Saturday BriefingPage 1

February 1, 2014 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

®

Outrigger® Mauritius Resort and Spa Open

By Darren Edmonstone

Outrigger® Enterprises Group is pleased to announce the opening of the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa (MOR), which welcomed its first guests Wednesday, Jan. 29. The deluxe 181-room, all sea-view resort is the first in the Indian Ocean belonging to Outrigger and marks our 45th property open or under development in eight countries.

Outrigger purchased the property in May 2013 and completed an extensive refurbishment of the resort. Plans are in the works for an official grand opening ceremony and celebration on Apr. 18 under the watchful eye of General Manager Frédéric Chrétien.

The expansion of the Outrigger brand into the Indian Ocean demonstrates our strategic commitment to open stunning resorts in desirable and iconic warm water beachfront locations around the world. Ownership of the property gives us the unique opportunity to share the locally rich sense of place and discovery that guests look for when they go on holiday.

The Republic Mauritius is located 2,000 kms (1243 miles) off the southeast coast of Africa and 1,100 kms (684 miles) from the east coast of Madagascar. The absolute beachfront property has an idyllic location on the southern tip of the island in the Bel Ombre nature reserve, adjacent to the Heritage Golf Club. The resort is surrounded on the landward side by expansive sugar cane plantations.

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa

Mauritius ... >> 2

“Magic” speaker

Magic ... >> 10

“Magic” Hotels and More

By Dr. Richard Kelley

This week, I was in Los Angeles to attend the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) along with approximately 2,500 other attendees from 26 different countries. We heard excellent speeches, panel discussions and presentations from a wide variety of hoteliers, financiers and developers, but the hour that stands out most in my mind is the keynote speech delivered by basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

This basketball Hall of Famer has an amazing record of achievements and records, including three National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Awards, nine NBA Finals appearances and 12 All-Star games. In 1991, he tested positive for HIV and retired. Nevertheless, fans voted for him as a starter of the U.S. basketball “Dream Team” team that won the Olympic gold medal in 1992.

At ALIS, Magic spoke at length about basketball, not to tout his many achievements, but as a metaphor for achieving success, meaning and fulfillment in life.

On arrival at the Nokia Theater at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles, Magic did not go up on stage, but walked instead to the first row of the audience and stood about 15 feet from where I was seated. His focus was not so

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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

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.

© 2014 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Mauritius ... << From 1

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is a 45-minute drive from the international airport (MRU) and a 90-minute drive from the capital, Port Louis. Getting to Mauritius from Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa is easy. Direct flights connect Mauritius with Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris, London, Dubai, Johannesburg and numerous cities in Africa.

We are thrilled to welcome the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa and its employees to the Outrigger ‘ohana and to provide our signature hospitality in a place where past and present combine to create a truly unique guest experience.

Employment Opportunities If you are interested in a position listed below and meet the qualifications, please go to OUTRIGGER.COM and click on EMPLOYMENT at the bottom of the page. We only accept online applications for the open positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 921-6989. Application deadline for the following positions is Feb. 7, 2014.

Guest Services Representative (Uniform Services) (On-Call)Must have at least one year customer service experience and be able to lift and carry 70 lbs. Must be flexible to work any shift and day. A valid driver’s license and clean driving abstract is required.

Mauna Loa VillageHousekeeper (On-Call)

Must be able to work well with others, follow instructions and communicate in English. The ability to work any day and shift is required. Experience in cleaning and servicing guest rooms and/or public areas preferred.

Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation ResortEquipment Operator (Full-Time)

Minimum of one year previous landscaping experience preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license with clean driving abstract. Must be able to speak English and be able to communicate with guests and employees. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time to handle daily inspections, cleaning and maintenance of property.

Spectacular Beachfront Club Room

Happy Birthday!Feb 12: Koon Lin Chan Cheng, Kriangsak Choosang, Nolene Hotz, Megan Johnston, Li Hu Kuan-Tu, Jennifer D. Lay, Lei Qiu Naito, Neal N. Nakashima, Kiniviliame Namoumou, Romah Nga – Saman, Saowanee Pasaman, Ana E. Sandoval Perez, Shane K. Vares and Teerawat Whanyee.

Feb 13: Ofelia M. Abadilla, Mary-Ann F. Andrade, Thippayarat Boonpinyo, Kitiana Buco, Elizabeth P. Cambra, Morgan-Lee Cran, Sonia R. Lorenzo, Log Nadan, Ivan N. Paik, Apimeleki Ratubuli, Suwartika and Gerry Young.

