Terminations trigger turmoil at popular Oahu luau

Musicians have walked out in solidarity, forcing a show to be canceled.
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[@onekewlbraddah8460]

Wow letting them go with 9 and 16 years thats your dedicated employees smh

[@TennesseeHomesteadUSA]

Got rid if them to hire lower-paid people.

[@richardgreen9330]

They gonna give the illegals that job paying less money..

[@rickyayy]

Companies and businesses don't care, ever. When will people realize this fact.

[@bettymagpali5079]

Boycott paradise cove

[@kingmalu39]

it looks it might be happen i remember few weeks ago that they might revovate the area and make it to a shopping center

[@danielroque8504]

@@kingmalu39 Bean counters, ruined Waikiki, the whole island chain is dominated by corporate greed` but the politicians allow this...keep them envelopes coming in once a month...

[@The_Nameless_Entity]

It sucks but Hawaii is an At-Will State. Employees and Employers can terminate at will at anytime without explanation.

[@howzit9397]

Yep exactly! No reason needed! No job is permanent! I been laid off from government jobs two times and laid off from a private employer! Sucks you just have to go hunt for another job or move mainland better job opportunities and low cost of living! Daughter won’t come back so we just might move up there soon

[@cupidok2768]

Oh my God is this a local company that tried to hurt local people

[@ziggzaggzip8241]

100% sad to say😢

[@vienicestyles]

I agree. People just need to move to the mainland and leave this place.

[@charly3575]

Bye all!

[@jkhijirida]

Amazing to see the musicians walk out with their friends. Sadly, this is why there are unions. If every employer treated their employees good, there would be no need for a union. Costco is an example where there will never be a union because in general, their workers are taken care of.

[@verothomas1524]

Starbucks too

[@jdisgood00]

Unions dont do anything but take your money

[@andrewcanady6644]

Wow. Way to be loyal to your employees. What garbage. Sixteen years there? Y’all give her a severance of some kind? Trash company.

[@charly3575]

The workers can only be fired for cause. The dancers were fired for not meeting the terms of their contract, otherwise Ko Olina wouldn’t have been able to fire them. The musicians chose to walk out. That’s what happens sometimes when you stick to your principals. Ethically you do the right thing in your heart, but you fail to uphold the expectations of your employer. We don’t know why the dancers were fired but we do know why the musicians were. They made a choice and now they have to abide by their decision.

[@wisdomveritas6281]

@@andrewcanady6644your saying a worker should get a severance package for dancing for 16 years. That's like saying a McDonald's worker who's been working at McDonald's for 16 years deserves a severance. Haha.

[@andrewcanady6644]

@@wisdomveritas6281 No matter what a worker did. As an employer, if they stick it out with me for that long… YES, they are walking away with something. That’s called loyalty and respect and decency. To me, anyway.

[@wisdomveritas6281]

@@andrewcanady6644 you must be one of those sjw who don't know better.

[@ggductor1511]

Why do you need to be loyal? It’s a job and can happen to anyone

[@rochelle7901]

Mainland style termination tactics tells me that company is not locally owned 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@billl1127]

The President and CEO is Keith Horita. Please look it up yourself and consider deleting your incorrect comment.

[@adantrevizo8549]

Racist. You would know Keith Horita owns it, what an embarrassing comment haha.

[@rochelle7901]

@@adantrevizo8549 Racist???? What does "Mainland Style Termination Tactics" have to do with anyone's race. You're coming across as "Ignorant" if you ask me. #learnyourvocabulary

[@rochelle7901]

@@billl1127 Sorry to contradict you but the Owner is James Campbell Company LLC. James Campbell Company LLC has two operating divisions: Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) and Kapolei Properties Division (KPD). REIM manages the Company’s portfolio of high-quality income-producing real estate assets in 12 states and Washington, D.C. KPD is focused on the developing and leasing property in and around the City of Kapolei on the island of O’ahu, as well as on economic development and job creation in the Kapolei Region. The Paradise Cove Luau is a subsidiary of the James Campbell Company LLC. Your friend Mr. Horita is directed by them and their shareholders.

