By Rolynda Jonathan
An agreement has been forged between the Marshall Islands and a Hawaii hotel chain to boost preparations for the Pacific Islands Forum meetings scheduled for September 2013 in Majuro.
Aqua Hotels and Resorts have agreed to a consulting contract with the Marshall Islands Resort to speed up renovations, staff training and other preparations for the 44th PIF. Officials from Aqua Hotels and Resorts visited the country and met with several governmental officials including RMI President Christopher Loeak. Evaluation of rooms, kitchen and other facilities were made with aim to put a price on renovation costs and requirements needed to bring the hotel up to standards.
Hirobo Obeketang, Marshall Islands Resort general manager estimates costs for renovation at $800,000, however the figure may increase depending on the assessment from the consulting resort. The Marshall Islands Resort was originally built to host the Pacific Islands Forum in 1996.