Focus on Windward Oahu

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held March 15 for the new 144-room Courtyard by Marriott next to Polynesian Cultural Center. It will replace the aging 48-room Laie Inn and will open around mid-2015, developed by owner Laie Ventures LLC. Applying their o'o sticks were (from left) BYU-Hawaii president Steven Wheelwright, kupuna Gladys Pualoa-Ahuna, Laie Community Association's Verla Moore, Marriott's Chris Tatum, Zion Bank's Ryan Speirs, First Hawaiian Bank's Marianne Kimura, City Council Chairman Ernest Martin, LCA's Junior Ah You, Laie Ventures' Dan Gifford, Hawaii Reserves president Eric Beaver, Laie Ventures' Chris Wood, Layton Construction's Will Summerhayes, Sione Feinga, PCC president Alfred Grace and Jack Hoag. Photo from Barbra Pleadwell.