Monthly Archives: May 2010
Watch Out, Kermit! Outrigger’s Going Green!
By Dr. Chuck Kelley
Dr. Kelley is traveling. His column will return mid-June.
Every so often, someone asks, “Is Outrigger Enterprises involved in any green programs?” The answer is a resounding YES! Our employees have been actively leading the way with many programs – and for many years.
Beauty Queens Grace Waikiki Beach Walk® Plaza Stage
By Kathy Hansberry
The beauty of Waikīkī is apparent everyday, but on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, Waikiki Beach Walk® will be even more alluring, as three Miss Hawai‘i contestants are scheduled to make a special appearance and wow the audience by showcasing their special talents.
The festivities will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning with the traditional Kū Ha‘aheo Show, Waikiki Beach Walk’s weekly hula and music performance under the direction of Blaine Kia. The crowd will then be introduced to three Miss Hawai‘i 2010 contestants — Pono Fernandez – Miss Waikīkī, Shannon Dresser – Miss O‘ahu, and Tioni Tam Sing – Miss Diamond Head, who will each perform their individual talents. Be sure to have your pens and cameras ready, as the beauties will sign autographs and pose for photos immediately following the program.
Interested in finding out more about each contestant? Get to know them better below:
Miss Diamond Head 2010 ~ Tioni Tam Sing
Miss Diamond Head 2010 — Tioni Tam Sing, the oldest daughter of Paul and Antanette Tam Sing, is a student at University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa and is planning a career in the entertainment industry. Prior to her current title, she was Miss Island O‘ahu 2009 and Miss Kona Coffee 2007. Tioni is a lead singer at her home church in Waipahu, The City of Refuge Christian Church, as well as a lead vocalist of Kumanu, a local group that tours high schools and performs a fusion of inspirational music. Her platform is “Breaking the Silence of Domestic Violence,” and she plans to create a non-profit program that teaches youth about the cycle of domestic abuse.
Miss O‘ahu 2010 — Shannon Dresser holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Speech from the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. She also just recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution. Shannon is a familiar face in the UH sports arena, as she is the featured twirler for the University of Hawai‘i. She feels blessed to be able to share her passion for baton twirling with the people of Hawai‘i and has been tasked to lead the Baton Hawai‘i Group.
Miss O‘ahu 2010 ~ Shannon Dresser
Miss Waikīkī 2010 — Pono Fernandez, a second-year Hawaiian language Master’s student at the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa, is aiming to graduate this fall. She currently teaches introductory Hawaiian language courses at the University. Pono plans to pursue a career as a teacher and aspires to receive her PhD in English or Education. Passionate about hula, she currently dances for Hālau o ke ‘A‘ali‘i Kū Makani, under the direction of Manu Boyd. Pono chose to compete in the Miss Hawai‘i organization in order to act as a role model and touch the lives of those with whom she interacts.
Miss Waikīkī 2010 ~ Pono Fernandez
With affordable parking at only $6 (valet parking) for up to four hours at the Embassy Suites® -Waikiki Beach Walk® (201 Beachwalk) and the Wyndham Vacation Ownership – Waikiki Beach Walk (227 Lewers Street), with same-day purchase from any establishments, head down to Waikiki Beach Walk® and be a part of this fun and exciting event!
Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange
By Una Murray
The Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji (FOR) hosted a booth (shown left) at the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange held recently in Port Denarau, Nadi. This annual event allows buyers and sellers of the tourism industry to display their products and services. The venue attracts top tourism companies from the Cook Islands, Niu, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Norfolk, Samoa, Tahiti, Solomons, New Caledonia, Tonga, Vanuatu, and of course, the Fiji tourism industry.
The Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji has had the honour of hosting the event twice in the past and was pleased to market the FOR to the many attendees. On hand to tout FOR’s assets were General Manager Peter Hopgood, Director of Sales for New Zealand and Fiji, Wayne Robinson, and Director of Sales & Marketing for Australia, Europe, and Asia, Andrew Gee.
