Page 1

Dr. Richard Kelley

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort marks its 15th anniversary

BY DONNA PARKIN

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, now celebrating its 15th anniversary, is widely recognized as one of Outrigger Resorts’ premier beachfront properties. With more than 550 Fijian hosts, in 2014 it was named ‘Number One Family Resort’ in Australia and the South Pacific in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards and is ranked among the top 25 best family resorts in the world. Darren Edmonstone, managing director, Asia Pacific, shared that the company is extremely proud of the property’s success and outstanding reputation for offering guests an authentic Fijian beachfront holiday experience. “The success of this property stems largely from Geoff Shaw’s vision, the natural charm of our Fijian hosts and Outrigger’s values-led management culture that has over 68 years of experience operating resorts in island destinations.” “Planning is well underway for numerous capital projects that will see the property and its facilities elevated and will set the direction for the future as well as demonstrate Outrigger Resorts’ ongoing commitment and faith in Fiji and the strength of its tourism industry,” he said.

Special guest Acting Prime Minister Attorney General and Minister for Finance Aiyaz Sayed Kaiyum celebrates with Peter Hopgood, Geoff Shaw,

Darren Edmonstone and Outrigger Fiji hosts

Lessons from Denver Airport

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY

Last week, the day after it opened, I had the opportunity to visit the new 519-room Westin Hotel at Denver International Airport. The building’s architecture is striking. Together with the adjacent main airport terminal, it is a shining example of what can be produced in a free enterprise market, operating under a government that adheres to the principles of democracy and is protected by a modern national military and competent local police forces. Denver International Airport (DIA) opened on February 28, 1995 – 20 years ago – after years of studies, negotiations and planning plus six years of construction. Located 25 miles northeast of the center of Denver, it replaced the old airport, Stapelton, which was much closer to town but lacked room for growth because of its location. Having reached maximum capacity, that historic airport had to be mothballed and replaced. Under the leadership of Mayor Federico Peña (who later served as U.S. secretary of transportation under President Bill Clinton) and a group of dedicated Denver citizens, 53 square miles of land were acquired and annexed to the city, instantly making it the future home of the largest commercial airport in the continental United States. The official groundbreaking took place on November 22, 1989.

DECEMBER 5, 2015

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

15th anniversary >> 3

Denver Airport >> 16

Page 2

SB signing off for 2015!BY THE SATURDAY BRIEFING (SB) STAFF

The SB staff takes their annual break the last two weeks of the year (SB issues Dec. 19 and 26) and will resume with the Jan. 2 issue. The Dec. 12 issue will be a 2015 recap. Happy Holidays!

Employment opportunitiesIf 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 Dec. 11, 2015.

Guest Services Representative (full-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. Japanese speaking required.

Guest Services Representative (full-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.

Happy birthday!Dec. 16: Nuttapat Chairat, Fu Hua Chen, Nattiya Chusriying, Merle C. Dagdagan, Abraham R. Delacruz Jr., Ryan M.M. Kotani, Kamala Martizna and Sitiveni Vatusausau.

Dec. 17: Bala Anamalay, Juraiwan Jakkhurak, Lordel J. Kapika, Ok Soon Kim, Sharon C.Y. Kim, Pravesh Lolljee, Kiana J. Macdonald, Michelle H. Manantan, Lukela S. Meyers, Miriama Nai, Jariya Olakul, Laureano B. Sanchez, Teresa Z. Shepherd, Vitalina Tinanivalu and Shanly Wu.

Dec. 18: Laisayani Domolailai, Advent Escoto, Inosi Kacavou, Sally S.I. Lu, Ravin Muddoo, IlandariPedige Ruwan Premachandra, Josivini Nakai Seniu, Rose Wapol and Alvin Yturralde.

Dec. 19: Akuila Bati, Nancy Bonilla, Lianne L. Bryant, Marie Joanne Anouska Jauhangeer, Sompote Kaewpunya, Xiu Qing Li, Kasanita Tabuanisavu Mainaqumu, Simeon Q. Miranda, Evia Sauvoli, Sunthorn Sricharoon and Esperanza Walter.

Dec. 20: Fiona Hong, Guidong Lei, Anak Agung Emi Lestari, Enyaflor Nicdao, Kasseeah Sharma Oshan, Sergio Jr. A. Pascual, Rajess Ramgutty, Ranatunge Arachchige Jayawardana Adheesha Priyanga Ranatunga and Michelle Tanglao.

