a celebration going truly green fit for a princess...

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October 24, 2009

Continued on page 4

Going Truly GreenGoodbye, Brick & Mortar

By Bill Peters(Dr. Richard Kelley is traveling. His column will return on October 31.)

Outrigger’s Worldwide Contact Center in Denver has become greener than ever. In fact, as a distinct physical location that can be found on a map, it has ceased to exist. All its employees are now doing the Center’s work from their respective homes, tied together and to Outrigger and the rest of the world by purely electronic means. Back in December 2004, I began investigating all the new and exciting hosted call center software applications that were available. It took me about one and half years to analyze over half a dozen companies that were offering many different ways of connecting with guests using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. They also had many different ways of integrating the full range of methods for customers to make a reservation, including telephone calls, e-mails, fax, Internet live chat, Internet call-back routing, and wholesale rooming list routing, which would allow wholesale to become paperless.

A Celebration Fit for a Princess!

By Kathy Hansberry Last week, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and OHANA Hotels & Resorts celebrated the birthday of the late Princess Victoria Kawēkiu Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Ka‘iulani Cleghorn (�875-�899) with a special lei draping ceremony on Friday, October �6, at

the Princess Ka‘iulani Triangle Park across from the OHANA Waikiki East hotel. The morning ceremony began with a conch blowing, oli (chant), and tribute by ‘Ahahui Ka‘iulani,

Continued on page 8 Martha DeLisa, Marion Beverly, Jason Kemper, Dr. Richard Kelley, Kathy Sylvester, and Shannon Nolder

Larry Pascal adjusts the lei on the Princess

Saturday Briefing

Saturday Briefing is published by and for employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group.

Editor-In-Chief: Richard KelleySenior 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) 92�-660�.

© �984 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Political FundraiserBy OHH PAC Committee

If you are interested in obtaining information regarding Hawaii politics, please email Kathy Foley at [email protected].

November 5, 2009Representative Jessica Wooley (District 47)

andRepresentative Maile Shimabukuro (District 45)

District 47 – Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, Kahana, Kaaawa, Waikane, Kahaluu,

Ahuimanu, and KaneoheDistrict 45 – Waianae, Makaha, and Makua

5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.39 Hotel

(Makai side of Hotel Street near Nuuanu and Hotel)

Happy Birthday!Nov 4: Shiloah Ann P. Watai, Leona S. McDermott, Agricola G. Molina, and Eileen L. Luo.

Nov 5: Collin M. Hoo, Micah C. Cockett, Conchita A. Malaqui, Denis D. O’Brien, Diony D.L. Agliam, Pepito F. Quijano, and Jovencio D. Sumibcay.

Nov 6: Howard J. Bukoski, Penny G. Peshlakai, and Yuko T. Marks.

Nov 7: Icelynn L. Lopes, Florencia A. Silapan, Roy K. Beppu, Joy K. Sadumiano, Kenneth Y. Asato, Deborah Fishell, and Kristyn L. Misajon.

Nov 8: Isaac Namdrik, Magalys Rodriguez Aguiar, Alan M. White, Cathleen L. Cox, Lourdes V. Crodua, and Michelle I. Castro.

Nov 9: Nomer Lou Tacderan Gamiao, Norma E. Cadelina, Emelda P. Carmelotes, Romil B. Alabaro, and Ho Soon Kang.

Nov �0: Ofelia F.A. Valdez, Avelino G. Rosal, David R. Guzik, Elizabeth Milana Quero, Leonila Francisco, Susana Y.W. Lee, and Ferdinand A. Llamas.

Employment Opportunities If you are interested in the positions listed below and meet the qualifications, you may apply online. Please go to www.outrigger.com, click on ABOUT OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. We only accept online applications for the open listed positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 92�-6989. Application deadline for the following positions is October 30, 2009.

