Hawaiian Woman Builds Pidgin Tech

In honor of Indigenous People's Day today, I wanted to pass on some cool news about Kyra Kaya, a Native Hawaiian who is doing some innovative work with Pidgin!  Mahalo to Rice in Paradise PR for sharing the news!

Indigenous people make up less than .005 percent of the tech workforce in the United States, and even fewer of those numbers are women. Ahead of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14, we spoke to Yale junior Kyra Kaya, who is currently building a first-of-its-kind text extraction model based on the Hawaiʻi Creole language of Pidgin.

Kaya, who's family is from Ke‘anae, Maui, is making waves in the tech industry and helping to advance Hawaiian culture. As a Native Hawaiian, she is an active member of Rewriting the Code’s (RTC) Tech Natives program, which brings together Indigenous and First Nations women in technology and engineering majors. "My family hails from a very rural part of Maui where access to technology is incredibly limited. My Tutu (grandmother) has to drive two hours from her home just to use basic technologies like television and computers," said Kaya. "Broadening tech access in rural Indigenous communities is an issue I am very passionate about pursuing in the future."

Through RTC, she received a grant to attend the American Indian Science and Engineering Society conference and Kyra was a recipient of RTC’s Last Mile Education Fund, which provides rapid-response grants to close the graduation gap for low-income computing students.

"I think one of the first steps in stepping into a space like the world of STEM is having a reliable support system and mentors you can look to for guidance," Kaya said. "Tech Natives provides an accessible space to forge these connections on an intimate level. Furthermore, it’s an awesome opportunity to meet Indigenous and First Nations girls from around the world looking to get into tech."

Rewriting the Code is a nonprofit with the largest peer-to-peer network of women in tech with more than 30,000 members. RTC offers mentorship, funding, scholarships, resources, education, and year-round events in collaboration with corporate partners. RTC and their Tech Natives members, like Kyra, are committed to changing the face of the tech industry and bringing desperately needed, long-awaited technology to their communities.

Inspired by Hawaiian Pidgin, Kaya's model identifies key phrases in Hawaiian Pidgin and is able to place them into predefined categories such as discussion on food, activities, or greetings. "It was super interesting being able to combine both my cultural background and love for technology into one project," she said.

Kaya is currently studying computer science and psychology at Yale and interned as a product manager at Microsoft under the Azure team this past summer, while continuing her goal of creating new technologies for Indigenous communities.

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Ka Makana Ali`i to Open October 21

With great excitement, DeBartolo Development announced today that Ka Makana Ali`i, the new 1.4 million-square-foot regional mall currently under construction in West Oahu, will be making its debut to the public on Friday, October 21.

Anchored by the first Macy’s in West Oahu, phase one of Ka Makana Ali`i features more than 100 shops and restaurants, a state-of-the-art Consolidated Theatres, and the state’s first Hampton Inn & Suites. DeBartolo Development broke ground on the project on March 5, 2015.

“Ka Makana Ali`i would not have been possible without the hard work and continuous support of our partners and community, and we cannot wait to share this premier shopping destination with the people of West Oahu next month,” said Edward Kobel, President and Chief Operating Officer of DeBartolo Development. “We have an entire lineup of festivities and fun family events being planned around our debut weekend, so we encourage shoppers to stay connected with us on social media for all the latest information. We look forward to celebrating with all of you on October 21!”

Ka Makana Ali`i will be the first shopping center built on Oahu in more than three decades and the only regional mall being developed in West Oahu with department and specialty stores. Other confirmed tenants include H&M, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Old Navy, Skechers, Foot Locker, Kay Jewelers, 24 Hour Fitness, Hoala Salon and Spa, Applebee’s, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, California Pizza Kitchen, Luibueno’s, AT&T, Zales, Zumies, Rix Island Wear, Town & Country Surf Designs, Famous Footwear, PetSmart, Reyn Spooner, Plus Interiors, Bonchon, Sura Hawaii, Jollibee, Da Cove, Magnolia Ice Cream, Papa John’s Pizza, Infinitea, Yummy Korean BBQ, Nagoya Ramen, Kickin Kajun, Koa Pancake House, Wendy’s, L&L Hawaiian Barbeque, Panda Express, Subway, Auntie Anne’s, and Cinnabon.



