Saturday Briefing Page 1 December 17, 2011 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA 2011: A Year of Recovery and Transition By Dr. Richard Kelley s we approach the end of the first year in this decade, I look back with a great deal of pride at everything we have accomplished in the past 12 months. Although our company is spread across the Pacific with operations separated by thousands of miles of blue water and hours of flight time, we have worked together as a remarkable team. We have served our customers warmly and efficiently, and in most areas earned a profit as well. We have also made significant investments in the future of our company. Our Waikiki-based ‘ohana can be proud of the extraordinary efforts they and so many others made to deliver a spectacular meeting for all those attending November’s APEC summit. You proved without a doubt that Hawai‘i can host even the most demanding high-level meetings and conferences. is will pay off handsomely in the future, and I predict we will see bookings from groups and industries that might never before have considered Hawai‘i a place for serious business meetings and conferences. at will translate into opportunities for jobs, personal growth and new income, with all the benefits that follow, for both the private and government sectors in Hawai‘i. Yes, together we are a powerful team! As we look forward to 2012 and beyond, it promises to be a busy, challenging time. In Hawai‘i, the renovations at the Outrigger Waikiki will test our skills in many ways. In Australia, the conversion of the Holiday Inn® to Outrigger Surfers Paradise, which starts early in the year, will also take a lot of hard work by Grant James and his staff. Darren Edmonstone and our Asia-Pacific headquarters staff will be more than occupied by new projects in ailand, Vietnam, Bali (Indonesia) and Hainan (China). Economists predict that, IF the world economy does not stumble badly or crash, we can expect another year of growth in the number of visitors, hotel/condo occupancy, room rates and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). at will be good for all the members of our ‘ohana. But please note my emphasis on IF, because there are many things that can go wrong in the coming months. I hate to write about them during the holiday season, but these are issues that need close attention. What I worry most about now is the health of the international financial system. Particularly in the United States and Europe, governments at every level have been spending money and making promises for future spending far in excess of available resources. Pick up almost any newspaper to get a feel for the severity of the situation. Unfortunately, neither the media nor most governments are telling “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” about this issue. Consider the huge and rapidly rising U.S. national debt. One way to evaluate a nation’s debt – a good yardstick/ meter stick – is to compare it to that nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), the total value of all goods and services produced in a year. From 1900 to 1933, the U.S. had very little national debt, typically less than 30 percent of GDP. From 1933 to 1941, the national debt rose to about 40 percent of GDP as spending on social programs increased rapidly with the measures President Franklin D. Roosevelt undertook to end the Great Depression. In the early 1940s, when winning World War II demanded tremendous efforts and extraordinary spending, U.S. debt rose to 120 percent of GDP. However, following the defeat of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, debt dropped back to pre-war levels for several decades. In 1974, U.S. debt was only 32 percent of GDP. at was the year Outrigger finished building and opened what are now the OHANA Waikiki East and OHANA Waikiki West hotels. By 2001, with the continuing rapid growth of government social programs, U.S. debt had risen to 56 percent of GDP. In 2008, it stood at 70 percent of GDP. Today, at the end of 2011, U.S. debt is about 102 percent of our GDP and rising fast! In dollars, the current total U.S. debt on the books is estimated at $15.1 trillion. However, as recently reported in USA Today, the U.S. also has an additional $60 to $160 trillion in unfunded obligations and promises that are not yet Continued on page 16 A
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Saturday BriefingPage 1
December 17, 2011 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA
2011: A Year of Recovery and TransitionBy Dr. Richard Kelley
s we approach the end of the first year in this decade, I look back with a great deal of pride at everything we have accomplished in the past 12 months. Although our company is spread across the Pacific with operations separated by
thousands of miles of blue water and hours of flight time, we have worked together as a remarkable team. We have served our customers warmly and efficiently, and in most areas earned a profit as well. We have also made significant investments in the future of our company. Our Waikiki-based ‘ohana can be proud of the extraordinary efforts they and so many others made to deliver a spectacular meeting for all those attending November’s APEC summit. You proved without a doubt that Hawai‘i can host even the most demanding high-level meetings and conferences. This will pay off handsomely in the future, and I predict we will see bookings from groups and industries that might never before have considered Hawai‘i a place for serious business meetings and conferences. That will translate into opportunities for jobs, personal growth and new income, with all the benefits that follow, for both the private and government sectors in Hawai‘i. Yes, together we are a powerful team! As we look forward to 2012 and beyond, it promises to be a busy, challenging time. In Hawai‘i, the renovations at the Outrigger Waikiki will test our skills in many ways. In Australia, the conversion of the Holiday Inn® to Outrigger Surfers Paradise, which starts early in the year, will also take a lot of hard work by Grant James and his staff. Darren Edmonstone and our Asia-Pacific headquarters staff will be more than occupied by new projects in Thailand, Vietnam, Bali (Indonesia) and Hainan (China). Economists predict that, IF the world economy does not stumble badly or crash, we can expect another year of growth in the number of visitors, hotel/condo occupancy, room rates and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). That will be good for all the members of our ‘ohana. But please note my emphasis on IF, because there are many things that can go wrong in the coming months. I hate to write about them during the holiday season, but these are issues that need close attention.
