MEDIA RELEASE

Kona, Hawai‘i, 05.22.09 The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 and Starwood Hotels & Resorts have reached an agreement on contract renegotiations for employees at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on the Kona coast of the Big Island.

The five year contract affects approximately 150 union employees at the resort. The contract covers food and beverage, engineering, housekeeping, bell staff, and culinary departments.

“We are delighted to have successfully reached an agreement that rewards our employees for their hard work yet remains cognizant of the difficult economic situation our industry is faced with,” said Sheraton Keauhou Bay general manager Tetsuji Yamazaki.

Starwood has managed the 521-room resort, formally the Kona Surf, since it reopened in late 2004 following renovation.

Brief Overview of Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa:
Situated on an ancient lava flow at Keauhou Bay , Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is located on 22 oceanfront acres on Hawaii ‘s Big Island . The hotel offers 521 spacious guestrooms and suites featuring ultra-comfortable Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds. The resort’s multi-level Manta Ray Super Slide & Pool and its 200-foot-long lava tube waterslide make water a central feature of the resort. From a viewing area at water’s edge, seeing Manta Ray dance their nightly ocean ballet adds an indelible and cherished memory to the visits of many guests. Ho’ola Spa offers indoors or ocean side patio treatments that are Hawaiian-inspired and focus on health and wellbeing. Resort-wide wireless Internet access makes staying in touch a breeze. An adjacent convention center, a weekly lu’au dinner and show, shopping and dining options on property and nearby along with the lovely Bayside Wedding Center and Chapel make Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa a comforting and obvious choice for any traveler.