For the latest news and updates, follow Ka Makana Alii on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kamakanaalii/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/kamakanaalii. Visit our website at www.kamakanaalii.com.

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Blue Note Hawaii Opening at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

The iconic Blue Note Entertainment Group, with music clubs in New York, Washington D.C., Milan and two locations in Japan, announces its newest location in Honolulu, bringing world-class musical performances to Hawaii. Blue Note Hawaii will serve as the state’s premier venue for the world’s most celebrated artists, from jazz and blues to Hawaiian favorites, all in partnership with Outrigger Resorts. Blue Note Hawaii will also feature a range of local entertainers and promoters to ensure that Hawaii’s best in music and entertainment is showcased alongside world-renowned musical talent.

The club will begin a series of soft-opening events on December 28th through January 10th, featuring Maya Azucena, a Blue Note New York favorite. The club will welcome its first local entertainer with Jake Shimabukuro on January 1st and 2nd. New Orleans institution The Rebirth Brass Band will headline a three-day semi-private series of concerts on January 11 – 13th, with 150 seats available to the public. The official grand opening is on January 14th featuring jazz icon Kenny G in two shows per day through January 17th. There will be a 15% discount for military and kamaʻaina for all performances, excluding food and beverage. Show information and tickets are available at www.bluenotehawaii.com or by calling (808) 777-4890.

Located in the former Society of Seven showroom inside Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Blue Note Hawaii will feature a year-round lineup of musical entertainment – from local talent to international sensations – for limited engagements. As a part of Outrigger’s ongoing commitment to the musical arts, the performance venue has undergone an extensive, multi-million-dollar revitalization, creating a brand new venue in the heart of Hawaii’s most famed beach resort destination. Blue Note Hawaii features completely new décor and a state-of-the-art sound and light system.

The 9,000 square-foot facility was designed by local architecture and interior design firm InForm Design, and seats over 300 patrons, showcasing two performances nightly in an intimate setting - seven days a week, 365 days a year. A contemporary gift shop is part of the plan, including a dedicated location for musical acts to hold autograph sessions following each show. Guest will have the opportunity to dine at the venue, where a full-service restaurant and bar will highlight the culinary talents of Chef Rodney Uyehara. Talent buying and programming will be handled out of Blue Note Entertainment Group’s New York office. Additionally, the venue will be available for private event bookings.

Similar to other Blue Note locations, Blue Note Hawaii will feature leaders in jazz, as well as musicians of other genres, including top local island artists. “We are beyond excited to bring world class talent to residents and guests in Hawaii. The Blue Note is committed to presenting the world’s best talent and we look forward to collaborating with the immensely talented pool of local musicians here in Hawaii,” offered Steve Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group.

“We’re delighted to welcome Blue Note Hawaii to Hawaii and the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort,” said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “The Outrigger Waikiki’s showroom has a long and impressive history as being THE place in Waikiki for music and entertainment. With the opening of Blue Note Hawaii, the next chapter begins and music lovers from around the world can look forward to the perfect melding of the best in island talent with world renowned musicians.”

Blue Note Hawaii joins an impressive roster of venues between Outrigger Resorts and Blue Note Entertainment Group. Outrigger Resorts’ roster of musical venues includes Kani Ka Pila Grille, Duke’s Waikiki, Waikiki Beach Walk®, and a host of sponsored music events such as Mele Mei; the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards; the annual Waikiki Steel Guitar Festival, Slack Key Guitar Festival; Ukulele Festival; and more. Blue Note Entertainment Group owns and operates 10 music clubs worldwide, including venues in New York, Washington D.C., Milan and two locations in Japan.

Since its inception in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the premier jazz clubs in the world and a cultural institution in Greenwich Village. Owner and founder Danny Bensusan had a vision to create a jazz club in Greenwich Village that would treat deserving artists with respect, while allowing patrons to see the world's finest jazz musicians in a close, comfortable setting. Artists who had stopped playing in jazz clubs decades before, such as Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente, soon called Blue Note home.