General Maintenance (Full Time)Must have three years experience with interior and exterior maintenance, including the demonstrated ability to install, repair, service, inspect, and maintain FF&E facilities. Must also have experience with heating, cooling, plumbing, ventilation, water, electrical, and mechanical systems. The flexibility to work any day and shift required.

Restaurant Utility (Full Time)Will be responsible for maintaining all kitchen facilities, banquet and restaurant equipment, and utensils. Will also be required to set up and clear tables and assist food servers with table service when needed. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and have the flexibility to work any day and shift.

Engineering Assistant (Full Time)A minimum of two years secretarial experience in a maintenance department or related field preferred. Must possess a positive service-oriented attitude toward guests, fellow employees, and the company. Basic mathematical skills and computer skills, including experience with WORD, EXCEL, and Powerpoint required. Must also be able to type 50 wpm, have good verbal and written communication skills, and the flexibility to work any day and shift. High school diploma or equivalent required.

Kona Hawaiian ResortTelephone Attendant (Part-Time)

Must have at least six months customer service and switchboard/PBX experience and the ability to operate a three-line telephone and two-way radio. Will be responsible for relaying incoming, outgoing, and inter-office calls and messages to the proper person and/or department. Basic computer experience and the ability to use good judgment in referring requests to the appropriate department manager for action required. Will also provide resort information to internal and external guest callers, and assist guests with the voicemail system. High school diploma or equivalent required.

Saturday Briefing

Jennifer Perri

Waikiki Beach Walk’s® EntertainmentLine-up for November

By Kathy Hansberry

Waikiki Beach Walk continues to showcase Hawaii’s best island talent through free concerts and entertainment, including the weekly Sunday Showcase music series, the Kū Ha‘aheo Hula Performance every Tuesday. The Sunday Showcase concert is held every Sunday afternoon from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on the Plaza Stage at Waikiki Beach Walk and continues to draw a crowd. Both locals and visitors gather on the lawn at Waikiki Beach Walk to relax and enjoy various genre of music from talented island musicians, including Hawaiian, jazz, local island folk songs, contemporary, and R&B.

November Sunday Showcase Schedule*Special concert performance time - 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. (November 1, 8, 22, & 29, 2009) to be followed by

JAL Hula Week concert performances at 5 p.m. November 1* – Herb Ohta Jr. (Contemporary/Hawaiian/‘Ukulele Instrumentalist)Herb Ohta Jr. is a teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer. He made his debut in �990, and since then, he has made over 50 recordings. He is a seven-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominee and a two-time Hawaii Music Award winner. He also has two national releases in Japan and co-authored two ukulele instructional books with Grammy Award artist Daniel Ho. Ohta has performed throughout Hawaii, Japan, and the United States and has shared the stage with many of Hawaii’s legendary artists.

November 8* – Jennifer Perri (Contemporary/Hawaiian)Jennifer Perri is a popular entertainer whose music has captivated many fans both in Hawaii and Japan. Ms. Perri started her musical career at thirteen-years-old when she won Hawaii’s top children’s talent contest and became the co-host of the local hit television show “OKC TV.” She released her self-titled mini-album in 200� and has also recorded with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and was featured in the Japanese movie, “Hula Girl.” Her most recent project, “He Mele Aloha,” features traditional Hawaiian songs like Pua ‘Olena and Ku‘u Momi Makamae, along with a selection of original songs.

November 15 – Shining Star The Band (Contemporary/R&B)Shining Star is a high-energy and entertainment showcase band whose repertoire includes top 40 and dance music, plus some show-stopping surprises. Shining Star performs regularly at various island venues, including Waikiki Beach Walk’s Coconut Willy’s. Their solid rhythm sets the groove of the music from Swing, Latin, R&B, and Disco, to the Top 40 hits of today.