Dec. 21: Vishay Bhunooa Litiana Radakua Kuridroya, Mary Catherine Choo Loy, Mahesh Narayan Mistry, Roy E. Piliere, Dylan M. Rosa and Nuanchan Sangchuang.

Dec. 22: Matthew Brown, Pepe Ernesto R. Castro, Wichai Changnam, Lisebeth Monica Constant, Elpidio S. Oviedo, Jarnail Singh and Koliaci Vasukorolevu Masu U.

Outrigger ‘Ohana lucky drawingBY CHAR LUNING

Mahalo to all who participated in the drawing for the Honolulu Zoo Ground Hornbill Membership and congratulations to:

- Ben Starbuck (Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger® Accounting) - Gay Shinbara (Outrigger Enterprises Group Sales) - Libby Young (Outrigger Enterprises Group Condo Accounting) - Sally Lu (Outrigger Enterprises Group Global Reporting) - Shae Gallardo (Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Operations)

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.

© 2015 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Page 3

In 1989, Mr. Shaw bought what was then a small tourism property built on the site of a former dairy farm and undertook a major refurbishment creating the original 72 room ‘The Reef Resort.’ In 1999, he collaborated with Outrigger Enterprises Group and together we rebuilt the site to include 254 rooms and thatched bures based on the architectural style of a traditional Fijian waterfront village. The new property was named The Outrigger Reef Fiji and received its first guests in October 2000. In 2004, the hotel was renamed Outrigger On The Lagoon Fiji and in the same year it was rated five star by AAA Tourism, Australia. In February 2014, Mr. Shaw sold his complete shareholding to Outrigger Enterprises Group and earlier this year, as part of our global brand repositioning, it was renamed Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Work on the new capital projects is scheduled to commence in February 2016 with an upgrade to the resort’s main lagoon swimming pool. Unique to the resort is its community tourism project (see article at right), underlining Outrigger’s global commitment to provide a deeply engaging and authentic holiday experience for its guests. This initiative involved the building of a large bure at Conua Primary School in the Sigatoka Valley over 14 months, an example of the company’s dedicated commitment to the local culture and community. The official opening of the Conua School bure on Oct. 28 coincided with an anniversary celebration for staff and a corporate cocktail party attended by local government dignitaries, corporate and tourism industries, Outrigger executives, community elders and house guests. Happy anniversary Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, may you have many more!

15th anniversary ... << From 1 Official opening for Outrigger Fiji’s Community Tourism Project

BY DONNA PARKIN

A labour of love involving more than 800 guests and hosts, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s first Community Tourism Project has officially opened. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s large community bure (meeting hall) project was constructed at Conua Primary School in the Sigatoka Valley over a 14-month period. It is the centrepiece of the village, is built to withstand tropical cyclones and has the capacity to accommodate over 100 people for both school and village meetings and community events. It was officially opened on Nov. 28 by special guests Fiji’s Minister for Industry Tourism & Trade Mr. Faiyaz Koya and Outrigger Managing Director Asia Pacific Darren Edmonstone, coinciding with Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s 15th birthday. Over the past year, guests have volunteered their time over one or two days during their holiday to assist the resort’s engineering team with all aspects of the construction phase from basic labour work to more skilled trades. Parents and their children who took part in the program were able to interact with the local school children, share a bowl of kava with the local villagers and complete the day with a visit to one of Fiji’s most significant cultural sites, Tavuni Hill Fort. The project was driven by Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s General Manager Peter Hopgood. “Our resort operates as one big vuvale (family) and I think that guests pick up on that and were only too happy to pitch in and help because they felt part of a larger family group and want to give something back to the community. We have even had corporate groups, social groups and a father and son group from Newport Rugby Club in Sydney come to stay at the resort specifically to make a direct-action contribution to the project,” he said. As a special surprise at the opening event, Outrigger Fiji also donated four new computers to the School. Completely overwhelmed, the school principal Mrs. Finau said that the resort’s involvement with the school has been a blessing from God. “The teachers and school children were eternally thankful for the generous support from the resort.” The initiative underpins Outrigger’s global commitment to provide a deeply engaging holiday experience for its guests and to provide a dedicated commitment to the local culture and community.

