and in excess of 130 hotels currently under construction. Paul joined Accor in 2005 as area general manager for Western Sydney and assumed the role of Ibis brand manager for Australia. Paul was promoted to vice president New Zealand and Fiji. During his time in this role, Paul was appointed by the Prime Minister and Tourism Minister New Zealand to serve on the Board of Tourism New Zealand. Paul also held a director position with the Tourism Industry Association and as director of AAPC New Zealand Pty Ltd. Prior to Accor, Paul held senior positions throughout Australia and Asia in the tourism and hospitality industry. He spent 10 years with Starwood Hotels and Resorts during which time he held roles in food and beverage and rooms division, and general manager roles in Australia, Brunei and Taiwan. Paul started his career in finance, and served in accounting and finance roles with hotel chains, cinema and film-related companies.

Remembering John FittsBy Dr. Richard Kelley

Many members of our ‘ohana were saddened this week to learn of the unexpected passing of a great friend and partner, John Fitts, at age 67. Our deepest condolences to his wife Toni, son John Bennett Fitts, and the rest of his family. John had nearly half a century of experience in the lodging industry. May 2016 would have been his 50th anniversary as an hotelier. A graduate of University of Wisconsin, John began his career in Marriott Corporation’s Executive Training Program. Later he worked for Sheraton, Holiday Inns, Radisson Hotel Corporation and Omni/Dunfey Hotel Corporation. He earned over 62 national awards for marketing, including the Travel Industry Association’s prestigious Marketer of the Year Award. He authored numerous articles on hotel marketing and was a frequent speaker on lodging industry issues at institutions such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I first met John in 1988. It was a challenging time. Changes in tax laws had collapsed hundreds of savings and loan institutions across the U.S., putting thousands of homes and real estate projects into foreclosure. However, the financial turmoil also created opportunities for many, including for Outrigger. We acquired the Prince Kuhio in late 1982. In 1988, the towering Waikiki Hobron and Maile Court hotels were in bankruptcy court and up for auction. My father, Outrigger co-founder Roy Kelley, and I decided to put bids in to buy these two properties at the auction, hoping we might get one of them.

APRIL 30, 2016

A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

Paul Richardson

New addition to OE team >> 3 John Fitts >> 14

John Fitts

Page 2

Outrigger Blood Drive at ESHBy Ashley Cabradilla

Blood comes from one source only—volunteer blood donors like you. With more than half of us needing blood sometime during our lives, maintaining a safe and adequate community blood supply is important to everyone. By donating blood, you’ll help ensure that it is available for all who need it, and you’ll help save up to three lives. The donation process is safe and usually takes about an hour. There is some paperwork, a confidential interview and a mini physical, but the actual collection of blood takes only five to eight minutes. If you are interested in donating, and would like to make an appointment for our upcoming blood drive, please contact Ashley Cabradilla at 921-6972 or by email at ashley.cabradilla@outrigger.com.

OUTRIGGER BLOOD DRIVEMonday, May 99 a.m. – noon

Embassy Suites by Hilton™ - Waikiki Beach Walk®

4th Floor, Meeting Room #1

Ronald Ucol and Fu Hua Chen

Cathy Bray and Sandy Ly Myra Kuboyama and Carl Kruse

Saturday Briefing is published by and for

hosts of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)

Editor-In-Chief: RICHARD KELLEY Senior Editor: KATHY FOLEY

Supervising Editor: PILA HANSON Contributors: OEG HOSTS

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

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com.

© 2016 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Happy birthday!MAY 2: Piyachai Angsupsirigul, Magalingum Cundasawmy, Romeo Nuque, Asinate Raula, Michael Reyes, So’otaga Tana and Timoci Waqaisavou.

MAY 3: Gerardo C. Daez, Supphachai Kaewchamrat, Malakai Kunahau, Adrian Papa, Mark Anthony A. Paz, Arnel M. Roque, Bibiana G. Taylan, Salome Colati Temo and Isara Wanjai.

MAY 4: Ashley Warren Bonnefemme, Kamayah Dhalapah, Belinda J. Dolor, Wantana Kamvaroon, Anaki L. Kukahiko, Lesly Ann D.L.C Martin, Lisa H. Nguyen and Joshua J. Smith.

MAY 5: Travis M. Barrett, Kitione Botitu, Gayle M.H. Izutsu, Shai Yen N. Kaohi-Miyashiro, Xiaoqin Liang Kurashige, Jagnaden Munean, Victor A.C. Nerveza, Timothy J. Oesterling and Trina T. Tory.