November 22* – Gordon Freitas & Local Folk (Hawaiian/Contemporary)Gordon Freitas & Local Folk previously performed in April and return to Waikiki Beach Walk for a Hana Hou performance. Gordon Freitas, originally from Holualoa, Kona, on the Big Island, is not only a proud native Hawaiian and a talented local songwriter, he is also a great storyteller and narrator through his ballads. His vivid and descriptive song lyrics paint portraits of island people and local culture. Gordon’s music reflects a sincere joy in the spirit of aloha and deep pleasure in sharing his island culture with the rest of the world. He can invariably be caught flying solo, in a duo, or with close musical friends in a group he calls Local Folk. Gordon swings from traditional Hawaiian to classic folk and rock, but he loves bluegrass and welcomes any opportunity to kanikapila (play music)!

November 29* - Roland Chang & Bernard Kalua with Hula by Kehaulani Roland Chang, Bernard Kalua, and the lovely Kehaulani take a detour from their ongoing Hawaiian music gig at the Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk’s® Grand Lanai to grace the Plaza Stage for their rendition of rich, fun, melodic traditional Hawaiian songs. Roland is part of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning group Kanilau, as well as one of the founders of Hālau Nā Mamo O Ka‘ala with Kumu Hula Tiare Noelani Chang. Musician/vocalist Bernard Kalua, a living treasure of Hawaiian music, brings years of experience, as he sings some of his favorite tunes. Hula dancer Kehaulani, Kumu of Hula Hālau O Kehaulani, will mesmerize you with her graceful hands and beautiful smile.

Ku Ha‘aheo Hula Performance Kumu hula and entertainer Blaine Kamalani Kia brings the music and dance of the islands to life at Waikiki Beach Walk every Tuesday evening from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., with Kū Ha‘aheo, “To Cherish With Pride.” The weekly performance features both adult and keiki (children) hula dancers who share their love of the islands through song and dance.

Valet parking for up to four hours is available for $6 at the Embassy Suites - Waikiki Beach Walk (20� Beachwalk) and the Wyndham Waikiki Beach Walk (227 Lewers Street), with any same-day purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant.

Saturday Briefing

Going Truly Green Goodbye, Brick & Mortar

Continued from page 1

The major goals we wanted to achieve were:�. To reduce operating costs2. To maintain staffing with company

employees and not outsource positions

3. To maintain jobs in the United States and not have to “offshore” them (export them to another country)

4. To be able to use all the latest ways, listed on page �, for customers to reach us

5. To be able to route incoming inquiries to the appropriate employee, based on their skills

6. To have a full suite of management tools that would enable us to run the business electronically

7. To have “protocol flexibility” for both inbound and outbound calls

8. To be able to easily adopt software enhancements, as they became available

However, always at the top of my list was the ultimate “home shoring” solution—making it possible for our employees to work not from a central location, but from home. After visiting many prospective technology providers’ customers, one company stood out from the rest, Echopass. It addressed all the issues I was investigating in a very professional and customer-friendly way. Echopass CEO Vin Deschamps flew to Denver to present to us the benefits his company offered. Based on our experience to date, I am glad to say we made the right choice in Echopass. They have delivered on their promises. Using the on-demand call center software that Echopass hosts in Salt Lake City, we have been able to cut operating costs even beyond expectations. Echopass also enabled us to start the work-from-

home experiment. We started six months after we began to implement the Echopass solution with one wholesale employee, Charles Gunsolly (who has since retired). Microsoft created a video about Charles which can be viewed at www.echopass.com/movies/Genesys_Echopass_Outrigger_Story.html. Over the next several years, we moved more and more employees and business functions to work-from-home status. Each business function was tested to its fullest to ensure that all its applications could be performed in a “virtual,” i.e., decentralized, environment. The result is that we now have �00 percent of our employees working from home—and covering �00 percent of our customer contact functions. This has created a totally green business environment for our operation. Working from home cuts each employee’s job-related “carbon footprint.” There is no more commuting back and forth to an office. This reduces traffic congestion, lowers the use of gas, and eliminates time spent on the road. It saves each employee the cost of fuel and auto wear and tear, and it enormously cuts employee time away from home. It will also help contain the spread of any contagious virus, such as H�N� (swine flu), since employees will no longer be exposed to each other’s viruses. Earlier this month we moved out of our large call center into a much more decentralized work-from-home environment. To accomplish this, we are using many different hosted companies that, with the help of Echopass, allow us to do time and attendance, payroll, eLearning (i.e., training), scheduling, instant messaging, and other necessary functions. Decentralizing meant we had to find a data center to host some of the remaining servers essential to our business. We also had to find a small executive office. Besides providing an official business address, it gives us a place to hold our weekly management meetings, a training room for new hires, and a place to host employee meetings we hold every two months. It also gives us executive office space for visiting Outrigger executives to meet and take part in webinars.