Community Tourism Project >> 4

Peter Hopgood and Darren Edmonstone

Page 4

Community Tourism Project ... << From 3 Outrigger Asia garners two more awards

BY MARK SIMMONS

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort garnered “Luxury Contemporary Resort of the Year,” announced by the UK-based Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2015. The award represents the pinnacle of hospitality achievement, championing the best in their respective fields. The judges commented that “The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort creates once in a lifetime adventure and exploration opportunities, sprawling villas of unrivalled comfort, style and amenities, world-class cuisine and indulgent, exotic spa treatments. This modern no-holds-barred focus on creating an all-encompassing resort to please every potential guest made it the obvious winner for Luxury Contemporary Resort of the Year.”

Outrigger opened the resort on Aug. 1 after an extensive refurbishment with 53 garden and over-water pool villas comprising the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives. Congratulations to Peter Skinner, vice president design and projects, and his team and to Pascal Billon, general manager, and his colleagues for combining to make an award-winning resort product we can all be proud of. Earlier this week General Manager Tony Pedroni also accepted an award on behalf of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort (TLR) from GTA, a B2B travel industry technology partner that helps sell our properties in Asia to a global audience. TLR is in the top 10 performers using GTA’s services in Phuket.

Photos: top: Peter Skinner | bottom: Pascal Billon

Page 5

Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort Executive Sous Chef Visagen Sadien’s amazing transformation!

As we go about our daily routine, we tend to get busy with work and forsake everything around us by adopting bad habits—mainly eating habits. After having worked four years abroad, in Zanzibar and at Alain Ducasse restaurant in Qatar, with the objective of developing my culinary skills and career prospects, I returned to Mauritius in search of work stability and to prepare for my wedding. I started working at Outrigger and my routine continued with focus on my work. When I’m on leave, I tend to stay in my room, eat junk food, watch TV and sleep excessively. No surprise, I ultimately end up gaining weight. My fiancé told me I should adopt a healthier living habit but I found it difficult. However, with my wedding date approaching, my determination to lose weight was priority as I wanted to look stunning on my big day. One-and-a-half months of intense “dieting” and exercise have resulted in my losing nearly 12 kg (26 lbs)! I am happy to share with you how I reached my objective of losing weight in a short period of time. Here is what worked for me:

• Training, intensely, two hours daily (cardio and CrossFit)• Eating consistently at meal times: Eating lunch and a light

dinner consisting of salad and fruit• Cutting out the nibbling at night and in between meals• Replacing rice with bread • Drinking a detox tea after each meal

The better part of losing weight is reflected in my daily living. I feel good about myself and am more self-confident. At work, I perform with more dynamism and a good attitude, and I am more apt to bring forth fruitful ideas.

I now realize the meaning of the quote I learned from Chef Alain Ducasse, “winners never quit and quitters never win.’’ This has become my motto since.

Page 6

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort hosts American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) student chapter

BY SHERYL TSUGAWA

On Nov. 17, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort hosted the AH&LA student chapter on a property site tour and “talk story” session. The group was comprised of students from the University of Hawai‘i who had diverse interests in rooms division, food and beverage and overall hotel operations. The responsibility to help our community is a true honor for our Reef team. A sincere mahalo to Luana Maitland, Kathy Oyadomari, Myra Kuboyama and Ryan Kotani for taking the time to share their career journey and Outrigger story with the next generation of future hoteliers! After receiving the note of appreciation (below), we know they represented well!

“Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day to take AH&LA student chapter on our site inspection. I enjoyed meeting your whole staff and learning their life

experiences. Most of all, I love your ‘ohana organization culture. Outrigger Reef encompasses its Hawaiian values through their employees making their guests feel at home. Once again, mahalo for an enjoyable site inspection.”

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach hosts are happy to share their journey with the next generation

“Share for change” playground renovation project BY CHAIRAT SAESIAO (BANKE)

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort and Outrigger Phuket Resort and Villas hosts joined forces to renovate and upgrade the playground for Baan Khok Wat Mai School. The school’s resources are limited with even the most basic routine maintenance unattended. Our commitment and dedication, over time, will make a difference to the school, teachers and most of all the children! After much preparation, we were able to construct a safe, colorful and fun playground that brought smiles to the faces of many children. Thank you to the volunteers who put in a lot of time and hard work; we sincerely appreciate your generosity. Having the opportunity to witness the delight of these children was an incredible experience.

Page 7

Host announcements

Executive Chef Gene Soledad

New roles for Gene Soledad and Bev FidelBY BARRY WALLACE

I am pleased to join human resources in congratulating Gene Soledad on his promotion to executive chef at the Outrigger Guam Beach Resort and to announce Beverly “Bev” Fidel as director of sales and marketing for the OHANA Waikiki East and OHANA Waikiki Malia Hotels.

