the magic continues more waikiki beach walk®...

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Saturday Briefing Page May 24, 2008 Continued on page 4 Continued on page 8 Another Outrigger Resort Set for Phuket, ailand By Darren Edmonstone In February, Outrigger announced its first foray into Asia’s premier tourist destination of Phuket, ailand, with the West Sands Outrigger Resort, Phuket. is 400-unit deluxe hotel being built, is part of the mixed-use resort project of West Sands Resort on Mai Khao Beach, along the northwest coast of Phuket and set to open at the end of 2009. Over the last several months, we have been working hard to finalize a second exciting new resort project on Phuket Island, and I am pleased to announce that Outrigger Enterprises Group has signed an agreement to manage a second absolute beachfront resort in Phuket. e MAGIC Continues at the 30th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk By Barry Wallace Mahalo Outrigger Enterprises Group! In true Outrigger fashion, you ran, you walked, you sweated, you donated, you supported the 30th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk and its cause to help fund the more than 200 local organizations that have come to depend on the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association (HHLA) to deliver. As this year’s Chair of the HHLA Board of Directors, my thanks for being the example in the industry and in the community of true Aloha Spirit in your selfless service to others. Statewide, $,050,000 was raised last week Saturday, May 7, and that number is expected to rise with monies still rolling in! As Giovanni would say ~ W O W ! Siu Fong Kwok, Dr. Chuck Kelley, and Chun Fu Kwok - Oahu Continued on page 10 More Waikiki Beach Walk® Memories e capstone of the redevelopment of the Waikiki Beach Walk is the $0 million renovation of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, which is expected to be completed early next year. As I contemplate the rebirth of that magnificent hotel, which first opened in 955, I want to take a few minutes to recall more of the area’s history. is week, I’ll focus on the beachfront properties between what is now the Halekulani Hotel and Ft. DeRussy. As I wrote in this space last week, in the early 900s, this part of Waikiki was primarily, but not exclusively, residential. ere were four beachfront parcels along Kalia Road. • On the Diamond Head side, Robert Lewers built a beachfront home and five cottages around 907 and operated it as a residential hotel called the Hau Tree. Ten years later, Lewers sold the property to Juliet and Clifford Kimball, who expanded the operation and renamed it Halekulani or “House Befitting Heaven.” • Next door, descendants of the Damon missionary family built more beach cottages. • Next to those, were two rows of two- story buildings called the Edgewater Bungalows. A driveway between them led straight to the beach. • Right next to Ft. DeRussy, the YWCA had a beach club with dining facilities, locker rooms, and parking.

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Page 1: The MAGIC Continues More Waikiki Beach Walk® Memoriessaturdaybriefing.outrigger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/sb... · example in the industry and in the ... Robert Hurov, and Michelle

Saturday BriefingPage �

May 24, 2008

Continued on page 4

Continued on page 8

Another Outrigger Resort Set for Phuket, Thailand

By Darren Edmonstone

In February, Outrigger announced its first foray into Asia’s premier tourist destination of Phuket, Thailand, with the West Sands Outrigger Resort, Phuket. This 400-unit deluxe hotel being built, is part of the mixed-use resort project of West Sands Resort on Mai Khao Beach, along the northwest coast of Phuket and set to open at the end of 2009. Over the last several months, we have been working hard to finalize a second exciting new resort project on Phuket Island, and I am pleased to announce that Outrigger Enterprises Group has signed an agreement to manage a second absolute beachfront resort in Phuket.