Feb 14: Erica Carr, Lehua D. Helm, Keshni Lata, Valentina B. Salinas, Jessica P. Su and Valentino A. Talosa.

Feb 15: Alison Carr, Chotphan Chotpapas, Nongyao Jindapon, Renee A. Kiyono-Taniguchi, Amy D. Lee, Han Bin Lin, Eakkalak Na Manee, Seruvi Namoki, Wannarat Pettbanjobe, Denise L. Torres, Monthol Traitepyim, Chao Treenawongse and Ryan Vertulfo.

Feb 16: Matthew Butler, Gilbert A. Cui, Sovinal Kumar, Mei Ling Suzanne Lee, Jiezhen Li, Henna Nevasaari, Thanakrit Praditus, Conrado R. Rivera, Ayuri Sugahara and Mereani Vosarewa.

Feb 17: Michelle Cardenas, Andre D. Gordon, Rocio Harrison, Kenneth Fred Kettenacker Jr., Niphaporn McDonald and Jitagorn Sockachat.

Feb 18: David Doughty, Emosi Jeke, Rohini Lata, Edward Livae, Angelica Loughlin, Jeerawat Noochoo, Fritzie M. Ramones, Edna V. Salvador, Naomi Silikatapu, Paphompong Sungpech, Rosita D. Tolentino, Angela K.S. Wan and Zen I.H. Watanabe.

Saturday BriefingPage 3

Calendar of events and holidays celebrated worldwide

Jamie Wong Joins the Outrigger Reef on the Beach Team

By Barry Wallace

Jamie Wong

Saturday, Feb. 1BOB - After Imlek 2565 Kongzili (Moslem & Christian)MOR - Abolition of Slavery

Wednesday, Feb. 5 - Lunch & Learn • noonLearn about how you can be on the Outrigger Team for The Hapalua (Hawai‘i’s Half-Marathon)OHANA Waikiki East, Pool Terrace Conference Rooms

Feb. 5-8 - Hawaii High School Association (HHSSA) Girls Soccer TournamentWaipi‘o Soccer Complex

Feb. 8 - Kung Hee Fat Choy, Celebrate the Year of the HorseHoliday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, 10-10:45 a.m.Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 1:15-2:15 p.m.Waikiki Beach Walk® Plaza, 5-5:30 p.m.Hokulani Waikiki, 5:30–6:15 p.m.Waikiki Beach Walk Merchants, 5:30–7:30 p.m.waikikibeachwalk.com

Feb. 12-15 - HHSAA Boys Soccer TournamentWaipi‘o Soccer Complex

Feb. 14-17 - Outrigger Baseball Opening Series (UH Baseball)UH vs. Oregon Friday, Feb. 14 & Saturday, Feb. 15 • 6:35 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 & Monday, Feb. 17 • 1:05 p.m.Les Murakami Stadium (UH Mānoa Campus)

Friday, Feb. 14 Thailand - Makha Bucha Day

Sunday, Feb. 16 - 2014 Nā Mele No Nā Pua Sunday Showcase featuring Ku‘uipo Kumukahi and Nā Lani ‘Eha Band • 5 p.m. Free concert at Waikiki Beach Walk® Stagewaikikibeachwalk.com

Monday, Feb. 17 US - President’s Day

Wednesday, Feb. 19 - Lunch & Learn • noonMake a Money Rose and Yarn Lei Craft Session with Lorene Liu-FajotaBring 3 crisp one dollar bills. All other materials provided.OHANA Waikiki East • Pool Terrace Conference Rooms

Thursday, Feb. 27MOR - Maha Shivaratree

Mar. 7-9 - 20th Annual Honolulu FestivalFriday, Mar. 7 - Friendship Gala • 6:30-8:30 p.m.Hawai‘i Convention CenterSaturday, Mar. 8 - Cultural Performances • 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Hawai‘i Convention Center, Waikiki Beach Walk and Ala Moana Center.Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN (relay race) • 9 a.m. Route around Diamond HeadSunday, Mar. 9 - Cultural Performances • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hawai‘i Convention Center, Waikiki Beach Walk and Ala Moana CenterWaikiki Grand Parade • 4:30 p.m. Kalākaua AvenueNagaoka Fireworks Show • 8:30 p.m. Waikīkī Beachhonolulufestival.com

I join Human Resources in congratulating Jamie Wong as she joins the Outrigger Reef on the Beach as director of revenue management effective today. In her new position, Jamie will oversee all sources of room revenue reservations and revenue operations ensuring efficient, user-friendly systems and processes, and work closely with the sales and marketing team to improve the hotel’s Waikīkī market share.