Chef Gene reports to Edwin Torres, director of food and beverage, as of Nov. 1, 2015. He is responsible for the overall planning, food preparation, production and control of the Palm Café kitchen that supports three outlets and banquets. He ensures company standards of quality are met to the satisfaction of our guests. Chef Gene has been with the resort since it opened in 1999. His culinary interest was piqued with a newly opened Italian restaurant where he learned the art of making authentic Italian dishes and pizza. He joined the Naval Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) culinary team while also a part of the cooking team at Ladera Tower before joining the Outrigger Guam’s Tinige Ansianu restaurant, now known as Palm Café. Chef Gene has worked to strengthen his culinary talent under seven executive chefs. He has competed and won in culinary competitions on Guam and is a supporter of

culinary interns from the region. He is an active member of the Micronesian Chefs Association. Gene is an avid RC (Radio Control) enthusiast and enjoys family time with his wife Sherina and their children Simona, Jasmin, Camilyn, Sherilyn, Kobe and Amaiya. Effective Jan. 1, 2016, Bev will report to general managers Niel Mason and Nora Weatherwax. In short, Bev is accountable for generating demand for our two OHANA properties. Working in concert with Niel, Nora and revenue managers, her role is pivotal in internal and external brand awareness and revenue outcomes. Bev transitions from her analytic role as director of revenue management for the Outrigger Waikiki Beach. She has been with Outrigger since 1990 and has held operations positions from front desk clerk to hotel manager and revenue management positions from manager to director. She is a member of the Advisory Council for the U.S. Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and is active with Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in the Philippines, Bev speaks fluent Tagalog. An aspiring artist, she studied design at Georgetown College and is also a certified wedding planner! Bev has two children, Tiana and Layla, and a granddaughter Shaynalyn. Her boyfriend David Reed (director, systems and programming) and his son Kai round out their family. A creative mind, Bev likes crafts and cleaning and rearranging the house. She and David enjoy hiking on the weekends and theatrical plays and opera. TV show Amazing Race and Survivor junkies, they think they would make a good team, so don’t be surprised if you see them on the “small screen” someday! With Bev’s solid understanding of the business and her outgoing personality, she is a perfect fit for OHANA director of sales and marketing. Congratulations, Chef Gene and Bev!

Bev Fidel

CELEBRATING ONE YEAR WITH OUTRIGGERCongratulations to the following hosts who celebrated their one-year anniversary in November.

Ashish Kumar Prayag MORCharles Edgar Sutherland TLRDaniel Eay OGMDevraj Luchman MORDinesh Somar MORHiroki Teshima OGMJetsada Kongtong TLRJill Y.M. Kawakami OEHJutamas Sommit TLR

Khamphee Saisa TLRKristopher Honeycutt OEHLesly Ann D.L.C. Martin ORFLoreto Redila OGMMarcy Augustine OGMMarie Anne Sophie Rougier-Lagane MORMarlon Reyes OGMMataiasi Jitoko FOR

Nutrada Kessiri TLRPisamai Chookla TLRPono K.H. Kahili ESHRajesh Kumarfokeer MORSailesh Kumar Ujoodha MORSinterela Tinipou OGMSupaporn Junjan TLRWichuda Pibalkasat TLR

Page 8

“Can” do attitude!BY THE ESTEAM ALAKA‘I

In line with The Outrigger Way, the beauties of our Embassy Suites (ES) by Hilton™ Waikiki Beach Walk® reservations and revenue department inspired the rest of the “ES” team with their “Can” do attitude! “Go and build a tree!” was their instruction. Canned goods were the building blocks to construct a holiday tree and each department did not disappoint in their creativity and generosity of time and talent. Guests voted for the best in Most Department Reflection, Most Recyclable and Most Festive. Congratulations to the winners!• MOST DEPARTMENT REFLECTION

went to housekeeping with their brilliant idea of covering cans with toilet tissue wrapping, hanging framed pictures of team members and topping with a star.

• MOST RECYCLABLE was awarded to finance with their resourceful use of recyclable items like paper clips, paper and ribbon.

• MOST FESTIVE was awarded to our executive department reusing festive ribbons and decorations.

To support The Outrigger Way of Caring for Each Other and in support of our “Can” do attitude, 317 pounds of canned goods were donated to a local charity to help those in our community in need. A special mahalo to the “Can” do team: Linda Honma-Lacaran, Mary Ann Andrade and Kay Lee. Mahalo nui to Carol Lopes for assisting in packing and delivering the donation.

