HANAMAULU — Kauai Beach Resort has undergone many transformations since its construction in the 1970s, and April 1 another hospitality company is taking over management of the resort.
Management company Filament Hospitality is taking the reins from Aqua-Aston, which has been handling management since 2009. The new company says there won’t be many changes on April 1 from current practices at KBR, but some are in the wings.
“Guests will still see the same welcoming employees,” said Scott Pickert, chief executive officer of Filament Hospitality. “As a company, our plan for the next phase of managing this resort will be to bring an amplified experience to our guests.”
Whatever renovations Filament’s “amplified experience” at KBR include, it won’t be the first time the resort has changed its image and upgraded units. A full, $18-million renovation was completed in 2006 when Hilton and Anekona Management took over hospitality management. Before that it was under a Radisson flag.
Guestrooms, the lobby, dining facilities and the meeting space were all upgraded.
Aqua Kauai took over management officially Jan. 1, 2010, after the real estate and investment company iStar Finances bought about half the resort’s 345 units as the developer was facing foreclosure. The other half of the units are individually owned, and Eagle Point KBR LLC is also listed as an owner.
A source familiar with the situation said about 250 employees recently received termination notices. The announcement stated Filament would be rehiring employees.
“Filament intends to keep all current employees who are interested in staying onboard, which includes management-level team members,” Pickert said.
Representatives from Kauai Beach Resort and Aqua Aston did not return requests for comment on the management change.
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Jessica Else, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