MAY 6: Jonathan V. Clarin, Titilia Bola Emosi, Clifford L. Juan, Sittisak Matchika, Sino Ngowakl, Prashant Jeet Prasad, Sandra Sakka and Jane Kelley Schumacker.

MAY 7: Akieko Alex, Nemesei Billy, Tetina Ceasar, Louie Evangelista, John D. Fayette, Lawren Lizama, Celeste Mangram, Cristine M. Mendonca, Peniasi Nailiku, Richie M. Palafox, Thammarat Sena and Madison Jean Tidwell.

MAY 8: Navin Chand, Nelia S. Gabriel, Steve T. Hasegawa, Rabindranath Muckkoo, Pamela Peerbux, Kelera Guvanua Ralawa, Irava Tuatoka, Estrelita V. Untalan and Victoria L. Valenciano.

Employment opportunitiesIf you are interested in the 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 this open position from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please contact your HR Business Unit Representative. Application deadline is May 6, 2016.

GUEST SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE (Part-time)A minimum of one year customer service and cash handling experience, preferably in the hospitality industry required. Must have basic computer skills and ability to type 40 wpm. Must also be a team player with excellent communication skills and ability to work any day and shift.

Page 3

Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting with an emphasis in marketing from Chisholm Institute of Education in Melbourne, Australia. He and his wife, Lucy, are the proud parents of two children, Joshua (a high school senior) and Emily (a high school sophomore). Paul enjoys a love of all sports but in particular golf, tennis, keeping fit and being active outdoors. He also has a passion for cuisines and wines from around the world. Lauren is based in our Sydney regional sales office and reports to Ben Johnson, director of sales and marketing for our Fiji resorts. Her focus is on retail travel, weddings and MICE markets.

New addition to OE team ... << From 1 Lauren comes to Outrigger from Pinpoint Travel Group where she was a senior tactical product specialist for the U.S. and Canadian markets. In her eight years with Pinpoint, she worked as an account management reservations consultant, wholesale reservations consultant and product coordinator for the U.S., Canada, Fiji, South Pacific, Bali, Asia, Maldives, UK/Europe, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Lauren’s passions are landscape photography, following the Cronulla Sharks rugby team and playing netball and softball. Favorite travel destinations are the U.S. and the South Pacific. Her husband and close-knit family give her the most joy. Please extend your usual aloha as we welcome Paul and Lauren to the ‘ohana.

Outrigger partnership with JAL takes flightBy David Carey

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts announced the launch of an unprecedented partnership with Japan Airlines Co. Ltd., (JAL) to broaden the scope of services for its passengers traveling to Hawai‘i. Beginning April 1, 2016, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, as well as the recently revitalized Ala Moana Hotel are the only properties in the state of Hawai‘i where JAL Mileage Bank guests can redeem miles for a hotel stay. Japan Airlines has an impressive history and growing future with our islands; we view this exclusive new partnership as a unique opportunity for Outrigger to further share its authentic island hospitality with our treasured guests from Japan. We look forward to welcoming JAL Mileage Bank guests to our Outrigger properties. Japan Airlines started its service to Hawai‘i in 1954 and has been a major promoter of the islands ever since. The Honolulu Marathon and Hapalua Half Marathon are among many events and promotions sponsored by JAL. Over the years, Hawai‘i has become a favorite destination for the Japanese leisure traveler. JAL’s passengers are among the most loyal to Hawai‘i, spanning generations of repeat travelers. Today, Japan Airlines provides more than 30 percent share; the largest share of seats to Hawai‘i from four major gateways in Japan.

Monthly GM lunch at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and VillasBy Sukanya Somphan

Each month, General Manager Khun Marc Landgraf hosts a lunch for Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas hosts. This is a time for everyone to gather and enjoy time together. Hosts have been very appreciative of these lunches since inception in 2014. The highlight this month was local coconut ice cream. Aroi Aroi (very good taste)!