Finance

Reservations and Revenue

Housekeeping Executive department

Front Desk

A local charity is overjoyed at the generosity of our Embassy Suites’ hosts

Page 9

Outrigger sponsors UH football “Senior Night”BY KATHY HANSBERRY

Charlene Goo receives a mahalo gift from UH and pre-game coin toss by Barry Wallace

Dean and Holly Nakasone and Karen Wataru Nakaoka and friend

Napua Ho, Pam Cabrera, Claire Morikawa, Ellie Agustin and Jennifer Cabasag

Above: Kathy Hansberry, Maribel Quemado, Gay Shinbara and Elllie AgustinRight: UH football promo team!

Outrigger Resorts was the game sponsor of the “Senior Night” final home game for the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team as they squared off against the War Hawks from Louisiana-Monroe. On behalf of Outrigger, Charlene Goo accepted a mahalo gift for our game sponsorship from UH Athletics Director David Matlin and Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman. As luck would have it, The Warriors won the pregame coin-toss flipped by Barry Wallace and after an exciting game, the ‘Bows closed out the 2015 football season with a 28-26 win over the War Hawks. #teamOutrigger turned out in full force to provide fun interactive games and promotions for the 21,284 fans. Two lucky draw contestants competed in “Outrigger Around the World” where they had to tricycle to six designated Outrigger destinations onfield, receive a lei and

trike to the finish. The surprise? They both were winners, each receiving an 8-ft surfboard! Mahalo to our #teamOutrigger hosts who volunteered their time and enthusiasm to this successful event:

VIP PRE-GAME RECEPTION FOR CLIENTS AND PARTNERS: Ellie Agustin, Jennifer Cabasag, Pam Cabrera, Heather Doeringer, Napua and Ken Ho, Claire Morikawa, Stephanie Nojima, Richard Oshiro, Gay Shinbara, Kyle and Eric Vidal and Tom Wakita.

UH SPIRIT FLAGS DISTRIBUTION: Sean Ajimine, Bob Berges and family, Lee-Ann Kwon, John Neeley, Antonio Reyes and family, JoJo Cabulera and family and Dan Wacksman.

OUTRIGGER PROMO/GAME TENT: Natalie Fudge, Shilla Lee and Brent Shiratori. See you at the next Outrigger-sponsored event!

Page 10

Let the holiday season begin!BY LUANA MAITLAND

Hosts of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort began preparing for the holiday season in November by crafting ornaments to deck the Christmas tree for the front lobby. Guests also joined in the merriment by decorating angel ornaments the day before Thanksgiving. These ornaments will be taken to a local charity by our hosts along with Nā Kupuna O Ko‘olau who will entertain with holiday song and cheer. On Thanksgiving Day, guests were invited to decorate their very own cupcakes. The Annual Tree Lighting ceremony brought the Hawaiian way of celebrating the holidays to the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Kumu Leimomi Maldanado and Hālau Ka Hale I O Kahala entertained guests with beautiful mele and hula. Once again, it was the keiki who joined General Manager Dean Nakasone in lighting up the Christmas tree and singing Mele Kalikimaka. Copies of the song were given to guests and visitors to take home as a souvenir; however, most said they were going to take it home to sing it for their families.

OUTRIGGER REEF WAIKIKI BEACH HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR

Dec. 15 and 16 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Breakfast with Santa at Kani Ka Pila Grille

Mon., Dec. 21 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Host Ornament Contest

Tues., Dec. 22 9 a.m. Hawaiian Ornament Making

Wed., Dec. 23 9 a.m. Hawaiian Christmas Storytelling

Thurs., Dec. 24 noon Christmas Cookie Decorating

PHOTOS:

Top left: Hosts making ornaments - Nieves Libed, Espirita Sumibicay, Norilyn Pagaragan, Dena Domingsil, Elizabeth Aguinaldo, Jenny Wu and Erlinda Barredo

Top right:Tree lighting

2nd row left: Thelma Lestino, Nilo Madarang, Pik Yi Lau Deolito Ballares and intern Terumi Iwai

2nd row right: Guests decorating angel ornaments

3rd row left: Fun decorating a Thanksgiving cupcake

3rd row right: Hālau Ka Hale I O Kahala

Bottom right: Ofelia De Jesus, Pik Yi Lau, Thelma Lestino, Teresa Shepherd, Dean Nakasone, Fu Hua Chen, Alohalani Alapai and Lindsay Michaelson

Page 11

Global gatherings celebrate the season!BY KATHY FOLEY

Enjoy photos of celebrations at our properties across the globe (Pages 12-15). You can see these and more at http://goo.gl/eP9XPS or http://10.31.50.180/gallery/index.php/OHR-Holiday-Party-2015. Happy holidays to one and all!