[@edrader]

@@rochelle7901 quit trolling these unfortunate people

[@fohponomalama5065]

Not sure who owns or controls the Paradise Luau but this appears to be a huge mistake. A Luau is incomplete without the delicious Hawaiian food and a great Hula Show. This is like having a Luau without the Kalua Pug. WTH!

[@wisdomveritas6281]

@@fohponomalama5065 the food isn't that good and it's by far not one of the best luaus on the island.

[@tiba242424]

imagine the thousands lost in prepared food alone each night. the bad word of mouth of disappointed patrons.

[@user-qj4nq6ky9c]

Dance down to your Lawyer's office.

[@kbgreen23]

What a terrible way to treat people, this used to be a great luau. When I heard they wanted to tear it down to build shopping all I could think about is corporate greed. The luau provides a lot of jobs for locals. And used to provide a lot of joy for visitors.

[@GNMi79]

Shopping would provide jobs for locals too, wouldn't it?

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

Speaking of a horrible way to treat people… what about the fact that Paradise cove is owned by Asians and almost all of the performers and employees are Asians or haole?! They’re exploiting and commodifying the Hawaiian culture of which they are not part of… but THATS okay?!

[@kbgreen23]

@@GNMi79 yeah, for sure. But that's a little too simple minded. The luau will employ way more people than it takes to have a few people in each shop making just above minimum wage. Paradise Cove had been a great second job for people actually make good money and tips. You can see how sad these people are. There's a sense of community there, you're not gonna find that at a shopping center.

[@vanessarae4746]

Ka wahine hapai should retain one labor lawyer. She has one solid wrongful termination case.. we get some bulldogs on hawaii island will help her fo certain. Get good settlement for take care dat baby

[@howzit9397]

Nope! At will state! Any employer can let you go without a reason! Just have to push and find another job

[@poginurse]

Yup I agree. Totally about not wanting to provide health insurance and maternity pay to employee allegedly. Two cast members making a family. Shady unethical practice. Hopefully there is a pro Bono attorney that will represent the victims. Better call Saul

[@poginurse]

@@howzit9397 descrimination

[@howzit9397]

@@poginurse how? Employer can let go an employee without a reason! Hawaii is a “at will” state which they can do! I been there asked a lawyer friend and was told the same and she wasn’t they only person to get let got so they wasn’t targeting

[@NuttGreez]

You'd think legislature would ensure their be laws in place for the good of the employee, then you remember our government was "formed" to ensure power over plantation labor. Sadly that view of us being "labor" at the mercy of the plantations has only been carried down and emboldened over the generations. The "Masters" will do as they want.

[@wyattlee9416]

Id like to hear management's explanation for the terminations! Nobody wakes up in the morning and says im gonna randomly fire employees! What led to the terminations is the real question.

[@verothomas1524]

Yes. There’s more to the story.

[@billl1127]

I agree. Until the facts are known you can't jump to conclusions. Management will say personnel issues are confidential, but if they don't provide some response that would be a huge public relations mistake.

[@BrokeDadProductions]

Right. Were they laid off because of budget? Was it because the show changed and they weren’t in the skillset? Should be more to this story. Paradise Cove, in fact all of the shows are expensive. We were there in June 2024 and most of the island was dirty and rundown. A lot of homeless people, but that is typical in major cities. Servers and Uber drivers didn’t seem cheerful. But gas was cheaper in Hawaii than California!

[@jrlara9222]

The fact that they’ve been working there more than 9+ years shows the owners/managers of paradise cove morals of there employees. End of the day it’s wrong. They’ve given there hard work years and time to that job only for the employer to do them dirty like that 🤦‍♂️ nocanliddat

[@dejalaumatia7983]

It’s annoying to see Hawaii like this. Smh.

