Laie will soon undergo a long anticipated expansion with the addition of the new Marriott Courtyard Hotel. This expansion will create opportunities for locals and students alike. David Preece, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management and marketing track, said, “Laie has always been a visitor destination, from its ancient days as a Place of Refuge to its contemporary role as a place of learning, entertainment and relaxation. However, the missing piece to making it a true tourism destination has always been a modern hotel that serves as a home base for visitors wanting to spend more time in ‘Oahu’s Backyard.’” This new modern hotel will provide an economic boost to the residents of Laie. Preece said, “These accommodations are becoming a reality, which creates terrific opportunities for an extended stay, which in turn creates new economic opportunities for Laie residents.” The development of Laie will provide yet another employment option to the residents of Laie.There are people who oppose the construction of the new hotel, citing the worsening of traffic in our rural community. But Jeffery Caneen, department chair of School of Business and hospitality and tourism management professor, said, “The hotel will end up reducing traffic in Laie. The hotel will allow people to come and stay instead of commute from town for the day.” Students said they are excited about the extra opportunity for internships, training, and jobs. Kenneth Lam, a senior in business management from Canada, said, “I think the hotel will be a great addition. Besides Turtle Bay, there are no other options for lodging on the North Shore.” Caneen added, “The hotel will provide real world training and potential jobs for students.” Community members and students can agree that work is not easy to find on this side of the island, and the new hotel will provide employment opportunities. The Marriott Courtyard Laie is now in its final stages of development before construction begins, says the Envision Laie website. The hotel will consist of 144 rooms and include an upscale pool, bistro, and meeting space, it says. Hotel developer Dan Gifford of Laie Ventures said on the Envision Laie website, “We’re pleased to report that site design and architectural plans are finished, financing is nearly complete, and permits to begin work have been approved.” In a Jan. 17 posting on the website, Gifford says, “The hotel will be a great asset for the community and we anticipate a mobilization and groundbreaking in the next several weeks.”McDonald’s closed on Feb. 10 and is in the “process of finalizing plans to relocate and has filed building permits for a location further north on the property along Kamehameha Highway,” says the Envision Laie website.
Writer: Reid Crickmore ~ Multimedia Journalist
