hmmm..."look at alternative non-Marriott properties" sounds to me like he was open to suggestions.
Yes, those doves in Ft. Derussy park can be killer.
We always stay in the Ali'i Tower overlooking the Park and have never seen anything even remotely dangerous day or night. I wouldn't think of walking across a dark park anywhere, but that's just me. And the rooms were just renovated a few years ago so they do not look tired. But I do realize some don't like that hotel and its location, and that's ok. It did fit his criteria for "on the beach".