Saturday BriefingPage 1

September 7, 2013 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

®

Welcome, Rory!By Darren Edmonstone

Along with Human Resources, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Rory Campbell as the new director of sales and marketing for the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort in Thailand. Rory started with us Sept. 2, 2013 and reports to Tony Pedroni, general manager.

Rory, a native Australian, has 15 years’ experience

of hotel sales and marketing at senior executive positions. Until recently he served as director of sales and marketing (Rooms) at the Hilton Barcelona. Previously he held director-level sales and marketing positions with Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas in Thailand, the Eaton Hotel in Hong Kong, and with the Duxton Hotel and Rydges Hotel, both in Perth, Western Australia. For two years he also held senior account manager positions at the Accor Asia Pacific sales office in Melbourne.

Rory’s professional track record has been built on achieving excellent and measurable hotel sales and marketing successes on three continents. He knows how to position and promote beach resorts in Thailand. Rory will help establish the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort as a year-round high demand property popular in multiple international markets.

Rory is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from Deakin University in Geelong, Australia.

His personal interests include photography, surfing and rugby.

Welcome to the Outrigger ‘ohana, Rory!

Rory Campbell

Syria >> 7

Syria: We Are Debating the Wrong Issues!

By Dr. Richard Kelley

As we put together this issue of Saturday Briefing, U.S. President Barack Obama is trying to convince Congress that it is necessary for the United States to bomb targets in Syria to make clear the civilized world’s disgust at the gassing of innocent civilians by that nation’s embattled dictator, Bashar Assad, and to deter further use of this horrifying weapon in Syria’s ongoing civil war.

This would be a very risky step because no one can predict the outcome of an American intervention. Although Obama’s proposal is for a “limited” action, it could start a chain of events that would have widespread and significant harmful effects, including damage to the global Travel & Tourism industry.

In my view, if the United States gets involved in Syria’s internal strife, it would be comparable to a couple of well-meaning police officers choosing to get in the middle of a turf war between rival street gangs in a poor inner-city area of a major metropolis like Detroit, Chicago or New York City. Neither gang likes the police, but either of them might accept police help to win. After the battle is over, the winning gang will not thank the police officers and change its ways, but will turn on the officers, continue its illegal activities and even expand them.

In the case of Syria, the “gang” lines are, in part, drawn between familiar religious factions.

• TheShiites,includingtherevolutionary,theocraticIranian regime and the well-armed and -trained Hezbollah militia from neighboring Lebanon, are backing Assad.

• TheSunnis,Syria’smajoritysect,generallysupportthe rebel forces.

The rebel forces are widely reported to be increasingly dominated by radical Islamist/jihadist factions allied to or offshoots of al-Qaida.

Both sides in the civil war can be expected to continue hating and trying to attack the United States and its Western allies, which are predominately Christian.

Saturday BriefingPage 2

Saturday Briefing is published by and for

employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)

Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley

Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson

Senior Editor: Kathy Foley

Proofing Assistant: Char Luning

Contributing Writers: Employees of OEG

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

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com,

via interoffice mail to OEH/HR, or by phone at (808) 921-6957.

© 2013 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Happy Birthday!Sept 18: Randy S. Acasio, Donnella K. Frantz, Jenny R. Liufau, Wipawadee Nganpeerapong, Van Hong Nguyen, Clarissa Sacla, Brittany Salyer, Josese Sowata, Benjamin M. Starbuck and Milinia Talei.

Sept 19: Mali Bunrod, Supanya Choochuay, Adoracion Dubbeldam, Luke S. Hamada, Steve Hwan Hu, Qiao Lian Li, Kuini Nakurukuru, Basil Navori, Sopon Petmai,

Abraham T. Pinehaka, Jone Qele and Cirapio Rosales Jr.

Sept 20: Crisfel Antonio, Aphatsara Chanyaem, Karen Y. Emoto, Tanakrit Kammai, Mary Lontoc, Normalita D. Lorenzo, John A. McDonald, Livia Nakai, Laniana Nareqe, Lydia M. Paguirigan, Torntep Peeraden, Sandy Y.L.L. Tran and Jay T. Velasco.