Continued on page 5

Marion Beverly shows Dr. Richard Kelley and Barbara Campbell how we manage the business “virtually”

Saturday Briefing

Going Truly Green


A few weeks ago, we hosted a tour of these two sites for our Chairman Dr. Richard Kelley and Barbara Campbell, Vice President of Retail Leasing, who was visiting from Hawaii. First we toured the new secure data center in Denver (see adjacent article), where our servers will be located. As can be seen from the pictures in the adjacent article, it is a state-of-the-art facility that has many companies’ servers and hosts many other companies’ systems. The next stop was the new virtual executive office, located in Aurora, not far from Denver International Airport. Marion Beverly, Contact Center Manager, showed Barbara and Dr. Kelley how we manage the business “virtually.” Marion explained how the Echopass software enables managers to see what is happening with each employee in his or her home office on a second-by-second basis. She then reviewed a few incoming calls. We then met in the facility’s boardroom with the other managers. Shannon Nolder, Wholesale and Pacific Business Connection (PBC) Accounts Manager, showed Barbara and Dr. Kelley how she manages the wholesale business and maintains and manages the PBC virtually. Martha Delisa, Supervisor of GDS (global distribution systems) and eLearning, demonstrated how she manages the GDS through Pegasus and then presented her latest eLearning module on the newly-renovated Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Kathy Sylvester, Director of Human Resources and eLearning, showed how time and attendance is handled virtually, as well as payroll and benefits. Both Dr. Kelley and Barbara left knowing how our Worldwide Contact Center continues to develop electronically and how we have become truly green.

Denver-Honolulu TeamworkBy Bill Peters

With the transfer of all employee functions to a work-from-home environment and the closure of the old Worldwide Contact Call Center on Galena Street in Denver (see adjacent article), it became necessary to move Outrigger Marketing Inc.’s (OMI) computer servers to a new location. It took a team effort to completely vacate the space at the old call center and move our servers and electronic connections to a new data center. The move began in the late hours of Tuesday, September 29, and was completed by the evening of Thursday, October �. OMI leased one technical cabinet at a secure data center, also in Denver, which now houses the remaining servers that OMI employees and all Hawaii-based Revenue Managers need to access. Bob Owens, Director of Systems Operations, and John Neeley, Director of Systems and Programming, flew from Honolulu to Denver to help Jason Kemper, OMI’s IT Manager, and me, as we physically moved and reinstalled the servers. This had to be coordinated very closely with the IT staff – notably Bert Chock, Systems Analyst, and Joel Fernandez, Network Administrator – at the Outrigger Enterprises Data Center in Honolulu. Moving the computer hardware and reinstalling all the servers was the easy part—that took all of two hours. The hard part was coordinating the installation of the Sprint MPLS virtual private network (VPN) connection through Qwest Communications. As the evening wore into the wee hours of the morning, Bert and Joel were constantly on the phone with Jason and Bob, as well as a team of Cisco analysts in India trying to connect the Cisco servers so they could “talk” to one another.