Outrigger Reef “Stands Up” in Support of Hawaii’s First Stand-up Paddle Festival
By Nancy Daniels
Stand up paddling (SUP) is one of the fastest growing water activities around, with novice swimmers to hard core athletes taking up the sport at lightening speed. Want to find out what’s so special about stand up paddling and at the same time see some of the best SUP athletes compete?
Read the rest of this entry
Annyonghi Kaseyo [Good-bye] and Aloha, Min Hong Kang
By Kathy Oyadomari
Edna Salvador, Karen Villarmia, Jane Kelley, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Min Hong Kang, Barry Wallace, Ruthann Yamanaka, and Janice Ng
On May 26, employees of the OHANA Waikiki West gathered to bid aloha to Min Hong Kang, who retired after 29 years of dedicated service. Barry Wallace, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Ruthann Yamanaka, and Karen Villarmia expressed their appreciation on behalf of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts for her hard work and many years of exemplary service. Gifts of aloha and recognition were also presented.
Min Hong worked in Housekeeping at the Outrigger Reef and OHANA Reef Towers, before finishing up her career in the hospitality industry at the OHANA Waikiki West.
Min Hong said she will miss the many friendships developed over the years, and at her celebration, she sang and dedicated two Korean songs to her coworkers about working together and loving each other. She also shared the following letter:
“To my brothers and sisters of OHANA [Waikiki] West and to the Kelley family
God bless you and watch over you always. Thank you so much for your kindness and lending me a hand when I was busy. Thank you so much for caring about me and asking me how I am when I was sick. I will remember you always, 911 team. I will always cherish our morning time together, sharing food and coffee, and talking stories. I hope to see you downtown at Palama Supermarket and at the swap meet. Please say hello and how are you? Let me know how things are at work, busy or slow. Thank you again for everything. I will miss you all. Take care and be well.”
Min Hong Kang shares her aloha
Min Hong looks forward to spending quality time with her two grandchildren and her husband of 41 years and also plans on spending more time on her favorite hobbies, drawing and sewing.
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is proud of Min Hong for her years of dedication and service and wishes her the very best in retirement. Mahalo and a hui hou!
You Stepped Up! Visitor Industry Charity Walk 2010
By Barry Wallace
(Dr. Richard Kelley is traveling. His column will return in June)
This past Saturday, thousands of walkers stepped up to raise over $900,000 to benefit Hawaii’s local charities in the 32nd Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk. In the typical Outrigger Way, our Outrigger `ohana were joined by family and friends who ran, walked, and donated time and/or money in support of this very worthwhile event. Read the rest of this entry
Susan Koehler Joins the Outrigger ‘Ohana
By Barry Wallace
I am pleased to join Human Resources in welcoming Susan Kaui Koehler to the Outrigger ‘ohana as the new Director of Sales and Marketing for the Embassy Suites®-Waikiki Beach Walk® (ESH). Susan will spearhead all sales and marketing efforts for Embassy’s flagship leisure resort. Read the rest of this entry
On the Move: Robert McConnell takes the lead at Outrigger Waikiki
By Bruce Schneider
I am pleased to join Human Resources in congratulating Robert McConnell on his new assignment as General Manager of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, starting July 1. Robert is a long-time member of the Outrigger ‘ohana who brings years of experience to his new role. Read the rest of this entry
The 5th Annual Hawaii Book & Music Festival
By Nancy Daniels
The 5th Annual Hawaii Book & Music Festival, held last weekend, was a huge success for Outrigger Enterprises Group and the entire community. This annual two-day festival drew thousands of people to Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds and brought in both local and nationally-acclaimed authors, storytellers, talented musicians, and entertainers. The event was well-received by readers and music lovers from all over Hawaii and the mainland. Proceeds from the event go to Hawaii Literacy and Read To Me International. Read the rest of this entry
Great Hotel Benefits for Outrigger Employees
By Dr. Richard Kelley and Dr. Chuck Kelley
Among the outstanding benefits that Outrigger provides its employees, there’s one that we sometimes forget about or can’t always find the time to enjoy. I’m talking about the great discount hotel rates that Outrigger offers employees, beginning immediately upon hire. Read the rest of this entry
