Lāi'e residents will need to plan for a few changes in the neighborhood in coming months. The Lāi'e Chevron gas station will be closing January 14, 2013 with plans to relocate to the Lāi'e Shopping Center area.

The closing marks the beginning of the 7-month site cleaning process for gas station facilities, which is necessary to make way for the new Lāi'e Hotel. Depending on the final site selection and permitting process, residents can expect at least a year of down time before the opening of the new station.

 

 

  

 

"We want to give folks in our community notice so they can plan for this necessary break in service. While there may be some inconvenience during this break, discussions with Chevron are promising for a state-of-the-art gas station that will include an environmentally friendly car wash that will operate with recycled water, and for the first time provide a welcomed amenity for the community," said Eric Beaver, president of land manager Hawaii Reserves, Inc.

 

During the closure residents can fill up at the next closest gas station, Aloha Petroleum at the Kahuku Sugar Mill site. The specific location and design of the new Lāi'e Chevron is being finalized and details will be announced soon.

 

"We realize this means progress for our community, and we're looking forward to the new facility," said Pane Meatoga, Lāi'e Community Association president.

 

The Lāi'e McDonald's will also be relocated in coming months. It will be moving to a location further north on the hotel property site.

 

Plans for the Lāi'e Hotel continue to move forward. The developer has completed its evaluation of the project and has received approval from Marriott to operate a Courtyard franchise in Lāi'e. The last item to complete is financing, with a groundbreaking event anticipated sometime during the first half of next year. Watch for more news about the hotel in an upcoming newsletter.