Continued on page 6

Bob Owens, Jason Kemper, and John Neeley work on reconnecting all the Global Distribution Systems

Saturday Briefing

Denver-Honolulu TeamworkContinued from page 5

As they were trying to connect back to Honolulu, John and Jason started to work with Pegasus in Texas to reconnect all the Global Distribution Systems (GDS), such as Sabre, Worldspan, Galileo, and Amadeus. This was done through a separate virtual private network via AT&T; it went well on the first try. Even though our systems were temporarily disconnected from Honolulu, Stellex 2 started to confirm reservations back to all the GDSs. This was possible because the information in Stellex 2 had been brought up-to-date when it was disconnected from what I call the “mother ship,” Stellex �. Once Stellex 2 was reconnected, all reservations were transferred to the appropriate hotels without a hitch. All consumer calls continued to be answered and processed during this down

Continued on page 7 Bert Chock and Joel Fernandez from Outrigger Enterprises Data Center in Honoluluassisted in the moving and reinstallation of the servers

Bob Owens and Bill Peters at the state-of-the-art facility where our servers are now located

Saturday Briefing

time. This was all made possible by our software provider Echopass continuing to pass all customer interactions to each OMI employee electronically at their work-at-home offices. The employees were able to answer calls and book reservations directly into Stellex � using an Internet connection. This also made it possible for the center’s wholesale agents working from home to continue processing all incoming rooming lists. By the evening of October �, all critical connections were back up and operating perfectly. Having the right backup procedures in place kept us “up” and taking reservations throughout the entire process. I would like to send a BIG MAHALO to Bob, John, Jason, Bert, and Joel, who made it all possible by working many hours into the early morning for two days straight. Without their expertise and talents, this move would not have gone as smoothly as it did.

Denver-Honolulu TeamworkContinued from page 6

Stand-Up Comedian Andy Bumatai to Open for Society of Seven LV in Special Thanksgiving Shows

By Fran Kirk

The Society of Seven Las Vegas (SOS LV), Waikiki’s best entertainment show, is welcoming one of Hawaii’s favorite comedians, Andy Bumatai, for a special two-week Thanksgiving engagement from November �8 to 2� and November 25 to 28 at 8:30 p.m. at the Outrigger Main Showroom. Bumatai will open the show with a crisp stand-up comedy routine that will be followed by SOS LV’s sensational and popular show. Both locals and visitors will enjoy Andy’s witty and topical perspective. We all need a good laugh now and then, so hurry down to the Outrigger Main Showroom for an evening of levity, fun, and good music. Bumatai began his career opening for popular Hawaiian comedian Frank De Lima and filling in for the late Rap Raplinger in Booga Booga. Bumatai went on to perform stand-up comedy in the Islands and on the U.S. Mainland. His film credits include “The Whoopee Boys,” “A Man Called Sarge,” and “Aloha Summer.” He recorded numerous comedy albums and garnered a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for “Most Promising Artist” and three more for “Best Comedy Performance.” Bumatai is currently the Executive Producer of Nighttime Productions and produces and stars in his own online talk show, “The Andy Bumatai Show.” The Society of Seven LV performs Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the Outrigger Main Showroom in Waikiki, located at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. A dinner show is available with seating at 6 p.m. Please ask about validated parking. For reservations or more information, call 923-SHOW (7408) or 922-6408 or visit www.outriggeractivities.com.Andy Bumatai

Jason Kemper and Bill Peters worked hard to ensure that all customer calls were answered during the moving and reinstallation of our servers

Saturday Briefing

followed by ho‘okupu (gifts) from various Hawaiian Societies. A noticeable crowd, including members from Outrigger’s executive team, employees, and the general public, gathered around the park to take part in this memorable event and to pay their tribute. This year’s dedication was extra special because it marked the ten-year anniversary of the Princess Ka‘iulani statue, which was commissioned in �999 by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and the Kelley family, as part of their commitment to restoring Waikiki’s history and honoring the life of the Princess. The bronze statue of Ka‘iulani was created by artist/sculptor Jan Gordon Fisher and was formally dedicated to the people of Hawaii and Waikiki on October �6, �999. It stands 7.5 feet tall and weighs 800 pounds. The Princess is featured wearing a Victorian dress and a lei of her favorite flower, the pīkake (Chinese jasmine). Ka‘iulani, who adored peacocks, is shown feeding a peacock at her feet.

