A Hopeful Hollywood Ending

Last Maunaloa Town picture show, plans for new theater in works.

and forget about what’s going on.” An uplifting escape can be particularly helpful during tough times.

The movie theater closure last week coincided with the closure of the Molokai Lodge, the Kaupoa Beach Village, Kaluakoi Golf Course, and the Maunaloa gas station. “I’m personally disappointed by the Ranch’s decision” to close, contractor Glenn Mohn said, explaining that he understands the company’s need to make money, but didn’t feel that the closure would help.

“What theater do you know that let’s you drive your motorcycle into the lobby?” Mohn said, sharing fond memories of the neighborhood theater.

Community members showed their support for the theater by hosting a potluck before the final screening. “I came out to support the people that live here,” former Maunaloa resident Drake Wells said. He reminisced about past theater experiences in Kualapu`u and Kaunakakai and said he is hopeful that the island will have a new theater soon.

“It’s like a family up here, everybody takes care of everybody,” Uncle Butch Tabanoa said. Having lived in Maunaloa since 1974, Tabanoa has seen the island overcome challenges in the past. “It makes Molokai stronger.”