GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $300,000 TO HELP RESTORE HISTORIC HAWAI`I THEATRE

For Immediate Release:  March 28, 2005

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $300,000 to help restore and maintain the historic Hawai`i Theatre Center in Downtown Honolulu.  The Hawai`i Theatre Center has also secured $325,000 in matching funds from private sector donors.

The combined $625,000 grant-in-aid and matching private funds will be used to repair and replace the theatre’s roof; upgrade the lighting system, including replacing the computerized lighting board and installing energy-efficient technologies; upgrade the sound system; pest abatement and control; improve the box office; and repair the air conditioning system.  The improvement projects are expected to begin this summer.

“The Hawai`i Theatre is a jewel in Downtown Honolulu, and its continued restoration contributes to the economic revitalization that is underway in Chinatown,” said Governor Lingle.  “We appreciate the Hawai`i Theatre’s efforts to work with coalition members of the Honolulu Culture & Arts District, as well as local businesses and residents to enhance the quality of life in the area.  This support from the state will help reassure private donors that their contributions and investment in the Hawai`i Theatre Center will be protected by proper maintenance of the building’s physical plant.”

“The visionaries that have brought the Hawai`i Theatre back to its original glory deserve high accolades in addition to our continued support,” said Judy Drosd, chief officer, arts, film and entertainment, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.  “This project stands as a beautiful model of what’s possible when buildings with significant history and grace are preserved for the continued use and enjoyment of the public.”

“Hawai`i Theatre is very grateful for the leadership and support of Governor Lingle in maintaining the historic theatre as it serves Hawai`i’s many arts and cultural organizations and school children,” said Sarah Richards, president of Hawai`i Theatre.

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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus   
Senior Advisor – Communications   
Phone:  586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043

Judy Drosd
Chief, Arts, Film & Entertainment Division, DBEDT
Phone: 586-2364