Sept 21: Jholito T. Abadilla, Earl S. Endo, Mark N.R. Godoy, Danilo Gonzales, Maribeth A. Julian-Quiocho, Estelle Marie Kelley, Mereoni Kurisalili, Philman B. Martin, Daniel K. Meaney, Merewalesi Rakai, Nathan J.D.C. Ramos, Saane Tone Tanaka, Dean Veu, Carla Van Vliet, Creighton J. Young,

Sept 22: Restituto Rostic Acere, Jennifer L. Cabasag, Mauricia A. Cabato, Rajneshwar Dass, Courtney Homewood, Lucy Joachim, Irene Koh, Ah Shu Lee, Sylvania K. Louis, Wan Wun Lui, Edgar B. Melchor, Eugenia Aguinaldo Pasion, Omar Zavala Perez, Franklin S. Sabugo Jr., Masako N. Sawyer, Jessica E. Thomas, Shavinesh Verma and Nora Nalani Weatherwax.

Sept 23: Madeline G. Agcamaran, Nicole O. Baniaga, Shushil Chand, Katherine Coyle, Titilia Dakua, Sunisa Namdokmai, Sherry Ann P. Oyamot, Treddis Eduardo Russell, Florida Sonis, Isidro Tinoso, Sebastian Vollmer and Jennifer J. Wong

Sept 24: Richard F. Armington, Barbara Jean Awa, Ero Erwin, Tagumpay B. Garcia, Worapon Intapala, Benny Laguatan, Sharon Mae C. Lampitoc, Princesa Grace Mello, Jirawanwadee Onjun, Phuwanart Poungsorn, Marisa A. Sakamoto, Suparp Sripet and Han Qin Wang.

If you are interested a position listed below and meet the qualifications, you may apply online. Please go to Outrigger.com, click on ABOUT OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT. We only accept online applications for the open-listed positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 921-6989. Application deadline for the following positions is September 13, 2013.

The Kapalua Villas Guest Service Rep/

Night Auditor (On-Call)

A minimum of one year customer service and cashiering experience, preferably in the hospitality industry required. Previous night audit experience preferred. Must have basic computer skills and ability to type 30 wpm. Must also be a team player with excellent communication skills and ability to work any day and shift.

Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona Security Officer

(On-Call)Responsible to provide security services to assure the safety of guests, employees and property. Previous security experience preferred. CPR certified required. Must have good communications skills and ability to read various security correspondence such as incident reports, daily logs and policy and procedure manuals.

Outrigger Aina Nalu Housekeeper I (PA)

(Full-Time)Must be able to communicate in English and be able to read cleaning instructions. Must be able to safely lift or move 30 lbs or more independently or with the assistance of lifting equipment. Must be able to clean and maintain all public areas, including but not limited to corridors, vending areas, elevators and landings and service areas on guest room floors. Duties include providing linen supplies for housekeepers, stocking floor closets, distributing, delivering and picking up clean and soiled linens throughout the property and stocking guest room with paper products as needed. Must be able to work any day and shift.

JOBS

Saturday BriefingPage 3

Outrigger Football Club (FC) Builds Team SpiritBy Patcharee Chanantho (Khun Paew)

The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas (TLP) formed a football team “Outrigger FC,” captained by Khun Udomsak Samran (fifth from right). The team’s first game was held on 31st August 2013 at Bangtao Stadium against EMS, and the score was a 1-1 tie.

The team was formed as a way to build team spirit and a sense of belonging amongst employees. It’s a good way to spend free time and to exercise at the same time. This initiative also supports a “Drug-Free Work” project. Go Outrigger FC!

Outrigger FC

TLP Honors HostsBy Patcharee Chanantho (Khun Paew)

Congratulations to Khun Manasit Phupongpipat (Or) who was voted Supervisor of the Quarter at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort (TLP). Khun Or is a very consistent worker who demonstrates responsibility and ensures his job is completed within the time allocated. In addition, he has received many positive comments from his colleagues.

Host of the Month for Front of the House was Khun Santi Inprom (Bao). As a bartender, Khun Bao has a very good attitude and always spends extra time to assist his colleagues without being asked.

Host of the Month for Back of the House was Khun Sitthisak Promdongkloy (Boy). Khun Boy was just promoted from commis chef to demi chef de partie. He has a high level of responsibility and is able to work well under pressure. Khun Boy is open-minded and encourages feedback from his supervisor. Khun William Marshall and Khun Kanueng Thepkliung, chief engineer,

honor Khun Or as Supervisor of the Quarter

Khun William Marshall and Khun Kajornsak Kanteetaw, food & beverage

manager, present Khun Bao with his award

Khun William Marshall and Khun Ratchapol Kitcharoen (Noom), sous chef,

present the honors to Khun Boy

Saturday BriefingPage 4

Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji Activities Attendant Sepesa Leweniqila (SL) LivesWell at work and at play

LivingWellMind • Body • Spirit

SB: What type of exercise do you do reguarly?

