 FL MORRIS / FLMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COMThe Aikahi Twin theaters at the Aikahi Shopping Center in Kailua, above, could get a new owner as Consolidated Theatres considers terminating its lease early. The Keolu Center Cinemas are set to close in April. CLICK FOR LARGE |
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Kailua theaters to close doors
Keolu Center Cinemas will close in April and the Aikahi Twin space could get a new tenant
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Kailua moviegoers may soon have to travel out of the neighborhood to watch the latest motion picture.
The Keolu Center Cinemas are set to shut down by the end of April, while the Aikahi Park Shopping Center is negotiating for a new tenant to take over the Aikahi Twin theater space.
Smaller community theaters in recent years have seen a dramatic decline in attendance as theater operators open larger multiplex cinemas in the surrounding area.
More residents are choosing to attend the larger theaters with more amenities, many of which are being built in retail complexes with a variety of shops and restaurants.
The loss of Kailua's two community theaters would leave the closest multiplex cinemas at Windward Mall and Koolau Center in Kaneohe.
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Kailua movie buffs wanting to catch a flick soon may be left without a neighborhood theater.
The Keolu Center Cinemas are set to shut down by the end of April, while the Aikahi Park Shopping Center is negotiating for a new tenant to take over the Aikahi Twin theater space.
The loss of the two neighborhood theaters would leave the closest multiplex cinemas at Windward Mall and Koolau Center in Kaneohe.
The Aikahi Twin is the last double-screen cinema run by Consolidated Theatres, which shut down the Varsity Twin Cinema on University Avenue in June after 67 years because of declining attendance.
The Aikahi theater's lease expires in 18 years, but Consolidated is considering terminating the lease early because it is no longer financially viable.
"We've made it very clear to the center that that theater is not performing well, and if they have a better use of that space, we would certainly not stand in the way," said Scott Brazwell, Consolidated's vice president of operations. "That type of theater doesn't draw the attendance it used to -- most people want to go to the megaplex theaters with more amenities."
Justine Jeremiah, an 18-year-old Enchanted Lake resident, agrees that Kailua's aged theaters no longer appeal to most area residents, particularly the younger generation.
"It would be better if they had a bigger complex," she said. "The ones that we have now are a little run-down -- a bigger complex would be better to attract more people."
Meanwhile, Portland, Ore.-based Hollywood Theaters has opted not to renew its lease, which expires April 30, on the four-screen $1 movie complex at the Keolu Shopping Center. This leaves the only other $1 movie theater at Restaurant Row.
"People want the stadium seating," said Steve Sofos, the leasing agent for the property. "Anything smaller than a 10-plex theater is obsolete today."
The Keolu center is in discussions with prospective tenants and plans to renovate the building, which has been operated for 15 years by a family-owned company, Sofos said.
Despite Keolu's impending closure, Hollywood Theaters -- formerly known as Wallace Theaters -- is looking to expand its presence in the islands.
The company has been searching for sites in Kapolei and on the neighbor islands, but hasn't yet found a space with enough parking.
Hollywood Theaters in recent years has closed underperforming complexes, including the Enchanted Lake Cinemas in 2003 and the Kailua Theatres in 2005.
Besides the Restaurant Row theaters, the company will continue to operate the Laie Cinemas on Oahu and eight multiplexes on the neighbor islands: the Big Island's Kress Cinemas and Prince Kuhio Theatres in Hilo; Makalapua Cinemas in Kona; the Maui Mall theaters in Kahului; Maui's Front Street Theatre and Wharf Cinemas in Lahaina; Kauai's Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa; and the Maunaloa Town theaters on Molokai.
