A measure at the Honolulu City Council calls for the city to acquire the neglected Queen Theater in Kaimuki by eminent domain.
Introduced Wednesday by Council Chair Tommy Waters, Resolution 21-158 asks the administration to take several steps in that direction, such as preparing land surveys and appraisals of the property.
After those actions are completed, it asks the city to negotiate a purchase of the property.
If acquired, the property at 3588 Waialae Ave. would be turned into a public multi-purpose venue for theatrical, musical, and community performances.
The resolution says property owner Narciso H. Yu Jr. has not maintained the property. The resolution says Yu has rejected numerous offers to purchase the theater and appears to be "generally reluctant to sell."
Neighbors have complained of illicit and illegal activities at the property. The neighborhood board has raised concerns about Queen Theater at three consecutive meetings this year, but their concerns were not addressed—until now, the resolution says.
The Queen Theater was built in 1936 but has not operated as a venue since the 1980s. During its operational years, it hosted numerous traveling shows and rock concerts, and screened hundreds of movies.