SL: I basically do a 30-45 minute long run. Sometimes I weight lift at the gym for an hour and finish my exercise with a 45-minute swim in the pool.

SB: Why do you exercise?

SL: I exercise because it gives me the “oomph” I need to work harder and also because I play beach volleyball i t demands rigorous training for fitness, endurance and stamina. I am also an activities attendant and my work demands that I am physically fit and also that I look good.

SB: What kind of exercise would you like to try and why?

SL: I’ve always wanted to try yoga because I think it helps in teaching us to always listen and to connect with our bodies. It also teaches us calm, control and flexibility that is helpful in our daily lives whether at work or playing sports.

SB: How often do you exercise?

SL: I exercise 5 times a week.

SB: Do you strive to eat healthy?

SL: Absolutely! It is the only way you can help your body recover after a long and hard training session. Eating healthy also helps replenish the lost nutrients in your body used up during exercising.

SB: What indulgence do you allow yourself every now and then?

SL: A f te r a week long training session, I love to treat myself to a chicken burger and fries.

SB: What benefits have you enjoyed from your efforts in the area of exercise and nutrition?

SL: I am able to make decisions with the right mindset and I know that my energy levels remain high during the day, and I am able to take that energy and put it into my work (aqua aerobics and Zumba lessons)

SB: What “secret” that works for you would you like to share with the Outrigger ‘ohana?

SL: My biggest secret is staying fit and healthy and always having a positive mental attitude. Everything you do should be done to the best of your ability and with passion. And lastly, always try and do something weekly that makes you happy.

SB: How do you “de-stress?”

SL: I go to the gym and I visit family and friends.

SB: Do you have any past “moments of glory” you’d like to share?SL: I was a member of the Fiji Beach Volleyball contingent for the 2012 London Olympics qualifiers for the Oceania region. The experience and the atmosphere at the highest level of competition in our region was just amazing and to be representing my beautiful Fiji was such an honor.

Sepesa Leweniqila teaches a Zumba class for staff

Continuing to LiveWell in FijiBy Talei Tora

Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji vuvale (family) continued their “LivingWell” efforts in August to help staff to live healthier, fuller lives.

Staff were encouraged to continue to eat more fruits and vegetables in their daily meals, to spend at least an hour exercising each day and to drink a lot of water.

Zumba classes were also increased to two sessions a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, to allow more staff to attend.

“This month our vuvale rugby team also joined in on the Zumba classes and that was very encouraging for the staff,” Employee Relations Manager Sharon Murthi stated.

Saturday BriefingPage 5

Heart & Sole WalkWednesday, September 18, 2013

Meet at the OEH Bell Desk at 5:15 p.m.

LivingWellMind • Body • Spirit

Tuesday, September 17Outrigger Reef on the Beach

Diamond Head Terrace10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

2013 WELLNESS FAIR

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 7 a.m.Sign up by September 26 with DJ Nash (926-4322) and

receive a free Team “LivingWell T-shirt!

What Can you Expect?• HCCU Credit Union “Spin the Wheel” and Gift Drawing!

• Hotel & Travel Industry Federal Credit Union “Roll the Dice” and Drawing!

• Employee Assistance of the Pacific “Fishing for Wellness”

• doTERRA Essential Oils

• Massage & Lomi Lomi

• Arthritis Foundation

Exercises & Joint Care

• HDS

• Kaiser

• VSP

• HBHC Free Flu Shots!

• Doctors On Call Blood Sugar Level Check

• Health Ways

Blood Pressure Check

• Chef Guido from KKPG!

Thursday, September 19OHANA Waikiki East

Lobby Conference Room10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday BriefingPage 6

Enter to Win!

Vuvale Celebrated

By Talei Tora

Several staff were congratulated during the monthly vuvale get together for outstanding commitment to their work and their infectious bula spirit.

New addition to the Meimei nannies, Maca Kabakoro was awarded the Front of House Employee of the Month for her strong communication skills and for upselling based on her strong interpersonal skills and confidence. Maca currently remains the contender for the highest upseller for the months of July and August.

Noellyn Vollmer or “Aunty Noels” as she is affectionately called, walked away with the Back of House award for her outstanding interpersonal skills, helpful and friendly attitude and polite mannerisms. Her motherly attitude toward all staff is also deeply valued and makes her a prized worker.