What I worry most about now is the health of the international financial system. Particularly in the United States and Europe, governments at every level have been spending money and making promises for future spending far in excess of available resources. Pick up almost any newspaper to get a feel for the severity of the situation. Unfortunately, neither the media nor most governments are telling “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” about this issue. Consider the huge and rapidly rising U.S. national debt. One way to evaluate a nation’s debt – a good yardstick/meter stick – is to compare it to that nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), the total value of all goods and services produced in a year. From 1900 to 1933, the U.S. had very little national debt, typically less than 30 percent of GDP. From 1933 to 1941, the national debt rose to about 40 percent of GDP as spending on social programs increased rapidly with the measures President Franklin D. Roosevelt undertook to end the Great Depression. In the early 1940s, when winning World War II demanded tremendous efforts and extraordinary spending, U.S. debt rose to 120 percent of GDP. However, following the defeat of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, debt dropped back to pre-war levels for several decades. In 1974, U.S. debt was only 32 percent of GDP. That was the year Outrigger finished building and opened what are now the OHANA Waikiki East and OHANA Waikiki West hotels. By 2001, with the continuing rapid growth of government social programs, U.S. debt had risen to 56 percent of GDP. In 2008, it stood at 70 percent of GDP. Today, at the end of 2011, U.S. debt is about 102 percent of our GDP and rising fast! In dollars, the current total U.S. debt on the books is estimated at $15.1 trillion. However, as recently reported in USA Today, the U.S. also has an additional $60 to $160 trillion in unfunded obligations and promises that are not yet
Continued on page 16
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Saturday BriefingPage 2
Saturday Briefing is publishedby and for employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson Senior Editor: Kathy Foley Proofing Assistant: Char LuningContributing Writers: Employees of OEGVisit us online at: www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com
Submissions to Kathy Foley at [email protected], via interoffice mail to OEH/HR, or by phone at (808) 921-6957.
This is the last issue of Saturday Briefing for 2011. The next issue will be published Saturday, January 7, 2012. If you submitted articles and photos for this issue, and they do not appear here, they will be published in the first issue of the New Year. Mahalo for all your submissions throughout the year, and Happy Holidays from us to you!
Happy Birthday!Dec 28: Greg Iwafuchi, William T. Comstock, Richard R. Kelley, Angelito Cunanan, Asinate T. and Katarina D.
Dec 29: Revelyn D. Tugas, Makamae Lyn Iosua, Robert T. Berges, Hui Yuan Liu, Peggy Williamson, Xuecong L. He, Estela Cabagbag, Daniel K. Tagawa, Litili Mafi, Nicole K. Nagashima, Miles M. Higa and Lylanie Imbat.
Dec 30: Alvin Ochoco Pinoliar, Athena A. Cajudoy, Catherine M. Strazzeri, Kevin Aucello, Rosalina C. Manzano, Martha M. Lancaster and Semi K.
Dec 31: Michael P. Bagaoisan, Neil T. Murakami, Martha R. Delisa, Shannon Michelle Nolder, Rebecca D. Vicente, Julia Palacay Tambio, Brent A. Kitsu, Duy Q. Thai, Natalie Overall, Silvestra Domino, Antonio Palacios and Aliti N.
Jan 1: Graeme Lewis, Arsenia B. Bactat, Brigitte B. Sewdat, Evangeline E. Lintao, Florencia P. Nicolas, Espirita T. Sumibcay and Clark Aquino.
Jan 2: Kristina Ensbey, Correy K. Naumu, Kyle S. Kawabata, Scott S.L. Johnson, Linda Y. Okura, Emmanuel T. Padigos, Aurora S. Oraa, Rodola Afaga Tangonan, Richard V. Fernando, Karen L. Fong and Sandy Y.S. Wong.
Jan 3: Jessica Robinson, Lorna S. Agtarap-Benigno, Amante V. Castro Jr., Debra A. Kelley, Gui Hao Wu, Albert L. Kahookaulana, Beverly J.T. Fidel, Tania P.O. Morrill and Eparama R.
Jan 4: Talia Dalzell, Henry Q. Quinsaat, Vivian H. Terazono, Chester L. Hoapili Jr., Derrick W.M. Terada, Janice H. Yee, Christiane A. Carson and Inoke N.