Page 4

Celebrating milestone years of serviceBy Kathy Oyadomari and Trina Tory

We are well into the year and have several milestone years of service that were met during the first quarter by our Outrigger ‘ohana who deserve recognition and

thanks. Whether celebrating your first or 40th anniversary, we extend our mahalo for all you do to contribute to our success. Here are interviews with three of our long-timers:

35 years

DWAYNE “SKIP” BOYCESkip first started at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (OWK) as a pool attendant. He later transferred to the bell department as a bell person and is currently a door attendant. Skip assists with guest arrivals and departures, keeps the driveway safe, valets cars and helps in a positive way. He reflects on the many memorable changes at OWK over the years: renovations, new elevators, new stores and changes in management. Spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, dining out and surfing the world are things that Skip enjoys. His philosophy for life is to “stay healthy, save money and do things with love and passion.”

35 years

LI E LEILi E’s first job with Outrigger was at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (OWK) as a housekeeper. She also worked at the Outrigger Prince Kuhio, OHANA Waikiki Malia by Outrigger®, OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger® and OHANA Waikiki West. Currently at the OHANA Waikiki Malia by Outrigger®, Li E enjoys the interaction she has with guests and working together with fellow hosts who come from different cultures. On her days off, Li E likes shopping, watching her favorite Chinese dramas and babysitting her grandchild. Li E hopes to travel to her homeland China with her family. She shares that she is most proud of providing good service to our guests and learning new things for self-improvement. Her philosophy for life is to “do your best and you will not have time to worry about failure. Also, your best friend is someone who brings out the best in you.”

30 years

GINA REEVESGina joined Outrigger as a guest services representative at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. She also worked at the Holiday Inn® Resort Waikiki Beachcomber and the Islander Waikiki. Currently front office manager at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Gina enjoys the daily challenges that keep her job exciting. She shares that the installation of Opera and the new vision for Outrigger are significant changes she has experienced. Gina has two daughters, two grandchildren and a supportive husband. On her days off, she enjoys gardening, spending time at the beach and driving around the island. Future plans include planning two weddings and traveling to Europe. Gina is thankful for her Outrigger career that enabled her to buy a house and provide a good education for her children. Her philosophy for life is “If you have a goal and a vision, coming to work every day is easy.”

Congratulations to the following hosts for reaching significant years of service milestones!

40 yearsWayne Staunton

35 yearsJettson Hew and Nenita Nerveza

30 yearsLibby Ann Young

20 yearsArsenio Guerrero Alejandro, Thomas J. Apilado, Kolinio Balei, Tim Wolfgang Blum, Eduardo Cadavona, Fernando Soriano Constantino, Josefina Pablo Corpuz, Mario A. Daoana, Wai Choi Ho, Jessie P. Jacinto, Benny Laguatan, Antonia Medrano Lagundino, Noraida Panday Marvil, Edgar B. Melchor, Ilami Nasaucoko, Rodolfo Santiago Pascual, Moises Roy Labuguen Pastor, Gundaway Panday Tabalan, Julia Palacay Tambio, Editha Rondon Udarbe and Florante Agbayani Villanueva.

15 yearsShannon K. Hao, Dean K. Hashimoto, Vincent X. Lin, Hon Chiu Ma, Waisea Naicovu, Jolame Nailiko, Allan Garvida Sagucio, Teresa Z. Shepherd, Sandy Y.L.L. Tran and Jimmy Z.M. Zhang.

10 yearsLisa Ann K. Asakura, Leigh-Ann K. Bulseco, Ramon Cedillo Ramirez, Ryan Drummond, Lark Ann Eriksen, Yu Ming Feng, Lehua

Years of service >> 5

Page 5

D. Helm, Conchita A. Malaqui, Silvia Ortiz, Judith Rapaich, Evon M. Rodrigues-Vares, Susan H. Taraya and Marianne F. Thesken.

5 yearsVictor M. Agbayani, Crisfel Antonio, Agnes M. Bactad, Travis M. Barrett, Sheila M. Bernardo, Kriangkai Bordikarn, Kapuanani P. Cameron, Shu Wen Chen, Jeffery L Gifford, Li Yuan Huang, Maribeth A. Julian-Quiocho, Jennifer D. Lay, Jie L. Li, Chun Chan Liang, Lixing Liang, Normalita D. Lorenzo, Anna Lee V. Managad, Gina Maneja, Miriama Nai, Makelesi Naidradra, Melaia Nailiko, Basil Navori, Lisa H. Nguyen, Justin Ryan Dc Ramos, Jolame Ratuvakabogiwalu, Milites M. Rock, Poonperm Rungrojsri, Kitti Sae-Qow, Ramisese Saunivalu, Narysa R. Serazon, Abdul Sharma, Randhish Sharma, Saipin Sittichai, Joshua J. Smith, Vanessa Steele, Netnapa Tadakittikul, Ronald Ucol, Xiao F. Xu and Liqi Zheng.

