George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), issued the following statement commenting on the recent announcement that the Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui will be closing on July 1.
“This is heartbreaking news for the loyal employees at Makena Beach & Golf Resort," said Szigeti. "HTA is committed to supporting programs that help the 385 employees being laid off to find new jobs. Our contractors, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, are already leading efforts on the tourism industry’s behalf to develop a strategy that finds new job opportunities.
"We encourage other businesses on Maui," continued Szigeti, "and throughout the state to support initiatives being created for the sake of these Makena Resort employees and their families.”
Maui Now is reporting that ATC Makena Holdings, LLC, owners of the 1,800-acre Makena Resort, will close the 310-room Makena Beach & Golf Resort (formerly the Maui Prince Hotel) at noon on July 1.
Plans for the site include the development of the Makena Golf & Beach Club, managed by Discovery Land Company, according to the report.
General Manager Declan McCarthy said the resort will work closely with county and state government agencies for assistance and have already begun planning a job fair at the hotel in the near future, according to the Maui Now report.
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