The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-10-04
PLANS FOR LARGER HOTEL NOTHING IN WAR RvMORS /
TWO STORIES MAY BE ADDED TO
PRESENT STRUCTURE.
An Annex on Bishop Property at Wal
kil<i-Colonel Macfarlane Talks of
His Brothers Plans.

The plans of f. c. Macfarlane for
the improvement of the hotel proper
ty which he purchased from the Gov
ernment last Friday were partially
made public today in an interview
with his brother, Colonel George Mac
farlane. 1t is in the plan to incorpo-
rate hotel company, which will al
so own the Bishop property at Wailli-
XII, where an extensive beach annex
will be built. About $4,000 is to be
expended at once in the improvement
of the present building, in the way of
alterations. new bath rooms. new fur
niture and a general renovation.
Colonel Macfarlane denies the sto-
ry that the hotel property was pur-
chased by his brother merely to get
it out of the market, in order that an
other and larger building might be
put up elsewhere. "My brother" said
the Colonel, ''did plan to build else
where if the hotel building was turn
ed into a school, as was proposed. s.
c. Desky had made a proposition to
him, and so had w. G.. Irwin, who
wanted to build on the property back
of the opera house. He had these
propositions in view on my return
from California, and had also made
the Government an offer of $35,000 for
the hotel property.
"The Government fixed the upset
price at $4,000, which my brother
considered too high, in view of the
prices fixed by the owners of adioin-
ing property, necessary to lease or
buy in connection with the hotel prop
osition. Having had some fifteen
years experience as an interested par
ty in the business l advised him to
buy, even if the price was $60,0O0 The
property, with all improvements, cost
the Government over $140,000, to say
nothing of the real estate value. The
same buildings could not be put up,
with drainage, ETC., for less than
$125,000 today. | consider he has Sc
cured the property for less than 50
per cent of its real value.
Several plans are under consider
alton for extensive improvements. 1t
is my idea to add two stories to the
hotel, each with modern rooms en-
suite with private baths, and other
accommodations. This would not be
practicable without better drainage
system. And by the way, Minister
Damon said to me a few days ago that
he hoped to see the drainage system
put in very soon.
another plan suggerted is to build
wings and cottages. In good time. as
soon as business will warrant it. these
improvements viii be mHde. In the
meantime not only will the hotel be
renovated thoroughly, but the service
and cuisine will be improved, and the
place will be made first class in every
particular.
"The statement that General War
field of the California Hotel Company.
who once figured on the purchase of
this property, is interested with nv
brother, amounts to nothing. Gener-
al Warfeld would have taken the
property had not my brother wanted
it. 1t is probable that when the stock
company is formed the California Ho-
tel Company will be purchaser of
stock. but it was not "A party to the
purchase of the hotel.
"You probably know that my bro
| ther has leased on long term the
Bishop premises on the Waikiki beach.
which he will improve as an annex To
the hotel. Among the contemplated
pretty cottages, big lanai over the
water and a first class restaurant. IT
is possible, however, that this beach
annex may be made separate hotel
proposition. 1t is perhaps the pretti-
est place on the beach, and has splen-
did bathing facilities"
For the present no change in the
hotel staff is contemplated. The i'm
provements will be pushed ahead un-
der the direction Of the new owner
In the meantime the stock company
scheme will be put on foot. There
seems to be no doubt that the compa-
nv scheme can easily he hoated. and
after that the extensive permanent
| improvements now talked of will be
decided upon. Mr.. Nncfarlare seems
thoroughly satisfied with his pur-
chase, and saws he can now afford to
make it first class hotel