Jazz is undoubtedly America's music, and while Blue Note strives to preserve the history of jazz, the club is a place where progression and innovation - the foundations of jazz - are encouraged and practiced on a nightly basis. In addition to the main acts that feature the likes of Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, and Chris Botti, Blue Note has introduced the Monday Night Series and the bi-weekly Late Night Groove Series to showcase New York's up-and-coming jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B and funk artists. Blue Note will undoubtedly bring some of these same types of acts and attractions to its newest location in Waikiki.

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Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Launches New Dinner Menu at Black Rock Kitchen

Wedge Caesar with Waipoli Farms romaine, shaved grana padano, roasted garlic croutons and a sundried tomato Caesar dressing

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant Black Rock Kitchen has debuted a new dinner menu. Beginning today, resort guests, visitors and locals will have the opportunity to experience the new menu, which features an array of vibrant, fresh dishes that focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Conceptualized by Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Chef de Cuisine Jeffrey Rayno, the inspired menu highlights Hawaii-grown ingredients through approachable, thoughtfully-prepared dishes.

“My passion for creativity is infused into each dish through new spins on traditional flavor profiles,” said Chef Rayno. “Each course explores ingredients that can be found right in our backyard, while also emphasizing classic comfort items like braised short ribs.”

Kicking off the menu are dishes like ahi sashimi with crisp green apple, jalapeno and local radish; as well as seared beef tenderloin skewers with toasted nori and a miso ponzu dipping sauce. Salad standouts include beets & quinoa, with Surfing Goat Dairy cheese, red and yellow beets, quinoa and fresh herbs; and a wedge Caesar with Waipoli Farms romaine, shaved grana padano, roasted garlic croutons and a sundried tomato Caesar dressing. Entrees include offerings like grilled Hawaiian catch of the day with Molokai sweet potato and coconut puree, ginger spiced broccolini and yuzu brown butter; and braised short ribs with polenta, Alii mushrooms, wilted rainbow chard and red wine short rib jus, among others.

Ahi sashimi with crisp green apple, jalapeno and local radish

Black Rock Kitchen is open daily for dinner between 5:30pm – 9:00pm. For reservations, which are recommended, please call (808) 921-4600.

For more information about Black Rock Kitchen and to view the menu, visit http://www.sheraton-maui.com.

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OHANA Waikiki East Hotel to Welcome New Tanaka of Tokyo Restaurant this Fall

Something new is cooking at the OHANA Waikiki East Hotel. Tanaka of Tokyo, a Honolulu-based restaurant group, will open its newest location in the OHANA Waikiki East Hotel on October 1. The new restaurant will relocate from its current King's Village location and take over the former Roundtable Pizza space. The restaurant design will incorporate the most innovative cooking technology on the market, Evo EVent™ cooking tables, featuring a unique, self-contained air recirculating ventilation system for maximum food preparation flexibility and an even more theatrical experience for guests.

 

"Given the growing popularity of Tanaka of Tokyo restaurants, we are anxiously awaiting the grand opening of its newest location at the OHANA Waikiki East," said Barbara Campbell, vice president of retail development and leasing for Outrigger Enterprises Group. "At Outrigger we always strive to provide guests, visitors and kamaaina with unforgettable dining experiences and we believe Tanaka of Tokyo is the perfect recipe for success."

Hot of the grill, the new Tanaka of Tokyo restaurant design at OHANA Waikiki East will feature Evo EVent™ cooking tables developed by Oregon-based Evo, Incorporated. The new cooking tables will offer maximum flexibility without any constraints and restrictions due to the typically required overhead hoods and externally ducted air ventilation system. Recently awarded a 2015 Kitchen Innovation Award, the tables are designed to remove smoke and grease through four sets of filters and returns air that is 99.9 percent clean back into the restaurant.

