Outrigger ‘ohana gathered at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach on October 11 to honor Employees of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter 2000. David Carey, Perry Sorenson and Department Heads extended their congratulations and offered words of praise to all honorees and nominees.

Rosita Rosete – Housekeeping
Dedicated and hardworking describe “Rosie,” a twenty-two year veteran currently at the Outrigger Islander Waikiki. A shining example of Kina’ole (flawlessness), Rosie takes charge and completes tasks in a timely manner. Rosie ensures requests are fulfilled and expectations exceeded. Her sense of humor and positive attitude make her a favorite with both guests and coworkers.

Hung Da Ngo – Maintenance
Hung currently works at the OHANA Surf. Hung is highly sought after for his painting and wallpapering skills to ensure that Best Western quality standards are consistently met. With a strong sense of A’o (to learn and to share), Hung seeks to add value to his work by learning more skills. Hung has achieved this by learning landscaping and other areas of property renovation. Congratulations and mahalo, Hung, for your hard work and dedication!

Alvina Leon – Front Desk
A fine Mea Ho’okipa (host) currently working at the OHANA Waikiki Tower, Alvina fosters and spreads the Aloha Spirit to all she meets. Alvina promotes a positive work environment within her department and enjoys excellent working relationships. Alvina has earned the respect of others by treating everyone with fairness, compassion and dignity, all with the Aloha Spirit in mind. Congratulations, Alvina, on a job well done!

Cheryl Suda – Front Desk
A shining hoku (star) currently working at the OHANA Reef Towers, Cheryl enthusiastically welcomes all she meets with a smile and never hesitates to provide assistance to those in need. Cheryl enjoys excellent working relationships and has earned the respect of others by keeping the value of Kaulike (equality) always in mind. With her caring approach to work, guests and coworkers, Cheryl is a fine example of a Mea Ho’okipa (host).

Roberto Viloria – Maintenance
Roberto currently works at the OHANA Waikiki West where he consistently goes beyond the call to ensure high levels of guest satisfaction. Roberto always completes a high volume of assignments efficiently and effectively with excellent follow through. With a true sense of the Aloha Spirit, Roberto can always be counted on to assist guests and coworkers alike. Roberto’s positive approach to work make him an excellent Mea Ho’okipa (host).

Romulo Olegario – Maintenance
“Romy” currently works at the Outrigger East where he uses his experience to eagerly take on new challenges. A fine example of Kina’ole (flawlessness), Romy’s attention to detail ensures that all projects are completed professionally and in a timely manner. Romy never hesitates to demonstrate the Aloha Spirit by assisting guests and coworkers inside and outside of his department, often on a moment’s notice. Congratulations, Romy, on a job well done!

Laura Owens – Guest Accounting
Laura currently works at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Now in her tenth year with Outrigger, Laura continues to take on new challenges and grow with Hotel Operations and Accounting. In addition to assisting internal and external customers, Laura’s job requires interaction with several departments within the Financial Services department. Laura works with a sense of accountability (kuleana) in her duties and fosters a positive work environment. Congratulations and mahalo, Laura!

Jody Suyat – Front Desk
A twenty-year veteran, Jody currently works at the Outrigger Waikiki. A fine Mea Ho’okipa (host), Jody welcomes each guest as they arrive and enthusiastically shares her *6326* cultural knowledge throughout their stay, whether passing through the lobby, or during weekly Aloha Friday Lei-making. Active in the community, Jody donates her time and energy to a variety of events such as the Aloha Festivals and the annual Waikiki Ho’olaule’a.

Toaiva (Eva) Pato – Restaurant Services
“Eva” currently works at the OHANA Waikiki Hobron where she constantly strives to provide exceptional levels of guest service. With a strong sense of A`o (to learn and to share), Eva willingly accepts new challenges and never fails to assist others in need. Active in the community, Eva enthusiastically donates her time and energy to a variety of events such as the Kaneohe Bayfest and the Aloha Week Festivals. Congratulations and mahalo, Eva, on a job well done!

