The Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu was the victim of a Christmas Eve break-in.
Executive Director Melissa Geiger said the only damage to the historic building was a couple of broken windows. Once inside, the perpetrator tossed around some items stored in the lobby and dressing room. The contents of shelves and cabinets were spread widely, but the auditorium, office and theatrical equipment were untouched.
“It was unclear how long they were in the building or when they got in,” she said.
Geiger said police called the incident a crime of opportunity, with nothing being stolen. However, the antique Peerless Projector that sits outside of the theater was tossed over.
“We are very grateful that the damage wasn’t worse, rehearsal and our day-to-day work will continue interrupted. The Hawaii Police Department worked quickly on Friday (Dec. 24) and took a suspect into custody. We are assisting the police in their inquiry, and will of course follow the case through prosecution. The building was secured in the early morning hours of Christmas, and volunteers are already working on cleanup. Although you may see plywood covering the windows for a little while, rest assured that the Aloha Theatre is just as strong as ever!” the theater said on its website.
Police spokesperson Denise Laitinen said police responded to 6:45 p.m. call on Christmas Eve of a woman yelling in the roadway fronting the theater in Kainaliu. A 40-year-old woman was arrested for criminal trespass, and was released pending investigation. She has not yet been charged.
The Aloha Theatre building is steeped in Kona history. Completed in 1932 as the Tanimoto Theatre, it was an active movie house and a chief source of entertainment for residents of Kona, especially coffee workers. Hatsuzo Tanimoto also built the still-in-operation Honokaa People’s Theatre and the abandoned Kona Theatre in Captain Cook. The named was changed to Aloha Theatre after World War II, and ownership of the property has changed hands many times over the years. A stage was added in the 1980s and live community theatre performances began to complement movie showings.
Renovations to the stage, dressing rooms and seats were completed in the 1990s, making the auditorium more suitable for live theater. In 2016, the theater was purchased by the Aloha Performing Arts Company, creating a stable home for APAC’s live theater presentations and performances by other community groups. APAC is also concerned with preserving the historic building that is an important part of the cultural fabric of Kona.
“Little was done until we bought the building, so we are gradually making our way through a long list of deferred maintenance,” said Geiger.
APAC have made upgrades to the electric, plumbing and interior. Presently, the nonprofit is renovating the restrooms, with plans to address other areas of the building.
Geiger said APAC’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” is still slated for live performances starting Feb. 18 with the theater adhering to strict COVID protocols. Tickets will go on sale mid-January and will available at apachawaii.org.