[@puudavis2007]

Thank you all for supporting your fellow employees

[@glynnjohnson3531]

TODAYS MANAGEMENT DOESN’T GIVE A S H T ABOUT ITS EMPLOYEES AND THERE WILL ALWAYS EXIST WORK PLACE SCABS READY WILLING & ABLE TO TAKE THEIR PLACE. MY SISTER IS A NURSE SCAB. SHE GOES AROUND THE COUNTRY WORKING FOR HOSPITALS WHO’S NURSES ARE ON STRIKE. PEOPLE UNITE!

[@johnc2438]

It was always this way... management a half-century ago: "You're lucky to have a place to hang your hat!" Some things are eternal. Example from Ben-Hur: Admiral to the galley slaves manning the oars: "You are all condemned men. We keep you alive to serve the ship. So row well and live!"

[@88amona]

​@@johnc2438good movie, true statement 👌

[@ReynaldoAba-h9e]

FORM A UNION

[@pinkoceanflower3045]

Paradise Cove is Unprofessional! Don’t give them Business guys. They turned on loyal employees. No Aloha from them 👎

[@charly3575]

Right. People island wide seeking jobs and yet those same people go around trashing the businesses that provide them. No one knows why the dancers were fired as this newscast never mentioned the cause for termination of the dancers. But the musicians violated their contracts by walking out with them. True they did it in solidarity but you don’t commit to that principal unless you are willing to lose it all.

[@djmar6279]

Not given a full explanation on why you're terminated.....what kind of garbage company does that?? Especially when you've given your time, heart, and soul for a long amount of time. 😡

[@billl1127]

Many states, including California, are right to work states. A company can terminate you at any time without any explanation. All they have to say is your services are no longer required.

[@dhn.]

So Paradise implemented the Outback Steakhouse dropkick method?

[@jrlara9222]

Pretty much

[@kenwatanabe7712]

Wow. Way to stand up. People need to spread word and boycott paradise cove.

[@GNMi79]

Yeah, now all the tourists will demand a refund for the show they didn't get. I'm sure that will really help these folks save their jobs.

[@manifest8082]

Its a shame how Hawaii has changed 😢

[@amyeastman8764]

ALL ABOUT $$$$$$$$$

[@benmugunbey6150]

This is so sad. My heart goes out to these people. I would boycott but I can't afford it anyhow

[@tracyalan7201]

Anytime people are out of work after working for a long time it is sad. Even boycotting/picketing, supporting/not supporting the pickets doesn't matter, it's what those in control does. I've had friends, family, and others picket, some got impressive results, others were up the creek with no jobs, no retirement. We can only hope those workers will be able to get employment to be able to survive.

[@jesusromero8827]

That's wrongful termination of all people who operates a company or business this is Wrong. I'd March right to the Department of Labor and file a report for negligence and wrongful intentions without proper addressing the reason for termination. If there are no performances appraisal or evidence of wrongful doing or write up verbal warning. Something not right here. Employees have rights by law.

[@theboringchannel2027]

All legal to do in Hawaii, but thanks for your expert legal opinion

[@777_ATM]

Not cool! Boycott paradise cove!!

[@chasemix808]

The land is owned by the James Campbell Estate while the show is presented by PC Service Inc. with Keith Horita being the President and CEO.

[@NuttGreez]

Always one Japanese Braddah gotta crush locals career paths and turn em into non-committal contract work... Hayashi, Kaneshiro, Mitsubaga etc. Their twisted way at getting back at DeLima and Reiplinger for pointing out these dynamics in their days.

[@GNMi79]

I'm pretty sure Keith Horita is a local too. Herbert Horita was developing real estate on Oahu back in the 1960s. My parents bought their house from him. The Horita family is just as "local" as the two people interviewed in this video. Martini-Forsythe and Hun aren't exactly Native Hawaiian names. Judging by their appearance, they're both Asian.

[@tracyalan7201]

@@GNMi79: I wouldn't judge them by their names. I have lots of mixed heritage relatives with Portuguese, Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Puerto Rican, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, Samoan that how they look, how their names are all accepted by the families regardless of if they have or don't have Hawaiian bloodlines. It's just a name. I've had co-workers naming their children with Hawaiian names with no Hawaiian in the parent's bloodline. As long as they support the culture is all that matters.