"Our new restaurant in the OHANA Waikiki East Hotel is going to bring even more magic to Waikiki since it will be the first in Hawaii to incorporate the Evo EVent™ teppan-yaki tables," said Chester Kaneshiro, president of Tanaka of Tokyo. "This new cooking technology will be a game changer for the restaurant industry and will put our chefs on center stage, making dining with us an even more entertaining and memorable experience."

Founded by Richard Tanaka, the original Tanaka of Tokyo restaurant was opened in Toronto Canada in the early 1970s. Tanaka flew to Japan twice yearly to purchase dishware and supplies as these items were not readily available in Canada, and often times found himself stopped in Honolulu on his flights between Toronto and Japan. Being of Japanese descent but raised in a Western society, he felt comfortable in Honolulu and moved to Hawaii in 1977 to open Tanaka of Tokyo in the newly built Waikiki Shopping Plaza. The restaurant group currently operates three locations in Waikiki and Ala Moana Shopping Center.

At Tanaka of Tokyo, guests enjoy the finest steak and seafood skillfully prepared with great speed, dexterity and flair by master teppan-yaki chefs on tabletop grills. A feast for the eyes and the plate, the restaurant specializes in Premium Angus beef sirloin, imported lobster tails, shrimp and scallops, as well as fresh garden vegetables. King salmon, filet mignon and teriyaki chicken are among its most popular dishes.  

"Tanaka of Tokyo is a welcomed addition to our dining options at the OHANA Waikiki East and we can't wait for our guests to be blown away by the flair and mastery of a teppan meal," said Neil Mason, general manager at OHANA Waikiki East.

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Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach Rolls Out Pretzel Bread Sandwiches for the Summer

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach will be offering five pretzel roll sandwiches at the Gallery Bar throughout the summer. The sandwiches, which incorporate America’s favorite bar bowl snack, will include a turkey provolone, ham and savory creamy cheese, spinach and feta, Black Angus hot dog, and a smoked sausage infused with cheddar cheese and peppercorns. The sandwiches, priced at $7 each, will be available through August 2015.

The use of pretzel bread has been on the rise in the past few years, with a growing number of restaurants and fast food eateries jumping on the trend. In response to anticipating client expectations, Hyatt Place’s Gallery Bar recently launched its own line, with each sandwich roll possessing a slightly different topping on the pretzel bread, including some dusted with cheese, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or some combination thereof. A selection of condiments are also available, including ketchup, yellow mustard, honey mustard, and creamy pesto aioli.

“These pretzel rolls are perfect for our Gallery Bar, which offers a grab-and-go concept, explains Bonnie Kiyabu, General Manager. They are satisfying and perfect for those who want a quick meal or snack, or for those who want to have a casual picnic at the beach, park, or zoo. That is why we are offering insulated picnic bags inclusive of two sandwiches, two bottles of water, and two bags of potato chips for just $30.”

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is located at 175 Paoakalani Avenue, at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki. For more information, please call (808) 922-3861 or visit the website at http://waikiki.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html.

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Plus Interiors to Expand to Ka Makana Ali`i

DeBartolo Development announced today that Plus Interiors will be opening its newest Hawaii location at Ka Makana Ali`i, the 1.4 million-square-foot regional mall coming to West Oahu. Plus Interiors currently has seven locations statewide, including its flagship brand Pictures Plus.

The 4,000 square-foot store will provide customers with interior home products, including art and framing, furniture, sliding doors, custom cabinetry and closet systems.

“Plus Interiors is a great example of Ka Makana Ali`i’s diverse roster of tenants who will help address the strong demand in West Oahu, while creating job opportunities for local manufacturers,” said Edward Kobel, President and Chief Operating Officer of DeBartolo Development. “With the growing number of homes and businesses in this region, Plus Interiors will provide shoppers with a conveniently-located showroom that offers a variety of interior design services and quality furnishings all under one roof.”

“Hawaii is an integral part of our company and we are excited to be expanding our business to Ka Makana Ali`i,” said Kent Untermann, owner of Plus Interiors. “We at Plus Interiors strive to help people add value to their home or office, and we are proud to employ over 200 individuals statewide, including craftsmen, interior designers, and operations associates. Manufacturing locally allows us to recruit talent from the surrounding neighborhoods and create opportunities for a skilled and diverse workforce.”