Jamie joined Outrigger in 1998 and spent the first four years of her career at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach in various roles – as front desk cashier, guest services representative, secretary, sales and reservations coordinator and finally revenue and group coordinator for our Waikīkī

beachfront resorts. In 2005, Jamie began focusing on revenue management, first for the Waikiki Beachcomber Resort and three years later, for OHANA Hotels & Resorts. In 2009 Jamie left Outrigger to become the revenue manager at the Ala Moana Hotel and a year later rejoined Outrigger as director of revenue management for OHANA Hotels & Resorts.

Jamie, who was born in China and immigrated to Hawai‘i when she was 14 years old, speaks fluent Cantonese and some Mandarin. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Sales and Marketing from Kapi‘olani Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. In 2009 Jamie received her Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) designation from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

Jamie and her husband Paul have 2 daughters Semira (11) and Serena (7) and 2 turtles Green and Apple. In her free time she enjoys baking, shopping and running.

Congratulations, Jamie!

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Vice President Hawai‘i Development Kevin Aucello (KA) shares how he makes LivingWell a family affair!

LivingWellMind • Body • Spirit

SB: What type of exercise do you enjoy doing regularly?

KA: I do a 30- to 40-mile bicycle ride every Sunday morning, usually with Simeon Miranda, John Neeley and Rob Solomon. I also do CorePower Yoga a few times a week and/or a boot camp class. [CorePower Yoga strengthens, balances, detoxifies and exhilarates the body and mind. Boot camp is a group exercise class that mixes traditional calisthenic and body weight exercises with interval training and strength training.]

My family has quite a large garden and I find that tending to it is not only good exercise but quiets the mind as well. Over the past 4-5 years I’ve put a lot of muscle into building the rock walls that terrace our steep garden.

SB: Why those particular workouts?

KA: I ride to strengthen my legs (which helps my knees). The yoga helps with flexibility and core and boot camp help with strength. All are good for my cardiovascular system.

SB: What would you like to try as far as exercise and why?

KA: I’d like to get back on my surfboard but it keeps collecting dust.

SB: Do you strive to eat healthy?

KA: Our family grows healthy foods we can eat. We have many papaya trees so I usually have papaya on my cereal or oatmeal in the morning. I also try to use our kale to fortify my smoothies before before Sunday rides.

I enjoy the fact that my children, Isabella and Luca, are learning how to garden and where food comes from, aside from grocery store! Gardening and having our own chickens not only produces good and wholesome product but teaches my children responsibility and sustainability.

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

KA: We have chickens so that means there are lots of eggs on hand for weekend breakfasts. My wife Michele is a “foodie” and a good cook, so we eat well at home and out. And you really can’t have a fine dinner without wine, can you?

SB: What benefits have you enjoyed from your LivingWell efforts?

KA: I’ve been able to avoid gaining weight which is difficult because we have some great potlucks in the office! Also, my training has reduced my back and knee pains.

Kale and Almond Pestothreemanycooks.com

Ingredients:1 bunch kale (about 12 leaves or 9 ounces), rinsed thoroughly1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese1/2 cup whole, raw unsalted almonds1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil1/2 cup cold water Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:1. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Submerge all the kale in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until bright green but still crisp, 30-60 seconds. Drain the kale and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Dry the kale thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. When dry, tear or cut the kale leaves from the thick, woody stem.

2. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the kale leaves, Parmesan, almonds, basil, and garlic; pulse until well combined. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil first and then the water. Season to taste with salt and pepper. And add more oil or water, if necessary, to reach desired consistency.

Pesto will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks (longer if you float a little oil on the top). And it can be frozen for up to 6 months.

The end of the rainbow - Kevin hiking Hanauma

Bay Ridge with his wife Michele and children

Isabella and Luca

Saturday BriefingPage 5

Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club Grand Opening

By Bitsy Kelley

Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (HGH) celebrated its grand opening Tuesday, Jan. 28, with an extravagant evening reception hosted by Mark Wang, president, Global Sales and Hilton Grand Vacations. Earlier in the day, a media reception was held for journalists from Hawai‘i, Japan and the US mainland.

On hand for the opening day’s festivities were Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other local dignitaries.

Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate communications, spoke at both events on behalf of Outrigger and the Kelley family. “The opening of Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club is the perfect finishing touch to the Outrigger-led development of Waikiki Beach Walk®,” she said. “I can remember running up and down Lewers Street when I was a kid. This was my playground. It’s also where I learned about service and hospitality, about taking care of our guests. That heritage continues today with this place we now call Waikiki Beach Walk, an exciting and stylish gathering place for visitors and residents alike. That reputation has only been enhanced with the opening of the Hokulani Waikiki.”

Group 70 International of Honolulu was commissioned for the complete overhaul of the former OHANA® Islander Waikiki Hotel, which began in 2012. Los Angeles-based Indidesign was selected for the interior design that features natural and native materials, finishes and textures to capture the essence of Hawai‘i’s vibrant culture and environment.

The 14-story property includes 143 one-bedroom suites, each with a boutique kitchen complete with a two-burner cook top, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and Tassimo espresso maker. Sleek, slide-out shelving

houses appliances and glassware. The living area features a sleeper sofa, coffee table, cozy dining area and an integrated TV and gaming entertainment system.

The spacious bathroom has both a soaker tub and separate shower room, washlet with bidet functionality and a LCD screen set integrated within the vanity mirror. Every unit also has a private Juliet balcony with either a city or skyline view.

Owners and guests may also access the exclusive Nā Lani Sky Lounge – Waikiki’s only open-air rooftop pool bar featuring urban views of bustling Kalākaua Avenue, the

Ko‘olau mountain range, Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. Owners and guests can enjoy poolside cocktails or reserve one of six private cabanas outfitted with a flat screen TV, beverage refrigerator and comfortable seating. In addition to a plunge pool, there is also a hot tub and outdoor rain showers.

The spacious Nā Moku Café adjoins to the lobby, which transforms from a morning breakfast café to an evening bar and social scene, providing indoor and al fresco seating. Other amenities include a “Stay Fit” fitness center, a Business Center, a laundry room on each floor and valet parking.

Hokulani Waikiki is designed to provide an energetic urban experience right in the heart of Waikīkī, and we are thrilled at the result. We wish General Manager Pam Yagi and her team much success in managing the property and to Hilton Grand Vacations as they manage the timeshare intervals and homeowners’ association.

Welcome to the Outrigger ‘ohana, HGH!

Mitch Imanaka, founding principal – Imanaka Asato; Bitsy Kelley, vice president corporate

communications; Pam Yagi, general manager; Mark Wang, president global sales and Hilton Grand

Vacations – Hilton Worldwide; Kirk Caldwell – mayor of Honolulu; Bryan Klum – executive vice president,

Asia Pacific – Hilton Grand Vacations; Kim Kreiger – senior vice president, club and resorts – Hilton Grand

Vacations; and David Desforges – senior vice president, development – Hilton Grand Vacations

Hokulani Waikiki ... >> 6

Saturday BriefingPage 6

January Kick-Starts the New Year

at the Outrigger on the Lagoon • Fiji

By Talei Tora

January was a quiet, yet busy month at Outrigger on the Lagoon • Fiji as staff and management ushered in the New Year.

The human resources department conducted their community project with the Fiji Kids program, a charitable organization that sponsors children’s education in the region.

Meanwhile several staff were highlighted during the staff monthly vuvale (family) get together for their exceptional bula spirit and dedication to duty.

Talai Butler Semi Korovulavula walked away with the Front of House award for receiving continuous positive guest feedback. The former Serenader and barman is very popular with guests and has received many accolades.

Accounts Pay Officer Shaneel Naidu won the Back of House award for his punctuality and his attentiveness to the payroll. He recently sacrificed his public holidays to ensure all employees received their pay promptly.

Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Mateo Kaveni scooped up the Manager of the Month award for volunteering to work during the Christmas holidays to allow his staff to take their annual leave.

Baravi Restaurant Attendant Asena Laqere was awarded the Here to Help achievement for her continuous positive guest feedback and for delivering exceptional service around the pool.

The How Can I Help award went to Engineer Yaswant Pal for leading the work carried out on the banquet and sales offices, where he and his team ensured timely office upgrades.