Lily Nishino – Company Services
Lily works in the OHANA Revenue Management Department. ‘Never say never’ seems to be Lily’s motto. No matter what the challenge, Lily always assists others in need. Lily constantly searches for ways to improve work processes, enabling those around her to work more efficiently. Lily’s genuine concern and desire to effectively service both internal and external customers earns her much accolades and respect from all who know and work with her. Congratulations, Lily!

Emerson Sales – Housekeeping
Hardworking, dedicated and trustworthy describe Emerson, who is currently based at the OHANA Maile Sky Court. A true team player, Emerson is easy to work with and can always be counted on to take the initiative to provide outstanding guest service. Emerson prioritizes tasks and consistently completes his work in a timely manner with a high level of quality. Mahalo, Emerson, for your continued support and dedication to our success!

Linda Cacho – Communication Services
Twenty-one year veteran Linda currently works at the OHANA Waikiki Village where guest satisfaction is her top priority. “A smile in her voice” accurately describes Telephone Attendant Linda who strives to make the best impression in all situations. Well respected and admired by her peers, Linda completes tasks with a professional and positive attitude. Thank you, Linda, for your continued support and dedication to the success of OHANA Hotels.

Cha Yol Yi – Housekeeping
Currently at the OHANA Waikiki Surf, Cha Yol’s cheerful personality ensures high levels of guest service. Cha Yol is very knowledgeable of his job and is a favorite of both guests and coworkers alike. He performs his work in a timely manner and completes tasks with a professional and positive attitude. Active in the community, Cha Yol participates in the Visitor Industry Charity Walk and the Aloha United Way campaign.


Min Hong Kang – Housekeeping
(No photo available)
Sixteen-year veteran Min Hong currently works at the OHANA Waikiki West where guest satisfaction is her top priority. Min Hong is very knowledgeable of her job and is well respected and admired by her peers. She performs her work in a timely and efficient manner and completes tasks with a professional and positive attitude. Thank you, Min Hong, for your continued support and dedication to the success of OHANA Hotels.

Congratulations also to the following Employee of the Quarter nominees who have been outstanding in their performance: Alejo Batinga, Alfredo Galiza, Allan Yeung, Alvin Takeshita, Andrew Yeung, Archie Garcia, Artemio Federico, Beverly Batacan, Brian Sasaki, Bruce Musrasrik, Cecil Johnson, Cynthia Feng, Dan McLaughlin, Darryl Chang, Davin Kawakami, Debbie Hendrawidjaja, Dustin Chen, Elena Shiroma Miyahira, Feng Fei Poon, Ferdinand Obille, Fern Hayashi, Grace Juan, In Nung Lau, Jenny Lau, Joleen Achong, Jolynn Nihipali, Kook Ja An, Kwai Choi Mak, Leonila Francisco, Marylou Delacruz, Myong Suk Hur, Myra Sakurai, Pat Andaya, Ray Kaneshiro, Rey Soriano, Sheryl Kekipi, Shin Lee, Sun Cha Chang, Tae Ho Han, Teresa Lactaoen, Terry Ho, Troy Boyce, Won Ho Cho, Xin Jiang Zhou and Yong Soo Kim.

Please join me in congratulating Jean Rolles who was honored last week by the Alumni Association of Chaminade University as the University’s “Year 2000 Distinguished Alumna.” Jean, who earned her Master of Science in Japanese Business Studies from Chaminade in 1994, was recognized for her untiring contributions to the university and to the community.

Mayor Jeremy Harris presented Jean with her Distinguished Alumna award and commented on the large role that she, the Kelley family and Outrigger Hotels has made in making Waikiki a better place for visitors and residents alike.

Many of Jean’s family, friends and admirers were on hand to see her receive the honor. The Honolulu Boy Choir, upon hearing that Jean would be receiving the award, asked to perform during the awards luncheon. Councilmembers Mufi Hannemann and Duke Bainum were also in the audience, with Councilmember Bainum presenting Jean with a Certificate of Merit following the ceremony for her “outstanding contributions to the community.”

