PO‘IPU — “We’re pau,” said Ike Cockett, general manager of the Koloa Landing on Wednesday. Cockett was joined by other dignitaries during the blessing of Koloa Landing, Phase III. The blessing marked the completion of the $100 million expansion project
PO‘IPU — “We’re pau,” said Ike Cockett, general manager of the Koloa Landing on Wednesday.
Cockett was joined by other dignitaries during the blessing of Koloa Landing, Phase III. The blessing marked the completion of the $100 million expansion project on 25 acres leading to the rocky coastline adjacent to the Koloa Landing small boat launch site.
The Koloa Landing Phase III includes the opening of the 500-person convention center, the restaurant for the Koloa Landing, and the unveiling of the pool system.
“This is a miracle hotel,” Child said. “We had our doubters. When the market dropped out in 2008, we couldn’t get anyone to invest in this project. We were in debt for the hotel. But with God’s help, and millions of dollars, we are here. This came out far better than I expected.”
Koloa Landing guests watched from the lanai of the convention center as Kauilani Kaheleka moved the group through the protocol of ho‘okupu and blessing.
Debra Blachowiak of Oceanfront Sotheby’s, the primary real estate broker handling the project, said the center is unlike the ballrooms being offered by the South Shore resort properties in that it is capable of being used for small groups for meetings and retreats and can accommodate up to 500 people.
The center was being used to train the latest group of associates who were given a break to participate in the blessing ceremony.
“Remember when we first did this with just about 50 employees?” Cockett said. “Today, we have 150 associates and are still adding to the workforce.”
Pomai Cano of the human resources department said Koloa Landing anticipates having a staff of about 200 people.
Jennifer Cole-Conner, marketing manager for Koloa Landing, said the blessing coincides with the celebrations taking place in honor of Prince Kuhio in the Poipu area.
