Key-holding members at the Kauai Gym have had to poach to get inside this week after the lessee of the business changed her mind about buying it in the aftermath of the former owner’s death. Locks will likely be changed
Key-holding members at the Kauai Gym have had to poach to get inside this week after the lessee of the business changed her mind about buying it in the aftermath of the former owner’s death.
Locks will likely be changed if members who purchased keys continue to use the gym, said attorney Margaret Jane Nakamatsu, who represents the family of the former owner.
It’s the latest twist in a bizarre, tragic tale.
John Elwin, the Kaua‘i resident and former owner, was murdered in the Philippines in May after his identity was allegedly stolen by a man who traveled with him.
Elwin had plans to sell the gym to Jackie Reding, who leased it from him over the past two years until Oct. 31. Luis Soltren, a long-time Elwin friend who built the gym, was executor of Elwin’s estate until last week.
Now, Nakamatsu said Ladye H. Martin has been appointed as the special administrator for Elwin’s estate. But a notice was posted on the door of the gym on Tuesday with the Elwins’ phone number, a number Nakamatu said should not be called for inquiries about gym memberships.
“The family is in terrible grief, and don’t need this right now,” Nakamatsu said, adding all inquiries can be made directly to her.
In the meantime, it is not clear whether Martin, who did not return phone calls to The Garden Island, will run the gym.
What is clear is that the gym’s electricity was shut off this week — something that hasn’t deterred die hard weight-lifting enthusiasts like Shane Enos, who has been frequenting Kauai Gym for more than 11 years.
Enos, whose $55 dues are paid each month automatically from his bank account, pays the extra $5 per month to carry a key to the gym, which allows him to continue his workouts, despite the lack of electricity and staff.
“We paid our dues and this is our passion and what we love doing,” Enos said. “It’s not fair that we paid and can’t use it.”
Enos, part of a group of weightlifters who get up as early as 4:30 a.m. to work out, said he can still get his workouts in, but said those accustomed to working out after work are at a loss because no daylight means no light at all.
“It’s not right,” he said. “They’ve paid too, and they can’t even get a workout in.”
Nakamatsu said because the lights are off, members shouldn’t go in, even if they have keys.
“It’s not safe,” she said.
For those who signed up for automatic draft, Nakamatsu recommended canceling the debit with the bank.
Nakamatsu also said she is hopeful the gym will reopen, but said it’s too early to say whether that is possible.
• Amanda C. Gregg, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