Ka Makana Ali`i will be the first shopping center built on Oahu in more than three decades and the only regional mall being developed in West Oahu with department and specialty stores. Confirmed tenants include anchor Macy’s, H&M, Forever 21, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, AT&T, Rix Island Wear, Town & Country Surf Designs, Reyn Spooner, a state-of-the-art Consolidated Theatres, and Hawaii’s first Hampton Inn & Suites. Construction is currently underway on the first phase of the mixed-use center, with grand opening slated for late 2016.

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Island Retailer Reyn Spooner to Open at Ka Makana Ali`i

DeBartolo Development announced today that Reyn Spooner, world-renowned for its fine garment detailing in island sportswear, will open its ninth Hawaii location at Ka Makana Ali`i, the 1.4 million-square-foot regional mall currently under construction in West Oahu.

“Reyn Spooner has set the standard for business and casual fashion in Hawaii so we are incredibly proud to make their celebrated designs available to the residents of West Oahu, who will enjoy the convenience of having this sought-after brand just minutes away,” said Edward Kobel, President and COO of DeBartolo Development.

The single story, 1,200-square-foot Reyn Spooner store at Ka Makana Ali`i will offer residents and visitors a full line of the company’s unique, island inspired apparel and accessories. The locally based retailer has operated in Hawaii for more than 50 years with a brand and style that has a strong local and international following.

“Our current Oahu stores are located in and around Honolulu, and we have always been interested in expanding to West Oahu given the right opportunity. Now that Ka Makana Ali`i is well on its way, we felt the timing was right to become a part of this special project,” said Kirk Hubbard, III, President of Reyn Spooner. “Our company has been fortunate to be an original tenant at a number of our locations, several which have been open for over 40 years. We are truly excited to be an inaugural tenant of Ka Makana Ali`i and become part of the West Oahu community.”

Centrally located in West Oahu at the intersection of Kapolei and Kualakai Parkways, Ka Makana Ali`i will offer residents and visitors a family-friendly gathering place with more than 150 options for shopping, dining and entertainment in the heart of Hawaii’s fastest growing region. Confirmed tenants include anchor department store Macy’s, H&M, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, T&C Surf Designs, Rix Island Wear, AT&T, a luxury Consolidated Theatres and Hawaii’s first Hampton Inn & Suites. Construction is currently underway on the first phase of the mixed-use center, with grand opening slated for late 2016.

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Local Retailers T&C Surf, Rix to Open at Ka Makana Ali`i

DeBartolo Development announced today that T&C Surf Designs and Rix Island Wear will open new stores at Ka Makana Ali`i, the 1.4 million-square-foot regional shopping center currently under construction in West Oahu.

T&C Surf Designs will be opening up its sixth location at Ka Makana Ali`i. The 2,915-square-foot store will offer surfboards, bodyboards, skateboards and related apparel and accessories.

The 1,000-square-foot Rix Island Wear store will be the company’s sixth location on Oahu offering Hawaiian-themed apparel and accessories for men, women and children.

“Locally-owned businesses play a critical role in strengthening and sustaining our communities, and that’s why we are extremely proud to have notable, local retailers join our growing roster of premier tenants,” said Edward Kobel, president and chief operating officer of DeBartolo Development.

Ka Makana Ali`i will be the first shopping center built on Oahu in more than three decades and the only regional mall being developed in West Oahu with department and specialty stores. Confirmed tenants include anchor department store Macy’s, H&M, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, a luxury Consolidated Theatres and Hawaii’s first Hampton Inn & Suites.

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First Hampton Inn & Suites in Hawaii to Be Located at Ka Makana Ali`i

DeBartolo Development and Hampton Hotels today announced the first Hampton Inn & Suites in Hawaii will be located at Ka Makana Ali`i, the 1.4 million-square-foot regional mall being built in West Oahu.

The 175-key hotel centrally located in Kapolei will offer travelers and neighbor island residents visiting friends and family in the area affordable access to West Oahu. Construction on the hotel is slated to begin summer 2015.