A Celebration Fit for a Princess!Continued from page 1

Dr. Chuck Kelley, Jonathan To, Larry Pascal, and Eddie Vierra

Members of the Outrigger ‘ohana presented ho‘okupu (gifts) of lei to the Princess on her birthdayContinued on page 9

Saturday Briefing

A Celebration Fit for a Princess!


Princess Ka‘iulani was born in �875 to Princess Miriam Likelike, the sister of King Kalākaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani, and Governor Archibald Scott Cleghorn. She was the only child born to the last ruling dynasty of the Hawaiian Kingdom. During the �9th century, Ka‘iulani and her parents acquired �2 acres of land in the vicinity of where the OHANA Waikiki East now stands. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Ka‘iulani returned to Hawai‘i from her schooling in Europe and fought for the

return of the throne to her aunt, Lili‘uokalani. Distraught over the loss of the kingdom, Ka‘iulani visited with friends on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. After riding her horse in a rainstorm, Ka‘iulani took ill and never fully recovered. The Princess died on March 6, �899, at the age of 23. This event is sponsored by the OHANA Waikiki East, as part of Outrigger’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing our islands’ contemporary and ancient culture. Mahalo to Alan Naito, Suzanne Lee, Eddie Vierra, and the entire OHANA Waikiki East team for their hard work and dedication in making this annual event a success. Special thanks to this year’s lei drapers, Jonathan To and Larry Pascal, of the Maintenance department.

Aloha and MahaloBy Kathy Oyadomari

On October �9, the Outrigger ‘ohana gathered to bid aloha to Dong Ting Huang, who retired after 24 years of dedicated service. Bruce Schneider and Bob Yeoman expressed their appreciation on behalf of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts for Dong Ting’s hard work and contribution and presented him with gifts of Aloha. Dong Ting is grateful to Outrigger for hiring him when he first arrived from China. He started as a Laundry Attendant at the former Outrigger Prince Kuhio and later transferred to Housekeeping. Dong Ting also worked in Housekeeping at the former OHANA Islander Waikiki and the former OHANA Waikiki West before transferring to Housekeeping at the Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beachwalk®. Dong Ting plans on keeping busy babysitting the youngest of five grandchildren, jogging several times a week, and continuing his exercise program to stay in shape. One of his favorite pastimes is traveling, and now that he has the time, he plans on visiting family in China, Chicago, and Oakland. Dong Ting said he will miss the many friendships he’s developed over the years and wishes his coworkers all the best. If you go to Chinatown, don’t be surprised if you see Dong Ting eating dim sum at Legend Restaurant. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is proud of Dong Ting for his years of dedication and service and wish him the very best in his retirement. Mahalo and a hui hou!

Aloha United Way Thanks YouBy Char Luning

A big mahalo nui to all who contributed so generously to the 2009 Aloha United Way campaign! In times of economic challenge, the programs and services provided by AUW and their partner agencies are needed more than ever, and our contributions are even more vital to the cause. Our gifts, given in the spirit of aloha and ‘ohana, will be combined with the gifts of thousands of others in our community, to make a lasting impact on the lives of many. Thank you, once again, for sharing in the Outrigger Way.

Bob Yeoman, Dong Ting Huang, Carol Lopes, and Bruce Schneider

Jonathan To and Larry Pascal place the lei on the statue

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More couples to say “I Do” at the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki

By Patsy Narimatsu

It was a picture-perfect evening on Thursday, October �5, when the Outrigger Beachfront Division unveiled its new wedding packages, while at the same time showcasing the Outrigger Reef ’s stunning Voyager Deck as the newest oceanfront wedding venue. With the availability of the Voyager Deck at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and the expansive lanai fronting Suite �23 at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Outrigger’s beachfront properties now have two of the most memorable oceanfront settings on Waikiki beach for weddings.