[@charly3575]

@@tracyalan7201yeah? Tell that to a Kanaka ma’oli that a haole is just as Hawaiian as they are because they live the culture.

[@GNMi79]

@@tracyalan7201 How are these people "supporting the culture" any more than the Horitas are? These dancers are kind of exploiting the Native Hawaiian culture for financial gain, in my opinion.

[@titosleframa6149]

Heartbreaking... They are so resilient... praying for them 😥😭🙏

[@proudasiangirl576]

Thanks for letting the public know. Now tourist know NOT to patronize there.

[@algernon5776]

It has ooersting alot more than 20 years . I went there on my honeymoon and that waz almost 30 years ago. It was so excellent. Sad to hesr this news

[@JasonB808]

Artists unless they are big time pop stars or comedians have a rough career. They were lucky to have had a stable job in this line of work for so long. Performers on Cruise ship get it far worse. I am pretty sure performers in Vegas also have it rough unless they are some big time act. It’s sad but the performing arts industry always shafts the performer if they have not made a big name for themselves.

[@TokyoJoe3]

So we only hear one side of the story.

[@jamesdolan9702]

Probably going see more of stuff like this.

[@timwilson3150]

I’ve been to Paradise Cove Luau about 17 years ago. It was spectacular!

[@billl1127]

It would be nice to know why they were terminated. Was it over-staffing? Performance? Downturn in attendance? Or just getting rid of the higher paid employees and hiring some 18 yo's.

[@brianlo164]

Courageous Solidarity against injustice is a beautiful thing

[@jaywatson9476]

Sad 😢😢😢. May God be with all the employees 😊🙏💜....

[@neimanfiaseu8281]

🖕🏼paradise cove

[@ekimbrough1413]

Just another day in Paradise - Phil Collins

[@paulobaptista164]

I always recommended Paradise Cove to all the tourists that asked me. Not anymore, in fact I’ll recommend to avoid completely.

[@deez8086]

News… do your thing!

[@byronharano2391]

Oh no! Sad.

[@DRAKKENFIRE22]

I was never a big fan of Paradise Cove. The food is lousy. I prefer the Polynesian Center. It’s far superior!

[@sondersrn8061]

Being employee is RISKY R.I.P. Jim Rohn

[@ssparrrkyy]

Employers will have NO loyalty to their employees, remember that. Everyone is replaceable.

[@Critique808]

Never get attached to employer. You never know when you'll get terminated. You go in to do job. That's it.

[@vienicestyles]

Boycott!

[@GNMi79]

Then they all lose their jobs. How does that solve the problem?

[@CelloandAnayaJ]

What was the reason

[@ziggzaggzip8241]

At Will? Then sad to say that company have every right to terminate employment without cause. 😢😢

[@TarragonofVirtue]

If there is a discrimination claim then they will need to show cause or it will look like they fired an employee from at least one protected class.

[@cherieharley4532]

30 years ago, I lived in Honolulu for a year. People came to visit us, we went to alot of Luau's. My family and I really loved the food and the show, and the activities. What a shame how these employees were treated. Paradise Cove was an enjoyable experience 30 years ago. I have no idea what it is like now. I feel for the people that paid for and didn't get to see the show. The way they treated their employees and their paying customers is a major disappointment.

[@jdemeter4357]

When would retirement package start ? Or any other benefits? For now probably looking for cheaper performer's

[@GNMi79]

Retirement package? 😂 I guess that would depend on how much they've put into their 401k accounts.

[@destinyreturns4885]

Paradise Cove to be "sunsetted". This was reported over a month ago. The land is being taken back, and the place is going to close anyway. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2fQe5KQg9yUgck

[@RobustArid379]

Nooo

[@mixflip]

The luau is probably not owned by locals or Hawaiians.

[@wajo0505]

AUWE! SO HEWA!! At least they should be eligible for unemployment benefits. I was kinda/sorta terminated, denied UIB, appealed and won my case. So… it’s possible, GOOD LUCK!!❤❤🎉❤❤

[@Mikomido5]

Did someone take over the company??