Both the awards program and the plaque recognized Jean as a “Committed Regent,” “Educational Advocate” and “Community Leader.” The plaque reads:

“Ms. Rolles’ devotion to excellence in academics, her valuable contribution to the Board of Regents and administration, her dedication to facility improvements on campus, her generous giving, and ability to translate the Marianist vision of education into reality have added immeasurably to furthering the ideals and mission of the University.”

Congratulations, Jean! We’re proud that others have recognized what we at Outrigger have always known.

The Outrigger ‘ohana gathered at the Outrigger Reef Diamond Head Terrace on Tuesday, April 18, to honor and recognize Employees of the Quarter for the 1st Quarter of 2000. Dr. Richard Kelley, David Carey, Perry Sorenson and Department Heads extended their congratulations and offered words of praise to all of the distinguished honorees and nominees.

b> Sharon Okada * Sales Japan
Sharon works in the Corporate Sales/Japan department with a sense of ownership and accountability in her duties and fosters a positive work environment. In addition to assisting our Japanese clientele, Sharon’s job also requires interaction with other Outrigger departments. Sharon works well with others and never hesitates to assist those in need. Sharon can be counted on to give 110 percent and is very deserving of the distinction of being named Company Services Employee of the Quarter.

Elda Kolone * Front Desk
Elda currently works at the OHANA Waikiki West. An excellent team player, Elda promotes positive relationships by treating everyone she meets with respect and dignity. Despite numerous challenges that arise throughout the course of the day, Elda’s personality exudes cooperation and teamwork. Her sense of Aloha, combined with her attention to detail, makes Elda an employee who can be counted on to provide friendly and personalized guest service.

Toddi Duff * Front Desk
Neat and accurate describes the work style of Toddi, who currently works at the OHANA Surf. With a strong sense of Kina’ole (flawlessness), Toddi encourages her fellow team members to exceed our guests’ expectations by continuously striving to enhance guest service delivery. Toddi’s sense of humor, warm smile and caring attitude all help to ensure a high level of guest satisfaction. Active in the community, Toddi participates annually in the Visitor Industry Charity Walk.

Elena Justo * Front Desk
Elena is currently based at the OHANA Maile Sky Court. Although when hired, Elena did not have Front Desk experience, she has proven to be a true “diamond in the rough” by becoming an effective and contributing team member in a short period of time. Elena’s positive attitude, initiative and strong work ethic have won her praise from both guests and coworkers alike. Active in the community, Elena volunteers at a neighborhood preschool.

Yong Sun Yi * Housekeeping
Sixteen-year veteran Yong Sun currently works at the OHANA Waikiki Tower where guest satisfaction is her top priority. Yong Sun is very knowledgeable in her job and is well-respected and admired by her peers. She performs her work in a timely and efficient manner and completes tasks with a professional and positive attitude. Thank you, Yong Sun, for your continued support and dedication to the success of OHANA Hotels!

Sandra Pascua * Front Desk
Sandra currently works at the OHANA Waikiki Village where providing a high level of quality guest service is her top priority. A proven self-starter and team player, Sandra works very well with little or no supervision and can be counted on to assist both guests and coworkers when needed. With a strong sense of A’o (to learn and to share), Sandra takes advantage of every opportunity to expand her technical skills and also to volunteer for special projects.

Sean Ling * Front Desk
Currently based at the OHANA Royal Islander, Sean places a priority on guest service by demonstrating exceptional professionalism and service delivery. Sean’s actions serve to encourage his team members to mirror Outrigger’s Values. A fine Mea Ho’okipa (host), Sean never fails to make people feel at home and provide assistance to those in need. Congratulations and mahalo nui loa, Sean, for contributing to the success of OHANA Hotels!

Manuel Nicolas * Bell Desk
Manny is currently stationed at the OHANA Waikiki Surf. Guests are always greeted by Manny’s friendly smile backed up by his service-oriented approach to work. Manny leads by example and encourages others to work towards providing high levels of guest satisfaction. Active in the community, Manny supports the Aloha United Way and the Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Congratulations, Manny, on a job well done!