Page 12

Celebrate the season! ... << From 11

Page 13

Celebrate the season! ... << From 12

Page 14

Celebrate the season! ... << From 13

Page 15

Celebrate the season! ... << From 14

Page 16

In 1997, Outrigger Enterprises joined John Fitts and Outrigger Lodging Services to design and construct a 157-room Hilton Garden Inn just off of Pena Boulevard, the main highway to Denver International Airport. I joined in the groundbreaking on a cold, dark February morning and, as I tried to push my ceremonial shovel into the frozen, snow-covered soil, I thought, “Richard, you must be crazy to take on a project like this in this part of the world.” The Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport opened in November 1999, and it has done very well. Outrigger Enterprises is still a minority owner and this Monday morning (December 7), I will be at the hotel to review the proposed budget for 2016 as presented for the operator, OLS Hotels & Resorts, by John Fitts and Martti Mannoja. Since 1999, any number of additional hotels, ranging from 100 to 200 rooms, have opened near DIA. Almost all the top franchise brands are represented. The rooms are needed and occupancy is good because Colorado’s healthy business climate and first-class airport facilities have been an important element of the striking economic growth that has increased local job opportunities over the past two decades. The new Westin hotel at DIA hopes to focus on the corporate meetings market. Conceivably, a company could hold a face-to-face meeting of all its North American representatives at the Westin DIA without the cost or distraction of going 25 miles into downtown Denver. The Westin DIA has 37,000 square feet of conference space in 20 rooms and can handle banquets of up to 2,000 seats. The question many ask is, “Now they’ve built it. Will they come?” I think they will. The total annual passenger count at DIA has gone from about 36 million in 1996 to a projection of nearly 55 million this year. A light rail service will shortly begin operations, which will make it easier and more economical to travel between the heart of Denver and the airport (and the hotel). The metropolitan Denver economy continues to stand out as one of the nation’s healthiest, with many clusters of Colorado companies focused on aerospace, aviation, bioscience, energy and technology. Airport. Prosperity. Which is the chicken and which the egg? Neither. I believe they are synergistic. Together, they produce a result greater than either could alone.

Denver Airport ... << From 1

With that thought, the State of Hawai‘i should take a look at its own airport facilities. This was brought home to me recently when I took a direct flight from Kona International Airport to Denver International Airport. The facilities at KOA were designed for interisland flights and they are nowhere up to international standards. Don’t take my word for it. See what customers post on travel sites like Yelp.

-------------“Ugh! I LOVE the Big Island but I can’t stand this airport. The TSA line is a true test of patience! Standing there in the blazing sun in some spots is torture. There are a few spots where a big fan is plopped, eh, maybe two fans?!!”

-------------“Another gotcha is, depending on your flight, you should consider buying food in the terminal and either eat it there or on the plane. The planes cannot replenish the catering from Kona because the airport does not have the facilities. So you get stuck with chip/cracker/candy options on the flight.”

-------------“Worst airport waiting experience ever! Picture hot, muggy environment with loud jet engines nearby. No indoor air conditioned buildings. All open air, which would be fine if there was actually a breeze to cool things off. I think this airport is in need of an update BADLY. The accommodations exceed maximum capacity.”

-------------“It is really, really country. This is what airports 50-60 years ago were probably like. It makes me feel like technology doesn’t exist. NO AIR CONDITIONING. On the hottest days of the summer, remember to bring a bag of ice with you to the airport so that you don’t get overheated.”

-------------“Kona Airport? OMG!”

------------- Some travelers like the quaint, tropical atmosphere of Kona International Airport, but a significant number do not. Hawai‘i had better start paying more attention to its customers. There are some great lessons to be learned from what they write and say. We can and must build better terminal facilities at Kona Airport so we can be proud to call it “International.” If not, I can almost guarantee “If we don’t build it, they won’t come.”

Light rail trains from downtown Denver come into the hotel and airport terminal lower levels.

Architectural drawing showing train line access below hotel and adjacent airport terminal (with

tent-like roofs behind the hotel).

The striking sloped sides of the hotel building allow it to achieve the number of rooms needed without diverting existing roadways or violating

airport building height limits.