[@erikh9991]

Exactly. I saw this at a college restaurant job I had. The restaurant wasn't performing so it got new management. In one week, they fired 5 of the top 10 employees. Who knows why. All I know is that I was number 9 and got bumped to 4. I got more shifts and better shifts.

[@GNMi79]

​​@@erikh9991Probably because they were the highest paid employees. That's how you save money. Hire cheaper workers.

[@wisdomveritas6281]

There's always 2 sides to the story

[@jcougar55]

you know something or you just saying?

[@wisdomveritas6281]

@@jcougar55 I used to work at Paradise Cove and know the people and they don't just fire dancers and workers for no reason. Dancers are known to have sex with co-workers and guests. Doing the latter is a no no amongst other things that workers and dancers shouldn't be doing but have done until they were caught. While it's sad that they lost their jobs, don't sit here on the news and act blameless in the whole thing. If they were serious about being fired for no reason, then any person with a high school education would seek legal counsel right away if the job was worth fighting for. But instead they are only telling a small portion of what is happening from their side

[@jonnque]

thats so messed up

[@libramoon9968]

"at will". Thanks Hawaii

[@andyleo8418]

I like to hear the company's side of the story. There must be reason why they let go of those employees.

[@higuy6717]

Did you even pay attention to the reporter? At the very end, he said he reached out to them comment and there was NO RESPONSE. That was their opportunity to give their side of the story, and they declined. Which usually means that they know they're doing something wrong.

[@andyleo8418]

@@higuy6717 they can't comment on employee matters. That would be violating employment laws. So of course they can't comment. The reporter knows that, but doesn't mention it so he looks like a hero to the viewers. Don't fall for the media's dirty tricks. Something happened, but we'll never know because the employer doesn't want to be sued.

[@TheMkarr]

Hawaii is a "rite to work" state. Also a rite to fire. A luau isn't a real steady profession. I was a musician & entertainment always goes 1st in the economy. It's the easiest way to cut back on things.

[@kanakamokunui1039]

I would say the problem is much bigger than that.The state and government along with entities shut down comments that hurts them.

[@dorthymcbride3384]

Mismanagement

[@patkelly8309]

Terminated is a strong word.

[@raiderfrankdatank]

All companies are letting people go...

[@somebodywhocares9293]

Don't go there no more.

[@damsel72]

Pregnant and at 21 weeks- what a disgrace . They charge so much for that luau- it’s not free. Good for the workers.

[@ronica2623]

Letting someone go when pregnant? I don’t think so. I wonder what else might be going on not in this video

[@UnknownPerson-ub8ox]

Good lord it’s peak season everyone going to Hawaii for summer. I don’t understand why they did this. Horrible management.

[@jaysoncarter5093]

I heard Paradise Cove is pushed out. Forced to close.

[@maxangeles6279]

this is life. no guarantees.

[@Hawaiian80882]

A'ole!!...Pi'lau Paradise Cove Management!

[@marioahu5000]

Lawsuit!!

[@david-gg8sk]

This article is understandibly of dedicated employees mistreated by their source of livelihood.

[@lindatohara6438]

Something happened they aren’t saying.

[@danlee1339]

That's how terrible these companies are. They act like they care, but they don't. I happy that other staff refused to perform

[@tedmoser3657]

The company lived well by previous decision, they're now dying by this decision.

[@Jdigger4130]

bummer, feel like the pregnant lady said here's why n then nothing, im guessing that they wanted a new group if they were taking applications. hope ya guys can find new work.

[@stargazer5073]

Start a show in Las Vegas

[@Chicago48]

Are they going younger????

[@ORIGIN67G]

props to them for walking out right when the show was about to start! lol. 🤙

[@Mauser1965]

Everyone comprehends at will, but if a business chooses to hire and fire on short notice. Others who do gig type performances will go there, while career performers will avoid it. Always enjoy a well rehearsed performance that's performed by a troupe whose familiar with their stage.

