Categorized | Entertainment

Funds kick in to repair Kahilu Theatre

MEDIA RELEASE

The Kahilu Theatre will finally have a new look thanks to the release of a $1.5 million general obligation bond fund grant by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

The legislature appropriated these funds in 2013.

“The Kahilu Theatre has and will continue to play a substantial role in bringing culture and the arts to Waimea,” said Sen. Malama Solomon, who represents District 4-Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona.

“It holds a special place in the hearts of many of our Hawaii Island residents, including my ohana who has shared hula in this theatre numerous times over the years,” she said.

“The $1.5 million will really set the stage for the theatre, performers and community members. The theatre has been part of Waimea for more than 30 years and has not had significant repairs or upgrades since being built in 1981. These funds are needed to update and modernize a beloved Hawaii hub for the performing arts,” she added. “I was also delighted to see the theatre back from its yearlong intermission last year, and with its new and invigorating strategic plan for the future, including becoming more of a community hub, I hope to see it flourish for another 30 years.”

The Kahilu Theatre was built by Parker Ranch owner Richard Smart to the cost of $1.5 million.

After years of economic hardship due to several factors, the Theatre Board chose to close its curtain to focus on paying off debts and creating a new strategic plan to propel it into the future.

Today, the theatre is focusing on establishing itself as a community hub for culture and the arts as well as community events and youth arts education programs.

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