HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Queen Theater in Kaimuki has been an eye-sore for decades. The city is threatening to take over if the owner doesn’t do something about it soon.
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The Queen Theater atop Waialae Avenue – built in 1936, vacant since 1985. She’s definitely seen better days.
“We’ve been looking to restore that for a loooong time,” said Tommy Waters, Honolulu council chair. “I’ve been waiting for the owner to step up their game, and at this point we’re considering condemnation.”
Waters initally introduced a bill 3 years ago but pulled it because the owner said he’d work on it. But nothing’s happened.
“Just like Diamond Head is to Hawaii, Queen Theater is Kaimuki,” said Lori Yamada, Envision Kaimuki Director.
“Every time I see it, it’s an eye sore,” said Susie Kam. “You have to fix em up.”
Now, the owner’s daughter says she’s in charge of the redevelopment and ready to move forward immediately.