The MAGIC Continues at the 30th Annual

Visitor Industry Charity WalkBy Barry Wallace

Mahalo Outrigger Enterprises Group! In true Outrigger fashion, you ran, you walked, you sweated, you donated, you supported the 30th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk and its cause to help fund the more than 200 local organizations that have come to depend on the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association (HHLA) to deliver. As this year’s Chair of the HHLA Board of Directors, my thanks for being the example in the industry and in the community of true Aloha Spirit in your selfless service to others. Statewide, $�,050,000 was raised last week Saturday, May �7, and that number is expected to rise with monies still rolling in! As Giovanni would say ~ W O W ! Siu Fong Kwok, Dr. Chuck Kelley, and

Chun Fu Kwok - Oahu

Continued on page 10

More Waikiki Beach

Walk® Memories The capstone of the redevelopment of the Waikiki Beach Walk is the $��0 million renovation of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, which is expected to be completed early next year. As I contemplate the rebirth of that magnificent hotel, which first opened in �955, I want to take a few minutes to recall more of the area’s history. This week, I’ll focus on the beachfront properties between what is now the Halekulani Hotel and Ft. DeRussy. As I wrote in this space last week, in the early �900s, this part of Waikiki was primarily, but not exclusively, residential. There were four beachfront parcels along Kalia Road.• On the Diamond Head side, Robert

Lewers built a beachfront home and five cottages around �907 and operated it as a residential hotel called the Hau Tree. Ten years later, Lewers sold the property to Juliet and Clifford Kimball, who expanded the operation and renamed it Halekulani or “House Befitting Heaven.”

• Next door, descendants of the Damon missionary family built more beach cottages.

• Next to those, were two rows of two-story buildings called the Edgewater Bungalows. A driveway between them led straight to the beach.

• Right next to Ft. DeRussy, the YWCA had a beach club with dining facilities, locker rooms, and parking.

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Saturday BriefingPage 2

Waikiki Beach Clean-UpCome Join the Fun!

By Ethan Chang

The Waikiki Improvement Association, the Japan-American Society, and Outrigger Enterprises Group are joining together to clean-up the beach at Waikiki. Volunteers are needed for the Waikiki Beach Clean-Up happening on Saturday, June 7, from 7 a.m. -9 a.m.This is a great opportunity to have a positive impact on our community and to give back to the beach that has made Hawaii a favorite destination. Volunteers are asked to meet at the statue of Duke Kahanamoku at 7 a.m., where a continental breakfast will be served. The clean-up area will span from Kuhio Beach to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Gloves, bags, and transportation to other beach areas will be provided. The clean-up will end back at the Duke Statue at 9 a.m. Plan on spending the day in Waikiki, and enjoy the 92nd Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade, which starts at 9:30 a.m.

Everyone is invited to participate in the clean-up—it’s a great way to get some exercise, encourage community service with our families, and to make a difference by beautifying our beaches. Let’s show our Outrigger spirit and dedication to our ‘āina (land) by participating in this great event. If you would like to volunteer please call Ethan Chang at 92�-973� by June 4.

Happy Birthday!June 9: Devin K.A. Keanaaina, Martha S. Fernandez, Jefferson O. Tangonan, Glenn U. Biven, Aaron C. Alokoa, and Ho Leung Pang.

June �0: David P. Luedtke, Robert Hurov, and Michelle Paiaina-Makua.

June ��: Patrick A. Snively, William W.I. Kim, Raymond M. Sparber, Pilarita V. Calumpit, and Won Ho Cho.

June �2: Shirlynne V. Kaalakea, Harold F. Haverland Jr., Tachie Aritos, Dorina K. Dunlap, and Florante A. Villanueva.

June �3: Marivic C. Gushikuma, Russell M. Moeai, Charles S. Okazaki, Jill Carruthers, Diana A. Pai, and Loan N. Montgomery-Freitas.

June �4: Branden Calzada and Leonora G. Corpuz.

June �5: Vilma R. Landagora, Mei Ying Huang, and Sonia Damaso.

Employment Opportunities

If you are interested in the positions listed below and meet the qualifications, please submit an in-house application obtained from your Supervisor or Human Resources. If you have any questions, please call Eric Ishikawa at (808) 92�-6989. Application deadline for the following positions is May 23, 2008.

Outrigger Maui Eldorado Houseperson/Utility

(Full Time)Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs, speak and write English, and have a valid driver’s license. Interested applicants may fax their in-house application to (808) 667-7039.