Jan 5: Tammy K. Kalilikane, Hung Sheong Lau and Ecelini V.
Jan 6: Christopher Healy, Arthur S. Corotan, Rick M. Nomura, Suzanne Mendoza, Madoka Phillips and Sereima S.
Jan 7: Shannon M. Yadon, Ivan Celebrado, Scott L. Shero-Amba, Thomas Y. Seeton, Jessie Bactad, Paulina R. and Aseri T.
Jan 8: Sarah M. Bernabe, Edgardo Desamparado, Katina K. Puas, Yu Yu Zhan, Teri R. Takahashi, Desiree O.L.H. Hee,
Cassandra M. Johnston, Robert D. Graybosch, Leanora Evangelista, Marietta Escoto, Cecilia Ludovica and Jack J.
Jan 9: Norma A. Pablo, George K. Akimo, Kiyo Kaneshiro, Libby Ann W.M.L. Young, Rowena A. Colling, Teresa L. Morrison, Feng Mei Li, Talica G., Parmeshwari D. and Richard D.
Jan 10: Heidy Barbera, Romeo B. Valdez, Brendan R. Agustin, Siu-Lan L. Fong, Roy G. Quiamno, Nicanor Ocumen, Desiree C.M. Tyrrell, Tinay J. Acidera and Anoop Singh.
Jan 11: Jittinun Anuratanavong, John D. Neeley, Elena V. Narvaes, Mary Consuelo Duldulao Nacario, Reymando S. Cruz, Jennifer L. Beverly, Jeffrey A. Neimy, Yu Ming Liang, Resnina Anik, Randhir K., Karalaini K. and Manoa R.
Jan 12: Paula Hermes-Smith, Eva B. Bumagat, Estrellita Baratti, Penchie S. Cabasag, Emely C. Tacbian, Taciana P. Gagala, Paulette Faye Spencer, Asuncion D. Domingo, Colleen M. Tanioka, Josephine V. and Ayeshal R.
Jan 13: Milagros C. Javier, Jieli Liang, Jimmy Z.M. Zhang, Xingjiao Liang, Lucia Moral Cabalo, Lorella Narciso, Susana V. and Ajeet K.
Jan 14: Hyacinth I. Millington, Ernesto I. Agdeppa, Wilbert K. Eguchi II, Rhonda R. Zarychta, Erwine Michael, Jaime Cubilla, Prudencio Herreria and Anasimeci G.
Jan 15: Nicole Claydon, Ray K.M. Cheng, Justin K. Kealoha, Kenneth Shimabuku, Chang Keun Cho, Erlinda M. Barredo, Maluifonua Tone, Sheryl M. Yee, Pamela N. Andrade, Mikko Asuncion and Alena N.
Jan 16: Sascha Tillsley, Carla A.L. Ducheneau, Anna Lee V. Managad, Aproniano Serdenia, Yu Bing Li, Lorena Y. Rosete, Estefania T. Angeles, Leonila Evangelista, Sainiana S., Jonetani N., Rakesh C., Jeenal K. and Shalvin S.
Jan 17: Kwai Choi Mak, Delia T. Artillero, Joshua A. Danao, Beatriz P. Carmelotes, Denae A.H.M. Pai, Kevin D. Rokavec and Sillvia Ruben.
Saturday BriefingPage 3
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At a Glance ...• AngelitaSeraretiredfromtheHolidayInn®WaikikiBeachcomber
The 18th Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Invitational – UH Men’s Volleyball Tournament is just around the corner. This year’s line-up includes teams from Lewis University, UCLA and Springfield College and our very own University of Hawai‘i Warriors.
Volunteers are needed for the following dates and will receive a tournament T-shirt, meal, parking and entry to the games.
18th Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Volleyball Invitational Thursday, January 12, 2012 • Springfield vs. Hawai‘i, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 13, 2012 • Lewis vs. Hawai‘i, 7:00 p.m.Saturday, January 14, 2012 • UCLA vs. Hawai‘i, 7:00 p.m.
If you are interested, please contact me at 921-6895 or [email protected] with your name, hotel, department, T-shirt size and timeslot preference by December 30. Hope to hear from you and mahalo for your kokua!
Saturday BriefingPage 15
Hawaiian Santa Paddles in at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach
By Nancy Daniels
Hundreds of visitors and residents were on hand last weekend to welcome Santa Claus as he paddled ashore in front of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Well, it was actually the beachboys of UV Rays who did the paddling while Santa greeted everyone with a local “shaka” sign, a boisterous Aloha and, of course, a hearty Mele Kalikimaka. People crowded around and cameras clicked frantically as everyone jostled to get a shot of Hawaiian Santa in his palaka suit and slippers as he disembarked from the outrigger canoe. Santa was then led to a chair set beneath the palm trees in front of the hotel where more photos were taken by the enthusiastic crowd. Adding to the colorful holiday celebration were dancers from Kapele Hula Halau. Santa’s next stop was the lobby of the Outrigger Waikiki where a large crowd of families lined up for a free photo with Santa in front of the hotel’s outrigger canoe, courtesy of the hotel and Hawaiian Portraits. No one cared about waiting in line as they again were entertained by the keiki of Kapele Hula Halau.
