Coconut Marketplace cinema closes

WAIPOULI — The curtains closed on Coconut Marketplace Cinemas in Waipouli last week, bringing the current number of movie theaters on the island to two.

The theater had been planning to vacate the space since Chicago-based M & J bought Coconut Marketplace in March 2007, according to senior vice president David Harvey.

At that time parent company Hollywood Theaters entered into a short-term lease with M & J because its plans for the theater could not be carried out in the dated space, Harvey said.

Hollywood spokeswoman Heather Wright did not comment on the closure by press time.

As for the now-empty theater, M & J is currently looking into its options for the space. Harvey said the company would like to convert the top floor into a restaurant, but office space is also on the table.

A feasibility study will begin soon to determine the costs of installing an elevator and adding windows, among other repairs. M & J recently hired an architect to conduct a feasibility study for the plans.

For the time being, residents looking to catch their favorite stars on the silver screen will have to travel to Kukui Grove 4 Cinemas in Lihu‘e or Waimea Theatre on the Westide.