Outrigger Royal Sea CliffHousekeeping Inspector

(On-Call)Housekeeping experience, the ability to work weekends, and communicate in English required. Interested applicants may fax their in-house application to (808) 326-�887.

Outrigger Kanaloa at KonaBuilding Maintenance

(Full Time)Must have three years experience with interior and exterior maintenance, including demonstrated ability to install, repair, service, inspect, and maintain facilities. Experience with heating, cooling, plumbing, ventilation, water, electrical, and mechanical systems required. Interested applicants may fax their in-house application to (808) 322-�075.

The statue of Duke Kahanamoku at Kuhio Beach

Saturday Briefing is published by and for the employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group. Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley Senior Editor: Marie Casciato Assistant Editor: Lehua Kala`i

Contributing Writers: Employees of Outrigger Enterprises GroupVisit us online at: www.outrigger.com/sb or www.ohanahotels.com/sbSubmit suggestions, comments, and news tidbits to Marie Casciato at

[email protected] or via interoffice mail to OEH/Executive Office, or contact her at (808) 92�-660�.

© 2008 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

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Saturday BriefingPage 3

On Wednesday, May �4, one of Hawai‘i’s prolific cultural treasures, Kumu John Keola Lake, passed away at the age of 70, after a five-year battle with cancer. Kumu is translated in the Hawaiian language as a teacher, the foundation, and source. Each is a befitting description of a man who was a master chanter, kumu hula, and an educator of all things Hawaiian, who

willingly shared of his knowledge and wisdom. In �965, Kumu Lake established the first Hawaiian language class in the State of Hawai‘i and in �969, was a founding member of Ahahui `Ōlelo Hawai‘i, the State Association for Hawaiian Language. Kumu Lake was especially known for his many years as a teacher at St. Louis High School and for establishing the school’s Hawaiian studies program, Hui o Nā ‘Ōpio. Among his impressive resume of accomplishments, Kumu Lake officiated over the annual rituals and ceremonies each August at the Pu‘ukoholā Hēiau, built on the island of Hawai‘i for Kū, the Hawaiian war god, by King Kamehameha I in �79�. Kumu Lake was also a revered cultural resource and consultant for Outrigger Enterprises. He advised us on Hawaiian language translations and Hawaiian protocol issues, and officiated over various cultural ceremonies, including the OHANA brand launch and celebration along Lewers Street in �999, the Waikiki Beach Walk® ground-breaking ceremonies on the rooftop of

Aloha Kumu John Keola LakeBy Ka‘ipo Ho

the former OHANA Waikiki Towers Hotel in 2005 and official blessing of the completed project in 2007, and the blessing of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach feather kahili in 2000. Kumu Lake and his students of Hālau Mele were also called upon to preside over the cultural opening ceremonies and protocol for past Annual Conferences for Outrigger’s management. From �969 through �973, Kumu Lake was my Hawaiian studies and language teacher at St. Louis High School. I vividly remember him as an engaging instructor who inspired us through countless stories. But he could also be a firm disciplinarian when necessary. Over the years, Kumu always remembered me when our paths crossed, and in �997, I again had the honor of studying under Kumu Lake when I began my training in Hawaiian chant and protocol. Kumu Lake will always be regarded as a personal mentor. Shortly after I heard of his passing, I surfed the Internet and came across countless websites and blogs paying tribute to Kumu Lake. He had touched so many lives across so many different walks of life locally, nationally, and internationally. Long ago, I came across a quote that has always inspired me. It said, “A person’s greatest gift is the legacy he or she leaves behind.” To Kumu John Keola Lake, mahalo for unselfishly sharing your gifts and your legacy with all of us.