Manager of the Month, Mateo Kaveni, FOR GM Peter Hopgood, Front of House

recipient Semi Korovulavula and Back of House recipient Shaneel Naidu

Hokulani Waikiki ... << From 5

A celebratory toast - Bitsy Kelley, Mark Wang, president, global sales and

Hilton Grand Vacations and Mayor Kirk Caldwell

The evening reception at the Nā Lani Sky Lounge

Bruce Schneider, Bob Berges and Pam Yagi

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Celebrating Australia Day By Leah Matters and Talei Tora

The Outrigger Twin Towns Resort (ATT) team definitely regard Australia Day as one of our favourite days of the year, as we have the opportunity to celebrate our Aussie traditions. The first task is for the front office team to decorate the front desk and staff canteen with Australian flags, memorabilia and Australian animals. Of course, no Australia day would be complete without a barbecue lunch. Chef Adam (maintenance manager) cooked “Oz Burgers”—featuring meat patties, beetroot, pineapple and your choice of sauce—that were such a hit, some staff members had seconds and thirds! To top off a great day, homemade Anzac cookies were enjoyed by our staff and guests.

Fun fact from the ATT team: Do you know what makes Anzac cookies taste so delicious? It is the combination of golden syrup, coconut and rolled oats.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi! rung across the Outrigger on the Lagoon • Fiji on Sunday 26 January, as guests and staff celebrated Australia Day.

Activities, friendly competitions and games were organised for the guests to celebrate Australia Day a little differently than what they may be used to back home.

The weather set a perfect background for kayak and mini relay races with the Aussie competitiveness and friendly rivalry adding just enough edge to make the day exciting and fun.

In true Aussie spirit, a beachside barbecue was on the menu whilst guests enjoyed cold drinks under the palm trees.

Resort General Manager Peter Hopgood stated the resort always looks forward to celebrating Australia day yearly especially with a good 80 percent of guests originating from Australia. “Australia Day is always a lot of fun for our guests and staff and every year we organise friendly games and a delicious barbecue to celebrate this national day. Most of our guests are from Australia and they really appreciate the efforts our resort and staff put in to ensure they celebrate their national day the Outrigger Way!”

Shaun McCoy, Megan Shorrocks and Anesu Kambarami enjoying Anzac cookies at ATT!

Grinning from ear to ear after delighting in the delicious hamburgers cooked by ATT Chef Adam

Guests and staff enjoy the Australia Day celebration at Outrigger on the Lagoon • Fiji

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All Aboard the “Royal” CanoeBy Loan Montgomery-Freitas

After several years of Outrigger managing the Wyndham Royal Garden (WRG), the WRG team has jumped into our “collective” canoe and begun the Six Paddles Process journey. Although WRG and Outrigger joined forces several years ago, we’ve concluded that it’s time to innovate and incorporate Wyndham’s “Count On Me” Service Culture with Outrigger’s Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a process.

The first step of our journey was to get some guidance from Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a Captain Kaipo Ho. We then networked with Alaka‘i Teams from other Outrigger properties to embrace their creativity, talent and of course results—which we found were very inspiring and motivational!

During this initial sequence of our journey, we had the opportunity to engage in an activity with the Holiday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort team whereby we “borrowed” an idea (holiday ornament decorating) and engaged our own team members.

A special mahalo to Kaipo Ho and the Alaka‘i Teams at the OHANA Waikiki Malia, Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort and the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach for sharing the true meaning of A‘o (To learn) and Nā Mea Ho‘okipa (Hosts) and for enlightening and nurturing us along the path of a new journey.

As our voyage begins...

Political Fundraisers As the political fundraising season begins, opportunities to support our legislators will be listed in Saturday Briefing. Free tickets are available by emailing kathysb@outrigger.com.

An Evening with:

Senator Malama Solomon - Senate District 4 - Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona

and Donovan Dela Cruz - Senate District 22 - Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village and a portion of Poamoho

Tuesday, Feb. 18 • 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Mandalay

1055 Alakea StreetSen. Malama

Solomon

Sen. Donovan

Dela Cruz

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Aloha and Mahalo, Zhi Liang and Roger!By Kathy Oyadomari and Marianne Thesken

Dennis Bonilla, Roger Corpuz, Harris Nishikawa and Chris Gampon

On Jan. 28, employees of the OHANA Waikiki Malia gathered to bid aloha and to celebrate Zhi Liang Peng’s retirement after 29 years of dedicated service. Bitsy Kelley, Barry Wallace, Chuck Shishido and Nora Weatherwax expressed their appreciation on behalf of Outrigger Hotels for his hard work and contribution.Gifts of aloha and recognition were also presented.

Zhi Liang joined Outrigger as a housekeeper at the OHANA Malia. This has been his first and only job after moving to Hawai‘i from China.

He expressed his deep appreciation to the Kelley family for the employment opportunity and benefits that allowed him to raise his family and children. Zhi Liang is looking forward to a trip to China soon to visit his family. He plans to keep fit by playing basketball at Makiki Park and babysitting his grandchildren.

