Wallace Theaters
expands in Hilo

The chain is buying
two theater sites and will
turn one into a multiplex

By Peter Wagner
Star-Bulletin

Wallace Theater Corp. is moving into Hilo in a big way, with plans for a 12-screen multiplex at the Prince Kuhio Shopping Center and fancy renovations at the Waiakea Shopping Plaza.

The company today announced it has acquired Consolidated Amusement Co. theaters at the two Big Island locations.

"We have been impressed with Hilo's future and we are focused on making a greater commitment to that growth," said Brett Havlik, general manager at Wallace.

The theater company, which operates 150 theaters in the United States and in the Pacific, opened Kress Cinema in Hilo in 1995.

The company plans to demolish the former Consolidated twin theater at Prince Kuhio after summer and begin construction of the 30,000 square-foot multiplex. The project is targeted for completion by next summer.

Meanwhile, the three-screen Consolidated theater at Waiakea will have immediate renovations.

Havlik said Hilo is a "middle market" -- a community of 40,000 to 100,000 -- that is a made-to-order market for Wallace.

"That's our game," he said. "We're a middle-market operation. Our strategy is to build the niche theater in the middle-market area."

Consolidated, by contrast, looks for larger markets, and bigger multiplexes, he said.

Wallace has settled into Hawaii's smaller markets with theaters on Molokai; in Lahaina; Kapaa, Kauai; Kona and Hilo on the Big Island; and in rural Oahu neighborhoods. With the additions, Wallace will operate 60 screens across the state.

The new Hilo multiplex is to feature rocking "stadium" seats, high-quality sound and high-resolution screens, the company said. Also planned is computerized box office stations for advance ticketing.

Renovations at the Waiakea theaters are to include new high-back seating, new sound system, marble and granite flooring, and high-resolution screens.