Kumu John Lake, along with Kehau Kruse and Cris Pasquil, performed a very special blessing to mark the relaunch of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach after the completion of its major renovation in 2004

Seated: Kimberly Agas, Dr. Kelley, and Dr. Chuck Kelley’s daughter Jane Standing: Daryl Akiyoshi, Barry Walllace, Kumu John Lake, Kehau Kruse, and Cris Pasquil

Kumu John Lake at Pu‘ukohola Heiau in Kohala, Hawai‘i

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Saturday BriefingPage 4

Visitor Industry Charity WalkContinued from page 1

In total, on all islands, over a thousand miles of smiles were walked for yet another successful Charity Walk. In total, 8,600 walkers stepped it up in a show of solidarity toward the communities in which we live, work, and play. On Oahu, we’ve come to love our new checkpoint home at Waikiki Beach Walk®. Again, it was the perfect venue to host the thousands of walkers to our signature mochi crunch and McDonald's refreshing Apple Dippers. Walkers entered the halfway point under a rainbow-colored arch of balloons and through an extremely popular cooling spray mister, a welcome relief from the mid-morning heat. Strollers along the promenade stopped to take in the smooth sounds of "Mahea" (Mahi Crabbe & Rodney Beger) and photo opportunities with Ronald McDonald!

On Kauai, the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation Resort raised almost $5,000, a record-breaking year! Kauai walkers were greeted by the Kapaa High School Football team at the tape, and after a gourmet breakfast, everyone enjoyed music by award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Henry Kapono. As Chair of last year's walk, I can attest to the year-long coordination to put on an event of this magnitude and the hard work of the hundreds of volunteers the day of the walk and the months and months prior to the big day. My sincere thanks to all those who participated ~ from the organizers, to the recruiters, to the thousands of walkers, to the hundreds of volunteers that make this a fun walk for a great cause. Special thanks to our Charity Walk Committee: Carolyn Aquino, Danette Bolosan, Pam Cabrera, Peggy Chasteen, Nancy Daniels, Kathy Foley, Kathy Hansberry, Lehua Kala`i, Robert McConnell, Marie Miyahira, Alison Nagamine,

Puna Ortega, Meali`i Richardson, Janice Shizumura, Sheryl Yee, and Jo-Ann Yonamine; to our property and department recruiters; and to our O`ahu checkpoint volunteers: Arnold Agustin, Ellie Agustin, Carolyn Aquino, Danette Bolosan, Angela Brown, Pam Cabrera, Marie Casciato, Debra Chan, Peggy Chasteen, Dan Daniels, Nancy Daniels, Heather Doeringer, Suzanne Doty, Adam Dumadag, Kathy Foley, Kathy Hansberry, Ellen Isidro, PK Kaahanui, Lehua Kala`i, Sandy Kaleohano, Popo Kanoa, Myra Kuboyama, Sara Lougheed, Edlynne Makue, Conchita Malaqui, Matt Meyer, Marie Miyahira, Daniel Nakasone, Sharon Okada, Puna Ortega, Kathy Oyadomari, Luz Redoble, Meali`i Richardson, Kelvin Sato, Val Tanaka, Ofelia Valdez, Sheryl Yee, Bob Yeoman, and Yumiko Yeoman. Mahalo to McDonald's for their participation each year and to Maryknoll School students Tiffany Au, Vinh Luong, Brian Saxton, Krystal Sales, Ellie Uchida, and Christen Young for handling the trash detail. And of course, pictures are worth a thousand words, so big thanks to Marie Casciato for being the company photographer for the event. I am very proud to say that since its inception over 30 years ago, the Charity Walk has raised over $20 million for Hawaii's charities, thanks to all of you. Each year, the HHLA looks to us to support our community, and as we've learned from Giovanni, "Anything is Possible" if we have the Momentum, the right Attitude, a Goal to achieve, a creative and boundless Imagination, and the Care to pull it all together. Yes, the MAGIC continues at Outrigger!