On Kaua‘i, Rogelio “Roger” Corpuz retired at the end of 2013 after 12 dedicated years of service with Outrigger.

Roger began his Outrigger career in housekeeping and then transferred to the grounds department.

It’s likely you’ve seen him driving the Tennant sweeper if you’ve ever visited the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. For almost 10 years, Roger has been keeping the parking lots clean—not an easy task with Kiahuna’s over 6,000 trees and expansive 30 acres! That’s a lot of sweeping!

We wish both Zhi Liang and Roger well as they begin new chapters in their lives. Aloha and mahalo for your many contributions to Outrigger!

Zhi Liang Peng with his Outrigger ‘ohana

Barry Wallace, Nora Weatherwax, Zhi Liang Peng, Bitsy Kelley,

Divina Garcia, Primie Marzan and Chuck Shishido

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Magic ... << From 1

much on the lawyers, financiers, developers and hoteliers who were present but on the hotel and business school students who were doing volunteer work for ALIS in return for an opportunity to hear inspiring speakers – like Magic.

Magic quickly credited his parents for imbuing a strong work ethic in himself and his six siblings. (He grew up in Lansing, Mich., where his father worked on the assembly line for General Motors and his mother was a school custodian.)

“My school basketball team was going nowhere. Practice began at 4 p.m., so I decided I would arrive a couple of hours early to improve my skills. Then, I got one of my teammates to come in at 2 p.m. with me, or early Saturday morning. Then another joined me and another – even the coach. And, finally, we began to win!”

At that point, he walked up the aisle a few yards and focused on one of the students in the audience. Reading his nametag, Magic exclaimed, “John, do you understand? You’ve gotta work hard, more than hard, to stay ahead of your competition.” The student nodded in agreement and Magic grasped his hand to pull him up and out of his seat and said, “Well, good. Now let’s get a picture of the two of us!”

(ALIS organizer Jim Burba later told me Magic’s delivery of the bulk of his presentation off stage and in the middle of the audience was a complete surprise. The light technicians had set up spotlights in the venue’s overhead racks to cover the stage but not been advised they would need movable spotlights around the room to illuminate the speaker. Often, the huge figure of Magic Johnson dressed in a dark suit almost disappeared in the darkened room except when the flashguns went off as one student after another had his or her picture taken with this unforgettable icon.)

After Magic developed a number of life lessons through basketball stories, he talked about his business life. After retiring as a player, Magic was able to purchase an equity position in the LA Lakers’ ownership.

Looking around, Magic noted that there were hardly any Starbucks outlets in marginal urban areas with concentrations of minorities. So he went to Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz with the idea of jointly developing Starbucks outlets in these areas. Magic told him, “They’ll do just fine if you change the menu to feature more of

what the folks who live in those areas like. And, do something with the music played in the stores. You’ve got to change that and get some music with a beat!”

Schultz listened and jointly he and Magic developed 125 Starbucks stores in places like Detroit, Washington, D.C., Harlem and the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. Magic said he was proud to later point out to Schultz that those outlets had higher per capita sales than those in more affluent areas.

“Be prepared. Talk to your customers. Know your customers. Over-deliver. That’s how you succeed,” he emphasized. “Is that right, Mary?” he said as he turned to a young lady seated nearby. She nodded her head and Magic grabbed her hand saying, “Well then, let’s get a picture of the two of us.”

Magic has invested in a variety of commercial enterprises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is also involved with ASPIRE, a new African-American television network; mixed-use real estate developments, many of which include hotels; SodexoMAGIC, a nationwide institutional food service company; as well as a number of hotels in urban areas such as Houston and Washington, D.C.

The Magic Johnson Foundation has also been very active in the area of HIV and AIDS education and treatment.

Getting back to his educational messages to ALIS attendees, Johnson said, “On your first job, don’t be afraid to start low. Get your knowledge. Be the best in your job. You’ll advance quickly.”

“That’s how I’ve been successful. Today is a typical day. I started in the gym at 3:45 a.m. There were some meetings and I taped a show with Jay Leno. Now I am here talking to you. We’ll continue during the reception that follows. Then I have a business dinner. I’ll get some sleep and have a similar day tomorrow. Nobody’s gonna outwork me!”

Congratulations to fellow hotelier Earvin “Magic” Johnson for a great presentation at ALIS. I am sure you inspired many and the impact of your message will be seen in many ways in the years to come.

Magic Johnson—a star on many levels

Magic Johnson while playing with

the Lakers, c. 1987

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