[@chrisretired5379]

Par Cove is going down. We are here in Alaska watching this, are now canceling that out of the list

[@chrisc2258]

Sea life park aloha kai luau is good

[@chrisretired5379]

@@chrisc2258 Right On ! 👍👍👍

[@jameschan9634]

Does Paradise Cove have new owners? Haoles, perhaps? That is so not in the Aloha Spirit.

[@Critique808]

Go apply Aulani. I heard they're looking for entertainers.

[@animatsuri]

The whole business will be shutting down in a few years, so they are letting go the employees that cost them the most on the payroll. People still working there best start looking for other places to work while they still can.

[@kevinmcbride5534]

Keep voting democrat, and see what happened in the mainland.everything takes a least a year before Hawaii sees what is going on.lived there in the 90s,I can honestly say the politicians in the state are for themselves and nothing else.state controlled by politicians.

[@LonnieBrewer-dd4wi]

This has nothing to do with political party affiliation.

[@hawaiianpunch6534]

If they let people go it was because of lack of revenue. Everything is closing across the board even my company that i worked for is gone.

[@jeanyclattenburg9829]

Isn’t this property slated for redeveloped next year?

[@NativeEarthlingAI]

Backstory prolly includes the existing dancers trying to unionize or something. Entitlement is strong in Hawaii.

[@opunui2742]

You can file a lawsuit in which the correct procedures was not followed! You can collect unemployment and owe taxes later. Let them pay one way or another! Reasons are unjust! All of you don’t deserve this! All serve aloha at a constant! Good luck in your future! Malama 🤙🏽

[@jimas9775]

Where there is smoke there is fire… something going on 🤔

[@charly3575]

When you stand in solidarity, you commit to your ethics. Nice. You also put your job on the line if you walk off, en masse, on a moments notice and leave the clients without entertainment they paid a ransom for. Because of your commitment, you choose to ruin the evening of many eager patrons who were not mixed into your drama. You embarrassed the venue, the business and yourselves. Essentially, you quit and opened the hotel up for a lawsuit. And NOW you want a “conversation?” Everyone saying the firing was unjust but clearly the firing, came with negotiated terms that were not met. We don’t know why the dancers were fired and if they were fired justly, the musicians had no business following the walkout unless they were prepared for the consequences. Everybody got what they deserved and nobody won. Principals are like that sometimes. The results suck but you all made your choices, so now live with them. I’m tired of media maligning businesses that work within the parameters of their contracts. These businesses give great jobs with benefits but nobody appreciates it until they’re gone. Bottom line, live with your decisions.

[@jasonjackson5696]

We are currently living in an insane asylum ….

[@GNMi79]

That doesn't seem like a business you should expect to work at for life. Tourists don't want to see pregnant dancers who are 16 years past their prime. May sound harsh, but it's a fact. Develop some other skills.

[@Bruce_LeRoyy]

Lawsuit is ready to offer them a really long maternity leave🙂

[@glengilbow8068]

Fix the damn transcript from rolling too fast to read what’s being said!!!

[@DerekLoando]

Don't say you don't know why? You got away with it... Tighten up...have consideration not only you was affected everyone who works there especially ones preparing food.

[@alankim8267]

They should sue paradise cove for wrongful termination.

[@checosmith9195]

Wallet $$$ greedy

[@londonbobby69]

The fire dancer group show was canceled because the other dancers didn't want to perform because their 2 friends were terminated. The show must go on! Solidarity is a dangerous word in this new world order. I hope they find new jobs, especially the hapai girl.

[@fernb247]

This is why unions are important

[@ligairi]

Boycott in order

[@user-rh8fl8qz2z]

Things happen. Time to move on.

[@ruam9837]

Check labor law

[@danielroque8504]

Who wants to work for a company that does this!! Shame of them`. Paradise Cove literally shut down their luau~

[@PamelaTaylor]

I CAN BELIEVE THAT DONT BE SURPISED IF THEY GOT ROBOTS