More photographs on pages 5 - 7 and in next week’s issue of Saturday Briefing

Sharilyn Souza and sons Aaron and Eli meet Ronald McDonald

2008 Charity Walk Chairperson Michael Jokovich, Dr. Chuck Kelley, and 2008 Honorary Chairperson Shannon Scott of KCCN FM 100

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Saturday BriefingPage 5

Visitor Industry Charity WalkContinued from page 4

Dale and Bernie Verkaaik, Harris Nishikawa and son Daniel, and Elvis Tacazon – Kaua‘i

Harris Nishikawa, his son Daniel, and Elvis Tacazon

Donna King – Kaua‘i Ed Horner and wife Carol – Kaua‘iJasmin Tanicala (back) with son Quentin (middle) and daughter Chloe (front) – Kaua‘i

Gana Maheshwaran – Kaua‘i

Sherry Oyamot, Sherry’s daughter Saecha, Marianne Thesken’s children Patrick, James, and Leanna, and Marianne Thesken

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Visitor Industry Charity WalkContinued from page 5

Kneeling: Lito Montero, Mark Godoy, Ed Desamparado,

Ciony Blaine, Fran Basuel, Alma Almario, Andrea Villnaueva,

Avelina Camungao, and Felix Ferrer

Middle Row: Leona Sa-McDermott, Fina Queypo, Femme Ganir,

Nora Astrero, Lordes Kono, and Helene Akiona-Kahaunaele

Back Row: Gregg Enright, Eric Dillingham, Jovie Iloreta,Ashley Fujinaga, Tuni Paik,

Vicki Valenciano, Jeanne Ross, Steve Udaundo, and

Juana Taguiam

Marie Tabios-Montano, Chris Carson, and Maile Cawagas – Hawaii Island

Leah Kahoonei, Executive Chef William Trask, and Lois Ajimine – Hawaii Island

Back Row: Harold Montano, Nick Hall, Chef Trask, and Leah Kahoonei Middle Row: Marie Montano, Maile Cawagas, and Lois Ajimine

Front Row: Paul Horner and Gary Sirman – Hawaii Island

Adam Dumadag, Heather Doeringer, Marie Miyahira, and Roy Nakashima - Oahu

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Saturday BriefingPage 7

Visitor Industry Charity WalkContinued from page 6

Dean Nakasone and Sam - Oahu

Kelvin Sato, Sharon Okada, Debra Chan, and Dan Nakasone - OahuEllen Isidro, Kathy Hansberry, Ellie Agustin, and Conchita Malaqui - Oahu

Erin Maeshiro and Eric IshikawaAngela Brown and Peggy Chasteen

Kan Miao Chee, Gloria Daoang, Nian Mei Cai, Dr. Chuck Kelley, and Sophia Luo - Oahu

The Uchidas - Dean, Joy, and Elle - Oahu

See next week’s issue of Saturday Briefing for more 2008 Visitor Industry Charity Walk Photos

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Saturday BriefingPage 8

The new resort, to be called Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort, Phuket, will be the first Outrigger property to open in the area, with a projected opening of early 2009. Construction of the 78 unit, luxury hotel condominium resort is well underway at Rawai Beach, along the south coast of Phuket, just south of the town of Phuket, and nearby to the Evason Phuket Resort and the planned Four Seasons Resort. Serenity Development Group, a global company specializing in residential resort developments in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, is the developer of the project. The five-star, beachfront resort will feature luxury one-and-two bedroom apartments, most with spectacular ocean and island views, and several exclusive penthouses, each with a rooftop terrace, sun deck, and some with their own rooftop lap pool. Also featured will be beachfront duplexes and lofts with their own private swimming pools. Formula � Grand Prix World Champion Kimi Räikkönen will be a regular at the resort, as he has purchased one of the beachfront units. Each of the spacious apartments will be impeccably finished with the highest quality materials, including premium granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The long list of resort amenities will include a large beachfront clubhouse with an infinity pool, a fully-equipped sports gym, holistic spa, and a signature restaurant and bar that touches the beachfront. In addition, a unique feature of Outrigger Serenity Terraces