Years of service ... << From 4

Earth DayOutrigger Konotta Maldives ResortBy Elena Dementeva

Earth Day is an annual worldwide event celebrated on April 22 where action is taken to save our planet

and pledge to be green. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and celebrated in more than 192 countries. At the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, our pledge for Earth Day was inviting our guests to join us in planting trees in front of the guest villas and cleaning our lagoon. The ocean is the heart of our planet. In order to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it’s imperative that we take the responsibility to care for the ocean as it cares for us. We were pleased to be able to work side-by-side with our guests as family caring for our veshi (place).

Disposing your mobile phone securely and responsibly. The average person may get a new phone every 18 months or when the next cool device is released. Many people pass their devices to family

members, donate them to charity or perhaps sell them on eBay. Before passing on your device, remember to remove your SIM card (if applicable) as this is where your contacts are stored. A master reset should also be done to clear the internal or flash memory that includes your call logs, photos, memos, emails, text messages and other personal information. If you plan to throw your phone out, keep in mind that mobile devices and chargers contain toxic materials that can poison the soil, water and air, including lead and cadmium, so it is important to dispose of your device responsibly. Most major mobile carriers will accept your old devices. You can also donate your device to a variety of charitable organizations; they will even send you return shipping labels/postage to ship at no charge. For rechargeable batteries, you can take them to drop-off locations such as Home Depot, Best Buy and RadioShack.

Tech Tips and

Safety SavvyBy Information Technology

Earth Day >> 6

Page 6

Earth Day ... << From 5

Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk® By Shane Blair

In celebration of Earth Day, the management team from the Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk® donned our team colors and performed a beach cleanup of Waikīkī Beach between the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The team enjoyed the experience of taking care of our Wahi (Place) and sharing their aloha with guests they encountered on the beach. We collected an impressive 18 pounds of trash and had such a great time giving back to our community, we have committed to another beach cleanup before the end of the year.

Wyndham beach cleanup team: Shari Tachibana, Karen Villarmia, Shane Blair, Tereza Gapuzan, Anna Lau, Stanley Trueman, Jennifer

Agdeppa, Elena Ballan, Susan Young and Nenita Nerveza

Page 7

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts properties recognized with 2016 Hawai‘i Green Business AwardsBy Bitsy Kelley

Congratulations to four of our Waikīkī properties who received the state’s prestigious 2016 Hawai‘i Green Business Award at a ceremony held April 22, 2016, at the Governor’s Office at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (OWK), OHANA Waikiki Malia by Outrigger® (OMH), OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger® (OEH) and Outrigger affiliate Ala Moana Hotel (AMH) were honored for their deep commitment to operating in an environmentally responsible manner. “Hawai‘i’s future depends on our ability to care for our environment, conserve natural resources and incorporate green practices in all aspects of our lives, including the way we do business,” said Gov. David Y. Ige. “Outrigger has made an incredible commitment to sustainability, here in Hawai‘i and globally, going above and beyond to serve as a model of an environmentally and socially conscious business.” The Hawai‘i Green Business Program assists and recognizes businesses that strive to operate in an environmentally, culturally and socially accountable way. This year’s award recipients join the following Outrigger and affiliated properties that have been recognized in years past. They are Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach

Resort (2014), Holiday Inn® Resort Waikiki Beachcomber (2012) and Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk® (2011, 2013 and 2014). As a kama‘āina company, it’s our kuleana, or responsibility, to be exceptional hosts and take impeccable care not only of our hotel guests, but also of our island home. From Outrigger’s statewide recycling initiatives and energy-saving solutions to our global OZONE conservation plan to protect our oceans and coral reefs, we’re confident these collective efforts further our state’s ability to preserve the pristine beauty and natural resources of Hawai‘i for future generations to enjoy. Over the past seven years, Outrigger properties in Waikīkī have collectively recycled more than 354,000 pounds of aluminum, plastic, paper and glass. In 2015, Outrigger donated more than $41,000 of Hi5 redeemable deposits from recyclable containers collected from bins at Outrigger owned or managed resorts to Parents and Children Together (PACT), a local non-profit organization that provides social services to families in need. Mahalo and congratulations to the teams at OWK, OMH, OEH and AMH!

