Laie Inn, the 49-room hotel that has served many thousands of visitors to Koolauloa for the past 45 years, will close at the end of October 2009, according to an October 17 press release issued on behalf of Hawaii Reserves, Inc. Demolition of the existing structure is planned to begin in November, and construction of the new hotel is targeted to start in 2010.

HRI Executive Vice President and CFO Eric Marler pointed out HRI previously announced that the aging Laie Inn, which was built by labor missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints soon after they built the Polynesian Cultural Center, is to be replaced with a new hotel.

The release also explained that Hospitality Associates, a family-owned Washington-based company which has operated more than 75 hotels in 10 western states over the past 50 years, received a management contract for the property from HRI in 1991. “We appreciate the service that Hospitality Associates, including its dedicated employees, have provided over the last 18 years,” Marler said.

“As a community, we look forward to the new accommodations the project will provide for those enjoying the Polynesian Cultural Center and visiting friends and family in the region,” he added.

Bonnie Leatigaga of Kahuku, who has worked at Laie Inn for almost 16 years — the last six as Hospitality Associate’s general manager here — said even though she and the other 14 employees knew this day was coming, it was still “a shock. We knew almost eight-and-a-half years ago they were going to build a new hotel, but it just came a littler earlier than we expected.”

She praised the staff, one of whom has worked there for 26 years. “We’re like family to each other, and all the employees appreciate the people who have spent time with us. We also appreciate all the former employees and the community for all their support.”

“This is a big change for all of us,” continued Leatigaga, who said she needs to find another job to help with her husband’s medical treatments. She added that Hospitality Associates, which currently has no other plans in the area, has been “the best company I’ve ever worked for. They’re very employee oriented, and have supported us.”

Leatigaga noted that as part of the closure, HRI has given all the hotel's inventory to Hospitality Associates, “and we will be selling off everything in the rooms: beds, tables, dressers, TVs, air conditioners…everthing that can be taken out.”

If interested, call the Laie Inn front desk at 293-9282, or fax 293-8115, with name, contact info and the items you’re interested in. “We’ll get back to you,” she said.