Another Outrigger Resort Set for Phuket, ThailandContinued from page 1

Resort, Phuket, will be a long list of Serenity Toys, including a fully-equipped speed boat, two Hobie Cat catamarans, and four kayaks. For additional information on Serenity Terraces, log on to www.serenity-terraces.com. Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort is an outstanding property with a superb beachfront location that allows easy access to the stunning islands off the coast of Phuket. It’s very exciting to be a part of another luxury development on the much-sought-after island of Phuket, and we certainly look forward to working with the Serenity Development Group to provide our guests the highest level of accommodations and services. In the official press statement issued to media, Elad Kushnir, Development Director of Serenity Development Group said, “Keeping in line with the other luxury developments in the area, Serenity Terraces will be an exclusive enclave offering the very best in service and accommodations for the world traveler. Outrigger Enterprises Group has a long history of trusted property management and quality hospitality, and we’re delighted to have brought them on board at Serenity Terraces.” Phuket is one of Asia’s most popular resort destinations, with easy international access, strong infrastructure, and legendary natural beauty. Set in the Andaman Sea, off the southwestern coast of Thailand, Phuket is connected to the mainland by a causeway allowing easy road access. The largest

Spectacular ocean views await guests at the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort, Phuket

Continued on page 9

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Another Outrigger Resort Set for Phuket, ThailandContinued from page 8

of Thailand’s islands, Phuket offers idyllic beaches, exclusive resorts, world-class shopping, an expansive array of dining, exciting eco-adventure tours, golf at world-standard championship courses, and unsurpassed diving in the Andaman Sea. Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort, Phuket, is located at Rawai Beach, a picturesque area of the island, just ten minutes from Phuket Town and an easy 45-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Once a small fishing village, Rawai today is a sought-after destination, with upscale developments offering an array of dining, entertainment, and recreational services and facilities, including yachting, diving, and unparalleled beach life. With two projects now underway in Thailand and a number of other projects under investigation and negotiation, Outrigger is quickly building a presence in Asia. We are looking right now at potential hotel projects in Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi, and Hua Hin in Thailand; Hainan Island in China; Okinawa; and Vietnam and also have a number of other destinations targeted for future consideration. This is an exciting time for Outrigger, as we continue to grow throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Guests will enjoy luxurious living at the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort

Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., Receives Safety AwardBy Barry Wallace

On behalf of Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., Dr. Chuck Kelley and Jerry Dolak, Director of Safety and Security, accepted a safety recognition award at the Hawaii Governor’s Biennial Pacific Rim Safety & Health conference. Outrigger has always placed great importance on safety, and it follows our value of Kīnā‘ole (flawlessness) perfectly. The conference awards committee reviewed Outrigger’s safety program in detail and saw fit to recognize our statewide leadership in this area by awarding us Honorable Mention. Mahalo for making Outrigger a great and safe place to work and grow!

Michael Thompson, President of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Jerry Dolak, Dr. Chuck Kelley, and Darwin Ching, Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

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More Waikiki Beach Walk® MemoriesContinued from page 1

Continued on page 11

Edgewater Bungalows circa 1945 - 1948

Everything was peaceful until December 7, �94�, when Pearl Harbor was attacked. The next morning, things were still very confused, and fearing a follow-up invasion from the sea, the military decided to test fire the three �4-inch coastal artillery pieces of Battery Randolph, the concrete bunkers in Ft. DeRussy, right next to the YWCA. Legend has it that somebody pushed the wrong button, and all three guns fired simultaneously. There was a huge flash and a deafening roar followed by a concussion wave that nearly destroyed the nearby wood-frame buildings of the YWCA and the Edgewater Bungalows. The Edgewater Bungalows stood empty for several years. About �944 or �945, Kenji Kimball, a member of the family that owned the Halekulani, told Roy Kelley that the Edgewater Bungalows were for sale. I was only about �0 years old at the time, but I still remember going through the buildings with my father when he inspected them. In one unit, broken windows were boarded up, plaster had fallen off the walls and ceilings, and a solitary light bulb dangled on a twisted length of wire from the center of the ceiling.