Karen Nakaoka (Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association) Keith Kawaoka (Hawai‘i State Department of Health); Herman Lam, Robert McConnell, Gov. David Ige and Luis P. Salaveria (Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism)

Karen Nakaoka, Soo Tana, Keith Kawaoka, Nora Weatherwax, Divina Garcia, Herbert Fernandez, Gov. David Ige and Luis P. Salaveria

Karen Nakaoka, Keith Kawaoka, Niel Mason, Gov. David Ige and Luis P. Salaveria

Karen Nakaoka, Keith Kawaoka, Bill Comstock, Marty Milan, Gov. David Ige, Dennis Miho, Ron Takayama and Luis P. Salaveria

Page 8

Songkran Festival celebrates the Thai New YearOutrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and VillasBy Sukanya Somphan

On 13 April Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas arranged a Merit-making Ceremony at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas on the occasion of Songkarn Day – the Thai New Year. The Songkran celebration is rich in symbolic tradition. Mornings begin with merit making. Visiting local temples and offering food (Tamboon Tak Bart) to Buddhist monks

is commonly practiced and on this specific occasion, we invited nine monks for the ceremony. Another iconic ritual is pouring water on Buddha statues. It represents purification and the washing away of one’s sins and bad luck. As a festival of unity, those who have moved away usually return home to their loved ones and elders. Showing respect to their elders, younger people often pour water over the palms of elders’ hands. Paying reverence to ancestors is also an important part of the Songkran tradition.

“Song Nam Phra” - Hosts and guests pour scented water on the hands of the Buddha

image for good luck Hosts and guests offer dry food to the monks

Offering lunch and receiving blessings from the monks

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach ResortBy Jakkrin (Banke) Mongkilnakin

The word Songkran is from the Sanskrit language and means the passage of the sun from one sign of the Zodiac to another. The date was originally set by astrological calculations, but it is now fixed on 13 April. Songkran festival is also commonly known as the “Water Festival” by locals and tourists travelling to Thailand. The water custom originates from spring cleaning which included the cleaning of Buddha statues. Celebrants, young and old, participate in this tradition by splashing water on each

other, representing purification and the washing away of one’s sins and bad luck; giving a new start. The team at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort (TLR) celebrated this important tradition with a number of activities. The day began with a traditional ceremony where nine local monks blessed the resort and the staff, followed by a procession to the sound of Thai drums, finishing at Edgewater Bar for traditional Thai dancing performed by our housekeeping and sport and recreational hosts. Our guests were invited and encouraged to join in with the fun of splashing each other with water.

Songkran Festival >> 9

Page 9

Songkran Festival ... << From 8

Games were arranged for our guests at the main swimming pool and beachfront such as dunk tank, balloon darts, water boxing and boat relay. We sincerely appreciate the collaboration of the TLR team to bring this event together. Our guests were very impressed and not only had fun but learned about Thai culture and tradition at the same time. The number of participants this year was beyond our expectations. Please come to Thailand next year, so we may celebrate together!

Page 10

Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort celebrates second anniversaryBy Annabelle Louis Shookhye

Revisiting our values at Outrigger Mauritius Beach ResortBy Annabelle Louis Shookhye

What better than a quiz competition to refresh our minds about our values (ENSAME)? Each host was asked challenging questions about the Mauritian culture and our core values. Quiz responses showed that our hosts are well versed in the traditions and culture of Mauritius and in our core values.

A scrumptious buffet for a special occasion

Saturday, 16 April 2016, was a special day for hosts of the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort as we celebrated the second anniversary of the resort. Everyone was in a festive mood as we gathered in the host restaurant where a large and delicious buffet was offered and enjoyed! Cake ended our special day on a sweet note.

The cake-cutters!

Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort values are top of mind!

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort turndown training By Elena Dementeva

Recently the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort housekeeping department held turndown training for housekeeping hosts. I’m sure guests are thrilled to return to these rooms!