Kids young and old whispered their special requests into Santa’s ear as each family set up for their photo. It was a fun and joyful morning with hundreds of guests and residents walking away with not only a holiday photo, but also with special memories of a unique island moment in Waikiki. If you weren’t able to make it to Santa’s arrival last weekend,
don’t fret. You’ve got two more chances to whisper your gift wishes into Santa’s ear. On December 20 and 21, the Outrigger Reef on the Beach is offering a special “Jolly Holiday Breakfast with Santa Claus.” Kids of all ages will enjoy this delightful morning with Santa that will include a buffet breakfast, balloon twisting and airbrush tattoos for the keiki, plus a FREE photo with Santa, all for only $22 per person, inclusive of tax, tip and photo with Santa; $11.50 for children who are 5-11 years old; with children 4 years and younger free. Reservations are being taken for seating at 8 a.m. Don’t wait; book your reservation today at (808) 924-4990.
Elizabeth Cambra, Corporate Director of Revenue Optimization, arrived at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji this week. She received a warm Bula welcome by the Duty Manager and Butler and was hosted to a traditional Fijian feast by Lucia Pau’u from Sales. She met Jason Zvatora, Russell Blaik and Andrew Gee for discussions on market segmentation and rates and also provided rate and yield strategy training for the Reservations and Sales staff. Peter Hopgood, Jason and Andrew hosted Elizabeth to drinks at Kalokalo followed by a truly memorable dining experience at the Ivi restaurant, thanks to fine culinary talents of Executive Chef Shailesh Naidu. A tour of the local village and a river safari concluded a very full and productive trip.
Peter Hopgood, Elizabeth Cambra, Jason Zvatora and Andrew Gee
Elizabeth Receives a Big Bula WelcomeBy Una Murray
Saturday BriefingPage 16
2011: A Year of Recovery and TransitionContinued from page 1
recorded as “debt.” Included in this figure are promises the federal government has made for Social Security, Medicare, federal employee retirement benefits, military retirement and disability obligations. These are real future costs but they are still “off the books.” “The (federal) debt … doesn’t take into account what’s owed to seniors, veterans and retired employees,” says accountant Sheila Weinberg, founder of the Institute for Truth in Accounting, a Chicago-based group that advocates better financial reporting. “Without accurate accounting, we can’t make good decisions.” (USA Today, June 6, 2011) This is a widespread problem. The countries using the euro as their currency – that is, most of Europe – are currently teetering at the edge of crisis because of government debt that is in technical default. Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy are in precarious positions, and the situation of several other European countries also looks wobbly. A crisis in any of these countries could trigger a domino effect across Europe and beyond. The free-spending debtor countries want thrifty Germany to bail them out – assume part of their debts – but that would put an intolerable burden on German taxpayers, so Germany’s government is balking. In most cases, the root cause, as in the U.S. (where the problem is not yet as far advanced as in Europe but nonetheless continues to move in a troubling direction), is that governments have made far too many promises to their
citizens – promises the countries cannot afford now and even less so in the future. When governments are forced to suddenly address financial crises that have been gradually building for decades, they must undertake measures like raising taxes and cutting social programs and benefits that people have long counted on for their own well-being. That is why we have recently been reading about angry demonstrations in the streets and governments being voted out of office in Greece and Italy. It’s a political example of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object! But something’s got to give, creating the potential for a financial earthquake whose shock waves are likely to be felt around the world, including in the United States. That’s why I say we might have a continuation of economic recovery IF these extremely serious issues can be resolved in the near future. Do the political leaders of Europe, the U.S. and other countries, as well as our local leaders in Hawai‘i, have the fortitude to address the issue and make the necessary, unpopular decisions? We hope so. I urge you all to stay informed on these important international and local issues and remain active in the political process; especially in the important election year we are about to enter. Let’s keep our politicians’ feet to the fire. Be vocal in your opinion as issues come up for a vote. Your personal future, your family’s future and the future of our company depend on it.
A Season of GivingBy Una Murray
General Manager Peter Hopgood and the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji Executive team visited the Treasure House and the Loloma House bringing presents for the children. Peter said the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji has been doing this community service for three years now, and they are delighted to meet and share some light moments with the children. He added that one of the property’s past community projects was to renovate and extend part of the Treasure House building.
Executive team makes children’s day brighter giving gifts of the season