Roy and Estelle Kelley bought the property, repaired the damage, and rented out the cottages for almost a decade. Guests enjoyed the casual ambience so close to the sands of Waikiki. In the center of the driveway, there was a circular lily pond surrounding a beautiful white marble statue of a maiden releasing a dove. I was told the statue had come from the lobby of the once-elegant Royal Hawaiian Theater, which opened in �848 at the corner of Hotel and Alakea streets in downtown Honolulu. We kids nicknamed the statue “Molly.” My sister Pat remembers that one of her weekly childhood chores was to wash Molly and polish her. On the beachfront, there were several hau trees. Roy developed a patio under the trees and brought in a soda fountain and counter. Roy’s older sister Iva, my sisters Jean and Pat, and I all worked there jerking sodas and making ice cream cones and sandwiches for beachgoers. It was a great experience! Our Aunt Iva, Jean reminds me, would also put on a Saturday night dinner, complete with hula show, that was very popular with the guests.

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More Waikiki Beach Walk® MemoriesContinued from page 10

Continued on page 12

Frank Hinds and his mother Mary in front of the Edgewater Bungalows

Frank and Gail Hinds returned to Hawaii in 2006

Return hotel guest Frank Hinds recently wrote me about his experiences in the area in those days after World War II. He was born in �943 in Waimea, Kauai, where his father (also Frank) was a bookkeeper for Kekaha Plantation. Frank lived with his family in the Edgewater Bungalows from �945 through �948 and then in other locations around Waikiki until �957. He recalls the beach patio and remembers that “in addition to ice cream and soda, coffee and glazed donuts were served in the morning. Today the smell of coffee and glazed donuts reminds me of the Edgewater. I think my third birthday party was held on that patio.” Here are a few more of Frank’s memories, as extracted from e-mails he has sent me. There wasn’t much tourism in the early 50s and Waikiki, including the beach, was our playground. I spent my childhood at the beach between the Edgewater and Fort DeRussy. On many occasions I fell out of the (hau) tree on the beach in front of the YWCA next to Fort DeRussy. Waikiki was a great place to be a kid in the 40s and 50s. Our parents didn’t worry too much about us, and we would roam from one end of Waikiki (Ala Moana Park) to Diamond Head on the other. Once we tried to walk from Kapiolani Park to

Kahala and made it as far as the Diamond Head lighthouse before hitching a ride. We often swam in front of the Royal Hawaiian hoping to see a Hollywood celebrity. Red Skelton and his family were popular there. Frank, a retired risk manager who honeymooned at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, now lives in Arizona with his wife Gail. He was kind enough to provide the photographs that accompany this article. After a few years, Roy and Estelle negotiated a lease on the Damon cottages and expanded their operations.

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More Waikiki Beach Walk® MemoriesContinued from page 11

Frank Hinds’ mother Mary and “Molly”

Frank Hinds on Waikiki Beach

“Molly” in her new place of honor

My sister Pat recalls that there was a particularly strong-willed, head housekeeper, who I think may have been named Shino, who was rumored to have been the mama-san of one of the many quasi-legal brothels in Honolulu’s red light district, while Hawaii was under military control during World War II. The famous Hotel Street houses were closed in late �944 when civilian control of the streets was reinstituted, forcing many to look for other kinds of work. Pat says Shino was a strict supervisor who kept the housekeepers in line. The Edgewater Bungalows and the Damon Cottages were torn down about �953 for the construction of the Reef Hotel. The main building was put on the fee simple Edgewater Bungalow parcel of land, while the swimming pool and dining room were put on the leased Damon parcel. I was able to acquire the fee interest in the Damon property for Outrigger in the late �980s and consolidate the property into one unit. Waikiki is a much different place today. The beach cottages, bungalows, and laid-back lifestyle are all but

gone. They tried to raze Battery Randolph, but the thick reinforced concrete was practically indestructible, so the bunker was turned into the fascinating Hawaii Army Museum that we have today. I am also happy to report that Molly was not lost in the shuffle. She holds a place of honor in a private home, and when I see her, I’m reminded of those great old days in Waikiki.