MacDonald Cacacho * Maintenance
A nine-year Outrigger veteran, Mac is currently based at the OHANA Waikiki Hobron, where his positive attitude, sense of humor and warm smile makes him well-liked by both guests and coworkers alike. A true team player, multi-talented Mac freely shares his maintenance skills and knowledge with his fellow team members. Mac’s flexibility and versatility makes everyone’s job much easier, and he can always be counted on to provide assistance to those in need. Congratulations, Mac!

Jana Matsunaga * Front Desk
Jana currently works at the Outrigger Islander Waikiki, where she strives to exceed expectations by providing superior guest service. Flexible, versatile and accurate describes Jana’s work style. Her leadership qualities make her a valuable resource in the eyes of her coworkers when responding to challenging situations. With a strong sense of ‘ohana, Jana encourages mutually beneficial working relationships, not only within her own department and property, but with other departments and properties as well.

Kwok Fai Young * Housekeeping
Kwok Fai currently works at the Outrigger Waikiki. Fai approaches his duties with a professional and positive attitude and completes tasks and projects in a timely and efficient manner. In the spirit of A’o (to learn and to share), Kwok Fai enjoys learning new things and is always there to lend a helping hand. Active in the community, Kwok Fai generously assists the Aloha United Way Campaign and the Visitor Industry Charity Walk.

Cresencia Foronda * Housekeeping
Friendly and helpful describes Cresencia, who is currently based at the Outrigger Reef. Cresencia’s warm and caring attitude makes guests feel relaxed, safe and at home. An excellent team player, Cresencia’s reliability and resourcefulness have earned her the respect of her coworkers. Cresencia always displays a positive approach to new work assignments and adapts quickly to changes that occur at the property. Congratulations and mahalo, Cresencia!

Primo Agasid * Housekeeping
Currently based at the Outrigger East, Primo routinely provides superior guest service that exceeds our guests expectations. Primo responds quickly and effectively to guests’ needs and is able to complete tasks with little direction. A true team player, Primo promotes positive working relationships and works well with other departments. Ever attentive and intuitive, Primo never hesitates to provide assistance to those in need. Congratulations and mahalo, Primo, for contributing to Outrigger’s success!

Spencer Ngai * Bell Desk
A sixteen-year veteran, Spencer currently works at the OHANA Reef Towers. Multi-talented, Spencer speaks several dialects of Chinese enabling him to make our international guests feel right at home. Ever attentive to those in need, Spencer never hesitates to provide assistance. Spencer enjoys traveling when the opportunity allows and will fulfill his dream of visiting Europe this year. Congratulations and bon voyage, Spencer!(no photo available)

Congratulations also to the following Employee of the Quarter nominees who have been outstanding in their performance in the 1st Quarter 2000:

Aaron Sanada, Adolfo C. Lucas, Amador Manzano, Ambrose Parangan, Arthur Corotan, Bong Chil Wang, Brian Kunimune, Cha Yol Yi, Ching Tom, Colleen Harada, Cynthia Feng, Donnella Frantz, Doreen Togafau, Dustin Chen, Floredeliza Esmeralda, Gan Fei Su, Huang Dong Ting, Ivan Celebrado, Ja Jung Kim, Jacky Lee, Jettson Hew, Jimmy Uehara, Jon Tolentino, Kim Plunkett-Ho, Kyong Cha Pak, Lai Hung Wong, Marivic Gushikuma, Mildred Rubio, Myung Hwa Kim, Natividad Ancheta, Orlando Oniedo, Renee Kiyono, Reynaldo Orpilla, Sherri Thomas, Stanley Trueman, Susan So, Tae Ho Han, Tammy Arakaki, Teri Takahashi, Tinorua Geronimo, Treva Boyce, Wendy Yee, Yoshio Uno and Yut Fee Fong.

Ho’ola Award
Marlou Infante * Housekeeping

The Ho’ola Award is given to an individual who goes beyond the requirements of his or her position. One who may save a life, or otherwise provide comfort to others in distress. Ho’ola is derived from the Hawaiian word ‘Ola, which means life, health, well being and salvation, as well as to spare, save and heal.

Dr. Kelley and David Carey presented the Ho’ola Award to Housekeeper Marlou Infante, currently working at the Outrigger Reef.

