Four Seasons sets its sights on former Ihilani employees

Four Seasons officials say they are making efforts to keep in touch with some 500 employees who were let go with severance packages after it was announced last year that the JW Marriott Ihi­lani hotel at the Ko Olina Resort would undergo a re-branding.

The $500 million project, which will include 130 luxury homes, is scheduled for completion in February.

With properties on Maui, Hawaii island and Lanai, the chain has had its sights on Ko Olina for some 25 years, drawn by its prime location and beautiful views.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina General Manager Sanjiv Hulu­galle said the company intends to make hiring locals for the new resort a priority. He said plans are in the works to hire 700 employees for the Four Seasons’ first Oahu resort.

"The most important thing for me is all about the people who actually work there," Hulugalle told Maka­kilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board members at a meeting last month. "A lot of our employees will be from this community."

Ihilani employees received severance packages totaling $5.2 million last year after it was announced that Hawaii real estate mogul Jeff Stone had joined with a Canadian-based developer to acquire and redevelop the property.

Hulugalle said they have a database of Ihi­lani employees and are offering a specialized training program in August and September, adding that a "considerable" number of those workers have already signed up.

"We want to make sure that we hire as many locals for the Four Seasons to ensure that we can bring the local culture in," Hulu­galle said. "Whoever wants to join back through Four Seasons would go through the normal interview proc­ess."

Ken Williams, Ko Olina Community Association general manager, estimated that about 60 percent of Ko Olina workers live on the Leeward side, pointing out that they "want people who understand the area, understand the culture (and) understand the spirit" of the community.

Board member Kanani Wond said she hopes employment opportunities for locals at Four Seasons will be diverse and include management positions.

"We need more than just entry-level jobs," Wond said. "I think we appreciate that they would hire the former Marriott workers. I think nobody would be against that."

Wond and board member Jack Legal added that they plan to invite Four Seasons officials to give the neighborhood board a follow-up presentation closer to the opening date.

"We’d be interested to see how many (Ihi­lani employees) were rehired," Legal said. "People would still probably like to work there and go back, especially those who have been working there for so long."

At last month’s meeting, board members also expressed concerns with increased traffic and public beach access at Ko Olina.

Williams said that because Four Seasons will be decreasing the number of rooms to about 360 from 390, an increase in traffic is unlikely. Regarding beach access, he maintained that Ko Olina provides nearly 200 beachfront public parking spaces every day.

Wond further underscored how she envisions the Four Seasons serving as a good neighbor in the community.

"When you say you’re coming into our backyard and creating this luxurious hotel, what would you provide for us?" Wond asked. "I hope they’re going to adopt what the local people want."