Dr. Chuck Kelley, Pam Davis of Oahu Concierge, Bill Comstock, and Jenny Kelley

Everyone’s eyes lit up when they saw the colorful and tasty candy bar

The dinner buffet was top-notch with Chef Harold Beltran, Food and Beverage Manager Dietrich Chillous, and the Kani Ka Pila Grille kitchen crew and wait staff showing off their skills.

Pictured: Sheri-Lynn Loo, Bryant Lagasca, Mele Maclaughlin, Dietrich Chillous (back), Erin Macfarlane, Harold Beltran, Keiko Orleans, Ray Cruciana, and Cara Sawai

Continued on page 11

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Nearly 80 guests, comprised of wedding planners, meeting coordinators, vendors, and Outrigger executives, gathered at the exclusive Wedding Launch event. The Voyager Deck was set as it would be for an intimate, oceanfront wedding. Guests were greeted at a reception table, just as they would at a real wedding. They then mingled, while enjoying passed hors d’oeurves and chilled lychee martinis. The popular wedding trio Soul Bucket provided entertainment, and Billy V from Hawaiian �05 KINE and Sunrise on KGMB was the evening’s emcee. Tables were set beneath a clear tent, and each was beautifully decorated with peach silk table linens, the finest of dinnerware, and

Kimiko Quan with Mihoko Maeda and Reiko Ota of JTB Hawaii, and Bill Comstock

Model Kerrie Inouye, Sun Bee, Landy Cheung and Lan Chung of Fighting Eel

For the event, tables were set beneath a clear tent and each was beautifully decorated with peach silk table linens, the finest of dinnerware, and a

stunning floral centerpiece courtesy of University Flowers

Kimberly Agas, Bill Comstock, Patsy Narimatsu, and Gay Shinbara Continued on page 12

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a stunning floral centerpiece courtesy of University Flowers. The dinner buffet was top-notch, with Chef Harold Beltran, Food and Beverage Manager Dietrich Chillous, and the Kani Ka Pila Grille kitchen crew and wait staff showing off their skills. Everyone’s eyes lit up when they saw the colorful and tasty candy bar, and guests couldn’t resist snapping photos of the charming wedding cake surrounded by individual red velvet cupcakes. A special addition to the evening was a fashion show of the all-new bridal fashion line from in-vogue local label, Fighting Eel, known for its simple, chic, and romantic line of dresses. Models passed through a lace-draped bamboo trellis decorated with fresh florals, then strolled among the tables for everyone to enjoy. From comments received that evening and a flurry of follow-up emails asking for more information about the new wedding services, we can safely say the wedding launch was a success and our beachfront properties can look forward to a new avenue of business. Many weddings can take a year to plan, but the professionals at the Outrigger Reef pulled together the wedding launch event in just a few weeks thanks to the efforts and hard work of a great team. Special mahalo to Gay Shinbara, Ricol Akana, Chef Harold Beltran, Dietrich Chillous, and Nurhan Enustun. We also need to say a big mahalo to our vendors who were generous in showcasing their special products and services, including wedding planner Linda Saito, Royal Party Rentals (tent/chairs), photographers David Miyamoto and Arna Johnson, University Flowers and Spinning Web for the exquisite florals, and Le Saison (linens).

Keri Shepherd and Lissa Wilson of The Wedding Planners with the evening’s emcee Billy V of KINE radio and Sunrise on KGMB

Patsy Narimatsu with Rachel and Deborah Gibson of Weddings Hawaii, and Linda Saito

Bill Comstock (center) posed for a photo with the models who showcased Fighting Eel’s new line of wedding attire during a special fashion show that evening

a celebration going truly green fit for a princess...

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