Page 11

Paddle 1 journey pau (finished)By Herb Fernandez

This past week OHANA Waikiki Malia by Outrigger® hosts refreshed our minds on our values Kuleana (Accountability) and Aloha (Love and Compassion). At our morning briefing, I represented the maintenance department and had the pleasure of presenting the bell department with a plaque, signed by the maintenance team, stating the below:

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort & Villas cosponsors golf tournamentBy Marc Landgraf

The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort & Villas was proud co-sponsor of the 2nd Laguna Phuket Junior Golf Championship held on 27 March 2016. Close to 50 junior golfers from the Phuket area competed in the tournament held in partnership with the British International School Phuket. Outrigger Chef Tor and Khun Jorn offered refreshments to the appreciative junior golfers and their respective teams throughout the day. The tournament’s aim is to grow the game of golf and by all accounts it was a success!

Salvador Antonio, Herb Fernandez, Troy Boyce, Henry Rodrigues, Peter Nonales, Ken Asato and Dennis Nakachi

2016 Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a | Paddle 1“Our Values as Our Guide”Accountability - Kuleana

We have the courage and discipline to act on our responsibilities and to accept all consequences.

Using Kuleana as an acronym, we created the following:

Know - your role as a hostUnderstand - what is expected of you Learn - how to best accomplish your tasksEngage - whole-heartedly in our workAccept - all consequences Needs - of our guest and host is priorityAllow - yourself to be your best as a host

AlohaWe treat each other as we want to be treated,

with love, compassion and dignity.

Using Aloha as an acronym, we created the following:

Always - treat others with respectLove - what you do as a host Openly - greet our guests with a smileHost - creates lasting impressionsAloha - is who we are

Aloha bell department,We’d like to commend you for living the Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a values of Kuleana and Aloha. The service your team provides to our guests and host does not go unnoticed. Continue being the exceptional hosts that you are and always creating wonderful memories and lasting impressions our guests can cherish forever. Mahalo!

Boxes of soda were shared for all hosts to enjoy.

Page 12

USC tops UH to win the Outrigger Resorts Aloha InvitationalBy Kathy Hansberry

Picturesque Queen’s Beach in Waikīkī served as the venue as six women’s college beach volleyball teams competed for the 2nd annual Outrigger Resorts Aloha Invitational. The three-day tournament, held April 21-23, attracted teams from all over the nation, including No. 5 Hawai’i, Grand Canyon, No. 6 Long Beach State, Louisiana Monroe, No. 1 Southern Cal and Washington. As title sponsor of the tournament, Outrigger Resorts hosted all the teams, event organizers and CBSSports media at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (OWK). OWK also hosted a “Meet and Greet” with the UH, Long Beach and USC teams on the beach fronting the resort Friday afternoon. As part of the event activation, Outrigger hosted a VIP Hospitality Pavilion providing invited guests and VIPs with prime viewing in the shade and the coolest “nourishing indulgence,” thanks to Hawai‘i-based Brio frozen dairy dessert. Congratulations to defending national champion and No. 1-ranked USC who beat Hawai‘i, 3-0, Saturday to capture the six-team duals tournament. The Trojans took home the unique tournament trophy, a traditional Hawaiian Koa paddle that will be engraved with their logo and the tournament’s logo. Gay Shinbara, senior sports sales manager, presented the duals and pairs championship awards to the Trojans. If you missed the live event, the tournament was taped and will be televised Saturday, May 21, at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT/9 a.m. HT on CBS Sports Network. Mahalo to our #teamOutrigger volunteers for their support: Carol Ly, CJ Sword, Gay Shinbara, Glaiza de Gracia, Ivy Kwok, Josh Haddadi, Leilani Love, Lily Tran, Mary Loy, Puna Ortega, Robert McConnell, Robert Uchida, Shae Gallardo and Sheila Bernardo. More information on the Outrigger Resorts Aloha Invitational can be found at www.AlohaInvitational.com.

Photo above left: #teamOutrigger volunteers: Lily Tran, Robert Uchida, Shae Gallardo and Puna Ortega

Left: Mary Loy, Josh Haddadi, Kathy Hansberry, Leilani Love, Glaiza de Gracia and Gay Shinbara

Page 13

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts celebrates 6th Annual Mele MeiBy Nancy Daniels

As part of our E Mele Ana program of year-round support of Hawaiian music and culture, we are pleased to be a sponsor of this year’s 6th Annual Mele Mei Celebration and offer a full

line-up of Hawaiian music and events at our Waikīkī properties.

