Short term job reduction expected in sale of Hotel Hana Maui

The Hotel Hana-Maui is being sold to a Denver-based real estate investment and development company.   Amstar Group LLC confirmed its intent to purchase the 70-room hotel from Ohana Hotel Company for an undisclosed price.

Amstar’s subsidiary, Green Tea LLC will manage the property with the transfer of ownership anticipated for completion in May.  The sale will mean a reduction in jobs in the short term, according to Amstar officials.  The mew management company will host an employment fair in the next few weeks.  The company is also reviewing operational functions for specialists.  Officials say this can potentially create job opportunities with outside contractors and within the community.

“A change in the existing operational model is critical to turning the hotel around and into a viable operation,” said Joy Berry, president of Green Tea, LLC.  “Our revamped organizational structure will take a team approach requiring employees to have more than one role, so that no matter the task, we all work together and help each other out to ensure the long-term viability and success of the hotel and more jobs for the community,” said Berry.

Ohana Hotel Company first issued WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notices to employees in January, letting them know of the impending sale of the hotel.

“We are choosing to invest in the Hotel Hana-Maui because we recognize Hana as a special place,” said Berry.  “Our efforts will be focused on travelers who have a great interest in “doing,” offering them a wide variety of activities and providing them with a memorable experience in a memorable place,” she said.

“We believe the Hotel Hana Maui, if repositioned in the marketplace, can be profitable and grow, offering more jobs,” said Berry.  “However, it will take hard work, resources, time, and most importantly, employees who support each other…,” she said.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Supporting information courtesy Amstar Group LLC)