[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4959-S4960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HALEKULANI HOTEL

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, the Halekulani is, without 
question, one of

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the signature hotels of Hawaii. It is synonymous of the interweaving of 
luxury hospitality and Hawaii's unique history and local culture. Its 
roots trace back some 200 years when Princess Likelike and ancient 
Hawaiian fishermen named its Waikiki beachfront location Halekulani, or 
the ``house befitting heaven.''
  This year, the Halekulani is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its 
reopening in 1984, following a grand property-wide renovation by its 
current owners, Mitsui Fudosan, USA, Inc., a branch of one of Japan's 
leading companies.
  This new chapter for the Halekulani builds on its fabled history, and 
strengthens and expands its international reputation for excellence and 
community involvement. The Halekulani is more than a unique visitor 
experience with open courtyards, lush gardens, ocean breezes, and a spa 
that offers the healing touch of Polynesian traditions; it is also an 
enthusiastic promoter of Hawaii's history and the arts, sponsoring the 
Honolulu Symphony's ``Halekulani Masterworks'' and offering guests 
special access to Hawaii's leading museums and historic buildings.
  In 1907, the original Halekulani opened as a residential hotel owned 
by Robert Lewers that was called the Hau Tree with a beachfront home 
and five bungalows. Ten years later, Juliet and Clifford Kimball bought 
the hotel, renamed it the Halekulani, and began catering to well-do-to 
travelers. In 1962, the Norton Clap family of Seattle bought the hotel, 
and sold it 39 years later to Mitsui Fudosan, USA.
  While each owner of the Halekulani sought to enhance the hotel's 
distinctiveness in different ways, all four shared a common goal: a 
commitment to excellence that remains unwavering.
  I congratulate the Halekulani as it celebrates the 25th anniversary 
of its reopening, and as it looks forward to a bright future. I am 
certain its owners will continue their best efforts to maintain the 
Halekulani as a landmark hotel, a leader in the international travel 
and visitor industry, and an icon of Hawaii.

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