Kani Ka Pila Grille (KKPG) Mele Mei Sunday Concert Series at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach ResortTrue Hawaiian music can be enjoyed every night of the week from 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. However, during the month of May, KKPG will expand Sunday performances with an extra hour of music and two music groups as part of its Mele Mei Sunday Concert Series.• May 1: Blayne Asing (5 p.m.-6:45 p.m.) and Brother Noland (7 p.m.-9 p.m.)• May 8: Ben Vegas & Maila Gibson (5 p.m.-6:45 p.m.) and Nathan Aweau (7 p.m.-9 p.m.)• May 15: Ku‘uipo Kumukahi (5 p.m.-6:45 p.m.) and Mailani Makainai (7 p.m.-9 p.m.)• May 22: Lehua Kalima & Shawn Pimental (5 p.m.-6:45 p.m.) and Kuana Torres Kahele (7 p.m.-9 p.m.)• May 29: Kūpaoa (5 p.m.-6:45 p.m.) and Maunalua (7 p.m.-9 p.m.)For information or to make a reservation, call (808) 924-4990.

May Day WaikīkīAs official sponsor, we invite you to this annual local celebration with a heartfelt tribute to Waikīkī’s iconic Beach Boys. Melveen Leed and Henry Kapono will perform live Sunday, May 1, from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Waikīkī Beach fronting the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. For additional updates and details, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MayDayWaikiki/.

Blue Note Hawaii Presents: Henry Kapono & Friends – a ‘Mele Mei’ Concert Celebration at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach ResortHenry Kapono has invited friends Amy Hanaiali‘i, Sean Na‘auao, Robi Kahakalau, Ledward Ka‘apana, John Cruz and Brother Noland to join him for a night of Hawaiian entertainment at “Blue Note Hawaii Presents: Henry Kapono & Friends – a ‘Mele Mei’ Concert Celebration.” Tickets for the Sunday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows are now on sale at www.bluenotehawaii.com or call the box office at 808-777-4890.

Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Ala Moana HotelApril 30, Hibiscus Ballroom, Doors open at 10 a.m.This year’s Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards (LAA) recipients include Jon de Mello, founder of the Mountain Apple Company; vocal coaches Neva Rego and Betty Grierson; steel guitar player Hiram Olsen; Roy Sakuma founder of the ‘Ukulele Festival; and celebrated entertainer and recording artist Elaine Ako Spencer.

Tickets are $75 and include a lunch buffet, silent auction and awards show. Purchase tickets online at www.nahokuhanohano.org.

Duke’s Waikiki at Outrigger Waikiki Beach ResortDuke’s presents a lively line-up of entertainment nightly, with its popular outdoor concerts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. During the month of “Mele Mei,” locals and visitors can enjoy:• Fridays: Maunalua (May 6, 13, 27) and Kaiona Trio (May 20)• Saturdays: Beach 5 (May 7), Kailua Bay Buddies (May 21), MOJO (May 28)• Sundays: It’s Duke’s on Sunday with Henry Kapono (May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)

Nā Mele No Nā Pua Sunday Showcase at Waikiki Beach Walk®Plaza Fountain Stage, 5 p.m.-6 p.m.Waikiki Beach Walk® celebrates Mele Mei with its twice-a-month Nā Mele No Nā Pua Sunday Showcase with concerts on May 15 and 29. • May 15: Nā Waiho‘olu‘u o ke Anuenue• May 29: Mike Kaawa & Friends• June 5: Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental• June 19: Hālau Hula O Kawaili‘ula with Kumu Chinky Mahoe

GRAMMY Museum® exhibit: Kī Hō‘alu – Honoring the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar TraditionThis year, the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Artists and Mele Mei, together with a roster of sponsors that included Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, launched an annual partnership with the GRAMMY Museum®. Dubbed Mele Mei in LA, Hawaiian music and a company of award-winning island musicians were front and center during the week leading up to the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards® in Los Angeles this past February. The partnership also included a special exhibit that celebrated the history and artists of the Hawaiian slack key guitar, Kī Hō‘alu – Honoring the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Tradition. The exhibit has been on display at the GRAMMY Museum since February and now travels to Hawai‘i for residents and visitors to enjoy. Exhibit dates and venues include:

• Ala Moana Center, Mall Level 2, Mauka Wing: Sunday, May 1- Thursday, June 30, from 12-5 p.m.• Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana (Cosmetic’s Level): Sunday, May 1- Sunday, May 22 • Hawai‘i Convention Center: Saturday, May 28, at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano AwardsFor more information on Outrigger’s commitment to Hawaiian music, visit outrigger.com/music.

