John Byrne III, the new owner of Alyeska ski resort in Alaska, has plans to make the resort more family-oriented and more "Alaskan." He's telling media he's planning to gradually reduce the Japanese influence of the Seibu Corporation, the previous owners. The Hotel Alyeska has a new name after Byrne spent $4 million so far on hotel renovations. New employee housing is under construction and guests on the ski slopes this winter will find two new magic carpets in place. It's part of a further $4.5 million he's spending on the mountain, including new snowmaking equipment and trail improvements. That's the family-friendly bit. He's also taking aim at greening up Girdwood, starting with a recycling program.