The Princeville Resort will close for seven months starting Sept. 19 during renovations to re-brand the hotel as The St. Regis Resort, part of parent company Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ luxury series.

The temporary closure will furlough some 366 employees. The hotel is scheduled to reopen April 19, 2009.

“Recent economic conditions have impacted our business levels, prompting a decision to close rather than remain open” General Manager Kelly Hoen said in a statement. “This approach will not only complete the renovation faster, but also get our associates back to work sooner.”

The resort notified Local 142 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents the workers, to assist staff through the transition.

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(Source: Blake Jones, Kauai Garden Island News)