“Mr. Purchasing” James Kumar was awarded the Manager of the Month award for being instrumental in sourcing all the donated items for the staff carnival and contributing to making the event the best ever. James did an incredible job procuring prizes, food items and gifts for our Family Fun Day. Through his efforts, all the vuvale children left with smiles and gifts.

Vale Ni Kana (VNK) attendant Semi Korovulavula scored the “Here to Help” award. The former serenader is known for his helpful attitude, attentiveness to his work and his high energy. His interactive skills keep guests entertained at VNK and has won him high accolades.

Shaneel Naidu, accounts officer – payroll, won the “How Can I Help” award for his continuous punctuality and hard working attitude. His efficiency in handling all pay queries and issues for the resort’s 650 staff is highly commendable and his attention to detail is very admirable.

General Manager Peter Hopgood (red shirt) with Noellyn Vollmer,

Semi Korovulavula and Maca Kabakora

Annual Family Membership*

at The Waikiki Aquarium Drawing! In appreciation for Outrigger’s Ke Kani O Ke Kai sponsorship, we have a certificate for Annual Family Membership at the Waikiki Aquarium. If you’re interested in winning the one-year membership, please contact Char Luning (921-6951 or char.luning@outrigger.com) by Sept. 27, 2013. Your name and employee number will be entered in a drawing to be held on Sept. 30.

*Family Membership covers two adults and their

children under 18 yrs of age residing in the same household. Certificate must be redeemed by June 30, 2014.

Saturday BriefingPage 7

Syria << From 1

“. . the U.S. should not get involved in Syria but focus strategically on . . . nuclear

arms proliferation (and) the rapid spread of radical Islamism . .”

Syria >> 8

“”

An American attack on the Assad regime will therefore likely be seen in Syria and much of the Islamic world as another in a series of interventions against the Arabs and Muslims, increasing the enmity for America and the West by both sides in Syria’s civil war – and by many others.

As heinous as the gassing of civilians in Syria is, former Congressman Newt Gingrich makes sense when he suggests the U.S. should not get involved in Syria over that issue but instead focus strategically on two far more important topics:

• Nucleararmsproliferation, particularly in Iran, which is racing toward building “the bomb.”

• Therapidspreadofradical Islamism in the Middle East.

No one can accurately predict the result of launching Tomahawk missiles from a U.S. destroyer into Syria.

• What will Assad’s supporter, Russian President Vladimir Putin do?

• WhatwilltheleadersofIrandowiththeirmissilesand possible nuclear capabilities?

• WillaU.S.attackonSyriagiveIranorHezbollahanexcuse to launch an attack on our ally Israel, the only stable Western democracy in the region?

• MightthatpossibilitycauseIsraeltolaunchapreemptive strike to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capability?

The history of the world repeatedly shows that a single event, large or small, can trigger a series of other events that ignite a major international conflict.

• WorldWarIwastriggeredbytheassassinationofArchduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914.

• TheUnitedStateskeptoutofGermany’swayasitinvaded Poland in 1939, subjugated almost all of continental Europe in 1940-41 and brutally bombed Britain in 1940. That is, until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

• AlthoughtheU.S.hadhadsomemilitarySpecialForces and Central Intelligence Agency personnel in South Vietnam as “advisors” for several years, the August 2, 1964, attack on the destroyer USS Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin by North Vietnamese torpedo boats triggered the rapid escalation of the war in Vietnam.

Will a U.S. attack on Syria “. . . awaken a sleeping giant” in the Muslim world, much as Japanese Admiral Isoroku

Yamamoto is believed to have said about the United States after the bombing of Pearl Harbor?

I also worry about the members of our military. Over the past five years, while the percentage of Americans working full time has fallen, the cost of civilian “entitlements” (food stamps, welfare, unemployment, Medicaid, etc.) has exploded and the budgets of all branches of our armed services have been dramatically cut.

Beyond these budget cuts, across-the-board “sequestration” cuts have dug even deeper into funds

available for our military. The men and women of our armed forces no longer have the most modern equipment and the proper level of readiness training. Morale is dropping due to repeated deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Spending by all levels of government in the U.S. has soared and, at the federal level, the national debt today stands at $16.7 trillion, 58 percent above the $10.6 trillion level it had reached when Obama was inaugurated in 2009 and 198 percent above the $5.6 trillion level at which it stood when George W. Bush took office in 2001! (Source: U.S. Treasury, http://1.usa.gov/11nRor9 and Washington Post, http://wapo.st/1374sxx)

State, county and city budgets are also strained. The city of Detroit is the latest government entity to go bankrupt.

