Hotel workers rallied yesterday in Waikiki to bolster their position in contract negotiations. The hotel workers union, Unite Here Local 5, organized the rally, which police said drew about 1,200 people.

John Edwards, a former United States senator and vice presidential candidate, spoke at the rally.

Local 5 has begun or will soon begin contract negotiations with the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, the four Sheraton properties in Waikiki and the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa.

Contracts expire June 30 for nine O'ahu hotels, including the Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton and the Sheraton properties. A contract for Ala Moana Hotel employees has been extended to Aug. 31. Contracts for the 10 Honolulu hotels cover about 6,000 employees.

ASTON HOTEL GETS UPGRADE

ResortQuest Hawaii has completed a $380,000 renovation of guest rooms at the Aston Honolulu Prince Hotel in Waikiki.

Renovations to the hotel's 119 guest rooms include new furnishings, drapes, carpets and art. The hotel's lobby and front desk reception area also will be renovated by the end of the year.

"Best Daily Rates" at the Aston Honolulu Prince begin at $73 nightly for a hotel room, $140 nightly for a one-bedroom suite and $176 nightly for a two-bedroom suite.

BOEING LAYS OFF 30 ON MAUI

WAILUKU, Maui — Boeing Co. has laid off 30 of its 240 employees on Maui as a result of a cut in defense spending.

Maria McCullough, spokeswoman for Boeing Missile Defense Systems in Washington, said some of the employees may be offered positions elsewhere in the company. She said the layoffs involved various departments.

Boeing has offices in Kahului and Kihei, with employees also stationed at the Maui Space Surveillance Site at the summit of Haleakala.