“DeBartolo Development is very excited to welcome Hampton Inn & Suites to the growing roster of world-class tenants at Ka Makana Ali`i,” said Edward Kobel, President and Chief Operating Officer of DeBartolo Development. “The addition of a globally-recognized hotel brand to this market will make it easier for kamaaina and visitors alike to enjoy all West Oahu has to offer by providing high quality and affordable hotel accommodations.”

Featuring more than 150 new shops and restaurants, a movie theater, and LEED-certified office space, Ka Makana Ali`i will be Hawaii’s newest mall and the first regional shopping center to be built in more than 30 years. The center’s expanding roster of signed tenants includes anchor department store Macy’s, as well as Forever 21, H&M, and three GAP, Inc. brands.

The signing of Hampton’s first location in Hawaii means the brand will offer more than 2,000 locations globally including across all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

“Hawaii has been a part of Hilton Worldwide’s history since the 1960s with the opening of the first Hilton Hawaiian Village tower,” said Bill Fortier, senior vice president, development – Americas, Hilton Worldwide. “As one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, it is only fitting to expand Hampton Hotels to Hawaii, bringing a successful mid-priced product to the market.”

“This has been an exciting year for Hampton, having first celebrated 30 years as a brand, then opening our 2000th hotel in Bellevue, Washington, and now entering into the 50th U.S. state,“ said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand management, Hilton Worldwide. “We’re excited to bring our friendly and authentic culture of Hamptonality to both business and leisure travelers visiting beautiful Oahu.”

Grading and grubbing activities for Ka Makana Ali`i are slated to begin in December with a formal construction start date announced soon thereafter. The first phase of the center, which includes more than 750,000 square feet of retail, dining, entertainment and hotel space, is scheduled to open in 2016.

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Outrigger Continues Global Expansion with Acquisition of Premier Island Atoll Property in the Maldives

Hawaii-based Outrigger Enterprises Group announced today that it has purchased the Konotta Island Resort situated in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll of the Republic of Maldives from Crystal Lagoon Pvt Ltd. The transaction closed in the Maldives on September 23, 2014, for an undisclosed amount and was brokered by Jones Lang LaSalle's Singapore-based Hotels and Hospitality Group acting as exclusive adviser to the vendor. Following a property renovation, the hotel is expected to open as the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort in July 2015.

Attending the transaction signing in Malé, the Maldives Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor said, "We are delighted that Outrigger Enterprises Group has decided to invest in the Maldives with its purchase of Konotta Island. Outrigger, as a US-based company, is very welcome here in the Maldives and we see this as a tremendous vote of confidence in our country's tourism industry."

"This latest acquisition marks the continued successful expansion of Outrigger in the Indian Ocean and fits perfectly with Outrigger's aim to be the world's premier beachfront resort brand," said David Carey, president and chief executive officer at Outrigger Enterprises Group. "The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort will be operated and marketed as a high-end premium property located in a magnificent atoll setting."

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

Located southwest of the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is considered by many to be the "ultimate" luxury beach destination, a locale known around the world for its tropical beauty and tranquility, majestic views and one-of-a-kind experiences. The new property joins 15 other Outrigger Resorts properties situated on some of the world's most spectacular coasts across seven countries throughout the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific region. It is the second resort for Outrigger in the Indian Ocean following the purchase and highly successful opening of the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa in April this year.

The private island of Konotta is located 211 miles (340 kilometers) to the south of Malé and conveniently accessible via a 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 20-minute journey on a private speedboat.

When it opens next year, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort will offer a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury with the current 27 beachfront one- and two-bedroom pool villas and 21 overwater pool villas. Four additional beachfront pool villas and an overwater presidential villa are also planned. The resort will be supported by a full range of facilities and services including new and innovative dining concepts, a marine education center, a Navasana Spa and retail outlets.

Since embarking on its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region in 2008, Outrigger has grown its presence outside of Hawaii to include properties currently open or under development in Phuket and Phi Phi Island, Thailand; Fiji; Australia; Guam; Hainan Island, China; Mauritius; and Vietnam.