On Wednesday, February 3, Marlou instinctively and without hesitation, put out a smouldering fire in an open trash container which was located in the hotel lobby. There was a large group registering at the time, and had it not been for Marlou’s quick thinking and follow through, a very bad situation could have developed. He saved the hotel from possible damage and loss of revenue.

Although Marlou has only been a member of the Outrigger ‘ohana for six months, he has already earned the respect of his coworkers. Marlou always has a positive attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

When he is not at work, Marlou enjoys spending time with his family_his wife Isabel and their two children Louis and Tyrah.

Marlou, is the latest in a long line of outstanding individuals to receive the prestigious Ho’ola award. Marlou, we commend you for your integrity and fortitude. We are very proud of you, and your efforts only strengthen our belief that Outrigger Hotels & Resorts represents the very best.

On Thursday, April 6, the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB) held its 2000 Keep It Hawaii Awards luncheon at the Hawaii Prince Hotel ballroom.

The ballroom was filled with our travel industry peers, and winners were announced by emcees Paula Akana of KITV-4 and Manu Boyd from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Awards were presented by HVCB President Tony Vericella and John Owens, Editor of Travel Holiday magazine. Travel Holiday has a readership of over one million, and this year’s list of winners will appear in the July issue.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts was a multiple honoree with awards going to the Outrigger Wailea Resort, the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach and the Lae nani Resort. In addition, Outrigger received the prestigious O Ka ‘Oihana I Hana Pomaika’i Award.

The Outrigger Wailea Resort received the award in the Visual Arts category for their “Ahupuaa Murals”. Bill Boyd, OWR’s Cultural Specialist, accepted the coveted carved and feathered Kahili trophy.

The Outrigger Waikoloa Beach received two Certificates of Merit which were accepted by General Manager Robin Graf. The first certificate was in the Architecture category for OWB’s impressive design elements that thoughtfully combined the very best of the past and present. The second certificate was in the Visual Design category for Herb Kane’s “HMS Discovery off Waikoloa, 1793″ and the 109-year-old Kaimalino koa outrigger canoe.

The Lae nani Resort also received a Certificate of Merit for the “Preservation of the Kauai Kukui Heiau” in the Historic Preservation category. General Manager Gregg Enright accepted the award on behalf of Lae nani.

In the second year of the prestigious O Ka ‘Oihana I Hana Pomaika’i (The Business that Creates Good Fortune) award, co-honorees were Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and the Mountain Apple Company. This award is presented by the HVCB to companies whose commitment to Hawaii’s future helps to create new jobs and promote the visitor industry. David Carey accepted the award for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.

The Keep It Hawaii Awards were established in 1991 by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau to recognize individuals, associations and the business community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. Entries are evaluated and judged by a panel of peers, including previous award winners and practicing experts in Hawaiian culture and arts.

It’s truly a great honor to receive these awards. Congratulations on a job well done keeping it Hawaii!

Please join Human Resources and me in welcoming Geoff Graf back into hotel operations as Assistant General Manager at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, replacing Vance Fujino who has moved into condominium operations at the Waikiki Shore Resort.

Geoff has been with Outrigger Hotels & Resorts since 1997 when the company took over management of the Maui Eldorado Resort from Colony Hotels & Resorts. While with Colony, Geoff was General Manager of the Kaluakoi Hotel & Golf Club on Molokai and the Diamond Head Beach Hotel, a boutique property on the beach at Waikiki. Geoff’s hospitality career has also included positions as General Manager of the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel and as Front Office Manager for the Coconut Plaza Hotel in Waikiki.

In addition to his professional career, Geoff is an accomplished water athlete. Holding a former top-ten world ranking in the sport of distance surfski (ocean kayak) racing, he has competed on the West Coast, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Geoff also holds outrigger canoe paddling victories in all the major outrigger championships in Hawaii, the West Coast and Australia.

As you may have read recently, Geoff and wife Katie are the proud parents of newborn Kailee Kainanimauloa and 2-1/2 year-old Kelly.

Congratulations, Geoff!