Saturday Briefing

By Marianne Thesken

The Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation Resort ‘ohana recently gathered to say aloha to long-time employee, Gigi Jerves-Farthing. Gigi, who is known as the Voice of Kiahuna, served as the PBX Operator at Kiahuna Plantation Resort for 25 years, the last 13 of which have been with Outrigger Homeowners at Kiahuna loved to hear her voice when they called their island home. She knew them all by name and welcomed them graciously when they visited. She was always there to help the staff and direct calls. Read the rest of this entry

By Dr. Richard Kelley

This past week, I had the opportunity to address the approximately 100 members of our ‘ohana who attended our company’s Quarterly Business Review. Other speakers included Rob Solomon (Sr. VP & Chief Marketing Officer), Elizabeth Cambra (Dir. Revenue Operations), Dean Nakasone (General Manager, Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel) and Admiral Tom Fargo, USN Ret. (CEO, Hawaii Superferry). The following is an adaptation of my remarks. Read the rest of this entry

By Barry Wallace

I am pleased to join Human Resources in welcoming a familiar face, Teri Orton, to her new position as Director of Sales, Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk® (ESH). Teri, who most recently was the General Manager of the OHANA Islander Waikiki, will be responsible for the comprehensive internal and external sales and marketing strategies and related plans to maximize market share and revenue and occupancy growth at the ESH. Read the rest of this entry

By Barry Wallace

I join Human Resources in congratulating Jim Heather on his appointment to General Manager of The Wyland Waikiki (WYL) and to Kimberly Agas who will assume the role of General Manager of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach (OWK), while continuing as Vice President-Operations of our Beachfront Resorts, effective early March. Read the rest of this entry

By Barry Wallace

Congratulations to Elizabeth Cambra on her graduation from The Pacific Fellows (PCF) Program class of 2008!  This program is modeled after the White House Fellows Program and founded by Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Elizabeth was nominated by Jeannie Rolles and chosen based on a written application and personal interview conducted by a blue-ribbon panel of judges. Considerations for acceptance included educational background, current career responsibilities, special achievements, involvement in community activities, communication skills, and strength of character. Those chosen showed the judges strong intellectual and leadership abilities in the early and mid-stages of their careers, with the potential to make significant contributions to the community in the future. Read the rest of this entry

By Panjama Leamsuwan

The Phang Nga Bay Regatta attracts a fleet of yachts from all over the world, including Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom

The Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort was honored to be a sponsor of the prestigious Phang Nga Bay Regatta, which is one of the most popular and picturesque events on the Asian sailing circuit. This important annual event attracts a fleet of yachts from all over the world, including Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Read the rest of this entry

By Dr. Richard Kelley

This week, I had the pleasure of participating in a Hawaiian blessing ceremony marking the conclusion of the $21 million makeover of the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber — and what a wonderful transformation it is. I have to congratulate everyone who was involved, from start to finish. The hotel’s guest rooms, lobby, and porte cochere have all been updated with an Island contemporary design. Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber, with its Honolulu Surfing Museum and Margaritaville Retail Shop, has joined the dazzling “Magic of Polynesia” show with John Hirokawa and Macy’s as great on-site entertainment and shopping options. There’s also a brand new fitness room and business center. Read the rest of this entry

By Joanna Demeo

The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach kicked off Chinese New Year last weekend with delicious food, a spectacular lion dance, and a fireworks extravaganza for all to enjoy. Read the rest of this entry

By Karen Villarmia

Sei Mui Vong, Karen Villarmia, Mew Hing Wong, Clarita Esmeralda, and Hipolita Rosete

It was a multicultural celebration at the OHANA Waikiki West, as guests and employees greeted the Year of the Ox on Saturday, January 31. Read the rest of this entry

By Dean Nakaone

There was a whirlwind of activities surrounding the opening of the new Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber.Dr. Kelley reported in last week’s Saturday Briefing that it would be a “sensational opening in Waikiki,” and it turned out to be exactly that. A formal Hawaiian blessing of the restaurant was held on Sunday, February 1. The special ceremony was followed by a high- energy Sneak Peek VIP party that same evening for hundreds of invited guests. The activities culminated the next day with a ceremonial untying of the maile lei, with the restaurant officially opening its doors to the public at 11 a.m. on February 2.

Read the rest of this entry