"It’s been sorely missed and are community has suffered a bit without accommodations here so it would be nice to have those back again," says Steve Hoag, Hawaii Reserves Vice President of Administration.
The Inn was demolished in November 2009.
"We’ve had situations where people have had graduations or weddings and when people come from outside to participate there’s nothing else other than Turtle Bay," says Delsa Moe, Laie resident.
But some residents are concerned another hotel will cause traffic problems.
"Traffic they were worried about too much cars on the highway they were worried about the expansion of BYU they were worried about the housing that we were going to have will be for the people," says Kela Miller, Koolauloa Neighborhood board.
The Laie hotel is expected to have 223 rooms and is the second part of a project called "Envision Laie."
Other proposed plans include building more dorms at BYU-Hawaii and more than 850 new condos, townhouses and homes in Malaekahana.
Those in favor of the development say it will create more jobs in the area.
Those against the plan say those created will be low-income, service jobs.
"If people could be more closer to home it would be a lot more better for the family they could really take care of their kids better," says J.C. Chang, Laie resident.
"We think it’s important to help us revitalize the area and to help create more jobs both construction jobs as well as operating jobs once the hotel is built," says Hoag.
Because the project has been controversial, Honolulu city council has proceeded cautiously in approving plans.
In a statement chairman Ernie Martin says…
"We anticipate that there will be a significant amount of testimony on both sides concerning the project. But irrespective of the decision taken by the council the council’s decision should not be taken as an indication of the council’s for or against Envision Laie."
Again, the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17th in the city council chambers.
The public is invited to voice their opinion on the issue.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