Mele Mei 2016 is sponsored by the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Ticket information for the 39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards Show as well as a list of this year’s nominees, can be found online at nahokuhanohano.org. For more information on Mele Mei, please visit melemei.com.

Page 14

John Fitts ... << From 1

For several weeks before this, at Roy’s request, the cashiers at the four hotels we owned at the time set aside every $100 bill they received, so Roy could appear at the auction ready to make a sizeable “cash on the barrelhead” deposit to secure a winning bid. He arrived at the auction with his jacket pockets bulging – practically overflowing –

with banknotes bearing Ben Franklin’s portrait. As luck would have it, our bids were accepted not for one, but for both properties. Suddenly we were faced with the challenge of bringing business not only to the struggling 627-room Prince Kuhio Hotel, but also staffing and operating the two additional 600-room hotels we had just acquired. I was scrambling to put things together when John Fitts walked into my office and introduced himself as head of the management company that had been operating the Maile Court. “Do you need any help?” he asked. “I sure do,” I replied. That was the birth of a great friendship, which led to the formation of a jointly owned hotel management company, Outrigger Lodging Services (OLS). It has been quite a ride. Starting with an inventory of just four hotels, OLS has been the management company for a total of over 83 different properties, most of them in the western U.S. OLS has operated hotels with well-known brand names such as Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Doubletree, Best Western, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, etc. However, many have been one-of-a-kind boutique hotels with names such as Hotel Amarano, The Grafton on Sunset, Le Parc and Le Montrose. John and I had hoped to purchase some of these OLS-managed properties below their future potential value. During the turmoil of the 80s, one target was the six-story AMFAC Hotel near San Francisco International Airport (SFO). We had it under contract and we were set to close on Friday, October 20, 1989. On Tuesday, October 17, at 5:04 p.m., just minutes before the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants were set to begin the third game of the World Series at nearby Candlestick Park, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake centered nearby shook the ground for 15 seconds. A huge water storage tank sitting on the roof of the AMFAC Hotel became a gargantuan water bomb and crashed through the roof to the hotel’s ballroom six stories below. We cancelled the purchase contract. In 1993, at age 60, I moved to Denver, Colorado, to begin a “partial retirement.” It didn’t quite work out that way, however. Driving to the brand new Denver International Airport, out in the country 25 miles from the city center, I looked at all the open fields along the Peña Boulevard airport connector and saw only a few

hotels being built to serve the high volume of passengers projected to pass through the airport on their way to and from Denver. John and I convinced our companies and a few private investors to join us as we bought a piece of land and began the construction of the 157-room Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport. Several experienced businessmen and hoteliers turned down the opportunity to join in the investment, questioning the viability of a project located so far from the city. However, we forged ahead, and on a frigid February day in 1997, as an icy wind drove a light snow, John and I stood in an open field trying to penetrate the frozen ground with our shovels to mark the beginning of the project. Barely able to scrape the icy turf, we looked at each other thinking the same thought: “What the **** are we doing?” Fortunately, it has all worked out even better than planned and now, nearly 17 years later, the property continues to do well and is a leader among the nearby hotels. Several of our employees there have been with us since day one, which is a tribute to John’s unique management style. Wherever he went, John always focused on the many, many details needed to provide flawless hospitality to guests. He did this by personally visiting OLS-operated properties across the country from Hawai‘i to Florida. Visits were followed by memos, advice and praise, as appropriate. Whenever possible I joined John on some of these visits. In January 2015, he and I jointly presented bonus checks to key employees at a private dinner in Denver.

John’s staff at company headquarters in Encino, California, just north of Los Angeles, were particularly loyal. Chief Financial Officer Martti Mannoja, his assistant Julie

Messa, and Senior VP of Hotel Operations Claudia Jackson have become close friends of mine over the years. A few years ago, as he entered his 60s, John thought it was time to slow down. Outrigger Lodging Services became OLS Hotels & Resorts, a separate entity no longer affiliated with Outrigger Enterprises, Inc. He entered into agreements that would let him take some time off and completely retire at the end of this year. Last week, John was in the Bahamas enjoying a vacation with his wife Toni when he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. I am sure the entire Outrigger ‘ohana joins me in expressing our condolences to John’s family, his entire staff at OLS Hotel & Resorts, and his many friends and associates across the country and around the world. John had a full and meaningful life. I will miss him, and I know many others will too. Aloha, John!

John and Martti Mannoja

John and Toni Fitts