"In the Maldives, Outrigger will create a unique resort experience that will attract discerning travelers from around the world," said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger managing director, Asia Pacific. "Our acquisition in the Maldives builds on 67 years of iconic resort management expertise developed within Outrigger."

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2014 Finance Factors Family of Companies Charity Golf Tournament Raises $20,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii

Finance Factors today announced a donation of $20,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, a local nonprofit organization that provides one-to-one mentoring programs to children statewide. The funds were raised through the 2014 Finance Factors Family of Companies Golf Tournament, which took place Thursday, August 28 at Waikele Golf Club. Nearly 50 teams, including over 100 business leaders and community partners, participated in the tournament to raise funds for a great cause.

"On behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii and the over 1,400 "Bigs" and "Littles" we serve, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Finance Factors for their generous and meaningful support," said Dennis Brown, president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii. "These funds will not only have a huge impact on our operations statewide, but will also enable us to continue providing Hawaii's keiki with personal relationships that improve their lives for the better."

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii fosters one-to-one friendships for at-risk children across the state. Founded in 1963, the organization's mentoring programs have proven to have a positive impact for youth in the areas of academics, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes, high school graduation rates, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or career readiness.

"Finance Factors is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii as our beneficiary for this year's Charity Golf Tournament," said Steven Teruya, president and chief operating officer of Finance Factors. "As a kamaaina company founded by local island families, giving back is a key focus year-round for the Finance Factors Family of Companies."

In addition to a day out on the golf course, tournament participants had a chance to enjoy special treats and snacks prepared by Finance Factors volunteers, including Steve Teruya's famous cheeseburger dogs (cheeseburgers in a hot dog bun), imu-roasted kalua pork sliders, and curated cocktails. Over 25 volunteers from Finance Factors Family of Companies helped to put on the event.

Finance Factors supports the local community year-round, donating over $80,000 to charitable causes annually. Established in 1952, the Finance Factors Family of Companies includes Finance Factors, Ltd., Hawaii's largest depository financial services loan company; Finance Insurance, Ltd., a full-service insurance agency; and Finance Realty Company, Ltd., responsible for the operational oversight of properties owned by the Family of Companies in Hawaii, Alaska and California.  

  

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Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber to Remain Open Under New Local Management

Outrigger Enterprises Group today announced that it has leased the Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber restaurant space to JB Waikiki, LLC, a new entity created by Handcrafted Restaurants, LLC, operators of Hawaii's Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman. The restaurant, located on the upper lobby level of the Holiday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, will continue to operate under the Jimmy Buffett's brand following a one-week closure from September 1-7 while the space and menu undergo a refresh.

"We are honored to carry on Jimmy Buffett's great operation in Waikiki and look forward to expanding on its popularity with a few changes to the facilities and new additions to the menu that highlight Hawaii local flavors," said Bill Terry, partner at Handcrafted Restaurants LLC. "The interview process is currently underway with restaurant management and staff and we expect a quick and easy transition."

Barbara Campbell, vice president of retail leasing at Outrigger Enterprises Group, commented: "We are pleased to have reached this agreement that allows Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber restaurant to remain open under the direction of Hawaii's JB Waikiki, LLC, and continue to serve up the great food and drinks people have come to expect from the restaurant. I've had a chance to sample a few of the new island influenced menu items and know they will be a hit with patrons," Campbell added.

Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber is a much-loved Waikiki restaurant and bar where guests can sit back,relax, and dine from a menu of regional cuisine that includes fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, island flavors and more, while sipping margaritas, mai tais or signature boat drinks on the restaurant's open-air lanai or poolside bar.

Handcrafted Restaurants LLC is a partnership between Hawaii Regional Cuisine founding chef Peter Merriman and restaurateur Bill Terry. The restaurant group also operates Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman's two locations in Ko Olina and Wailea, Maui.

For more information about Jimmy Buffet's at the Beachcomber, visit www.jimmybuffettsatthebeachcomber.com.

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