The U.S. is in a precarious situation in many ways. That is what we should be debating rather than whether we should be single-handedly launching missiles into a Muslim country halfway around the world.

One quite predictable result of U.S. intervention will be a big jump in the price of oil. This will raise the cost of jet fuel, making airline tickets more expensive. Leisure and business travel will then drop, hitting all parts of Travel & Tourism hard.

The price of diesel and gasoline will also spike, making almost everything more expensive, with consequences for the broader U.S. economy. Employment opportunities will decrease, established companies will cut back or go bankrupt, and entrepreneurs will be less likely to invest in new businesses. Yet taxes will go up to cover the cost of military action if an attack leads to a broader or prolonged conflict.

It’s a vicious circle.

Saturday BriefingPage 8

Syria << From 7

Add to the above the totally incalculable but very significant costs of the Obamacare legislation, which begin to kick in less than four months from now.

The U.S. is in a very dangerous position, perhaps the worst I have seen in my nearly 80 years on this earth. This is not a time to add significant additional risk.

That’s my view. Readers of Saturday Briefing may agree or have other views. No matter what your views are, if Congress has not authorized missile strikes on Syria by the time you read this article, I urge you to immediately send a short email to your senator and representative to tell them how you feel.

For members of our ‘ohana in Hawai‘i and Colorado, here are the email addresses:

HAWAI‘ISen. Brian Schatz (D)http://schatz.senate.gov - click on “contact Brian”

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D)http://hirono.senate.gov - click on “contact Mazie”

1st – Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D)http://hanabusa.house.gov - click on “contact me”

2nd – Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D)www.gabbard.house.gov - click on “contact, email me”

COLORADOSen. Mark Udall (D)http://www.markudall.senate.gov - click on “leave a comment”

Sen. Michael Bennet (D)http://www.bennet.senate.gov - click on “contact Michael”

1st - Rep. Diana DeGette (D)http://degette.house.gov - click on “Send U.S. Rep. Degette an e-mail”

2nd - Rep. Jared Polis (D)http://polis.house.gov - click on “Email Jared”

3rd - Rep Scott Tipton (R)http://tipton.house.gov - click on “Email Me”

4th - Rep. Cory Gardner (R)http://gardner.house.gov - click on “Contact Cory”

5th - Rep. Doug Lamborn (R)http://lamborn.house.gov - click on “Contact Doug”

6th - Rep Mike Coffman (R)http://coffman.house.gov - click on “Contact”

7th - Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D)http://perlmutter.house.gov - click on “Email Ed”

Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji

“Hello Peter [Hopgood, GM], I saw your email address in TripAdvisor and thought I would just shoot you an email to say thank you for such a wonderful holiday. This thank you is extremely late as we stayed at the Outrigger Dec 22 -31 2012! We were a bit concerned before we got there as the cyclone was hitting you the week we were arriving. Luckily you were saved from any damage. We had the best time - it was our ‘once in a lifetime’ holiday as we are not rich people and generally holiday camping back here at home in Brisbane, Australia. I can’t put into words how we feel about the time we had at the Outrigger - it was absolutely fantastic. We have two boys - aged 12 and 9 and they were on the go from the moment we got there. Swimming in the pool, lagoon out the front, playing games - I spent most of the time laying around the pool, watching the kids - just relaxing. My husband unfortunately is studying trying to obtain a degree through online Uni so spent half the time in the Bure studying but the other half chilling with the rest of the family. He did manage to get his assignment sent off two days before we left so at least he had two free days to enjoy. The staff, Bure, food were all top class. I had the morning at Bebe Spa on Christmas Day (my present to me!) - incredible! The adults pool was under construction when we were there so by reading the reviews am thrilled that it has turned out to be such a success. The Talai Butler in our Plantation Bure - Laisa - was lovely. My youngest son Tom took a shining to her and followed her around most afternoons ‘assisting’ her and welcoming new guests. He didn’t stop talking about her after he left - she was beautiful. One day I hope we get to return to your beautiful resort - I brag about it and recommend to everyone that we talk to! You obviously look after your staff and treat them and the resort well. You should be extremely proud. Thank you, thank you, Thank you. I have attached a photo of my family with Laisa outside our Bure - If you are able to show her, it would be much appreciated and let her know that Tom still talks about his time with her!”

Angela Green via email

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