200 to lose jobs after Kona Village shuts

Star Advertiser ^ | March 19, 2011 | Gene Park

[americanophile]

After more than 45 years, the Kona Village Resort on the Big Island will be closing its doors, its future uncertain.

The 82-acre property suffered extensive damage due to last week's tsunami from Japan's magnitude-9.0 earthquake.

More than 200 employees will be laid off. All will be paid through April 3, and their medical benefits will last until the end of April, said Patrick Fitzgerald, president and chief executive officer of the resort.

"It was a very hard decision to let the Kona Village staff go; they're a very special group of people," he said. "They've done an amazing job for the past 45 years. We've had some staff who's been there for more than 40 years."

Fitzgerald said because insurance adjusters had not yet sent building specialists to assess the damage, he could not provide a damage estimate.

More than 20 hale, the resort's thatched-roof bungalow accommodations, sustained significant structural damage. The property has about 125 units, and most were not damaged.

However, the property's infrastructure had significant damage.

[americanophile]

Wow, very sad to see. It's a wonderful and unique resort and a blow to a local economy already hurting.

[raybbr]

I didn’t even know Hawaii got hit by a tsunami...

[TexasFreeper2009]

Hawaii voted for Obama, I could care less if the entire island loses it’s job.

[americanophile]

...that’s very adult.

[americanophile]

The damage from the tsunami in Hawaii was totally underreported in the U.S. There was some serious damage on the big island and also on Maui. Check out this video, the most interesting footage occurs at about 3:27, when you can the wave hit Kona:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqlpqtIjYrY&feature=player_embedded

[LeoWindhorse]

http://konateaparty.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/tsumani-hits-napoopoo-kona-hard/

[Red_Devil 232]

VIDEO: Tsunami batters Kona Village Resort hale bungalows

[kittycatonline.com]

Hawaii voted for Obama, I could care less if the entire island loses it’s job.

...that’s very adult.

It also presumes there were jobs there. There just aren't that many jobs on the Big Island, so this is a pretty hard loss for 'em. And I don't think the tsunami was checking voter registration lists when it struck, either.

[americanophile]

Those hales were incredible. How sad.

[rockinqsranch]

Curious if with the economy at the bottom of the Obama hole that Kona Villages finds it simply not economically feasible to invest in rebuilding at this time.

I’m certain much would depend upon their insurance coverage, etc., but if one hasn’t the patronage due the political climate we have today, and obviously into the foreseeable future then one might be inclined to throw in the towel.

[americanophile]

Here's some video. Best footage after about 3:15, including a surge coming ashore in Kona.

Tsunami Hits Hawaii

[bygolly]

I wondered if the tsunami had affected the resort. Sorry to hear it had. Was there in 2004 for three nights and always wanted to go back. Loved their food...expecially the banana macadamia nut pancakes!

[SatinDoll]

I’m shocked to read that Napo’opo’o Village and nearby Manini Beach experienced extensive looting after the tsunami.

What’s wrong with Hawaiians?

[americanophile]

Hard to know, it’s a very expensive resort, so they’ll likely have plenty of insurance coverage - they’re something of an institution, with a very loyal following and I think they’ll be back in time. The Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island, which is closed until next month because of the damage they suffered will definately be back. Some of the other resorts like the Kona Beach Hotel, which is frankly no great shakes, has suffered damage and will find it tough going.

[americanophile]

Ya, it is (was) a great place!

[americanophile]

I didn’t see that.

[PA Engineer]

Hawaii voted for Obama, I could care less if the entire island loses it’s job.

Dude.

[SatinDoll]

You didn’t see the looting? Or you didn’t see the messages beneath the photos?

[americanophile]

I see that stated there, but I haven’t seen any other reports or video of looting.

[nascarnation]

So where’s Baraq with a Hawaii stimulus bill?

I mean with all the money he’s p*ssed away, why not his “home” state?