WAIMEA – The historic Waimea Theatre opened early last Friday morning, for a special visit from 41 students of ‘Ele’ele School. The students were treated to a viewing of the box-office hit, “Anna and the King.” The visiting students were
WAIMEA – The historic Waimea Theatre opened early last Friday morning, for a
special visit from 41 students of ‘Ele’ele School.
The students were
treated to a viewing of the box-office hit, “Anna and the King.”
The
visiting students were fifth and sixth graders who serve their school as Junior
Police Officers (JPO’s) and Flag Raisers. The JPO’s primary responsibility is
to ensure school safety by acting as crossing guards.
The students were
accompanied by the JPO advisors: Misty Miyamoto, Alix Jordan, Barbara Sayegusa,
Susan Hironaka and Lisa Muraoka.
Advisor and school guidance counselor
Misty Miyamoto, who wanted to reward the students for their hard work, said,
“Although the field trip is usually scheduled for December, this year I waited
until the Waimea Theatre was open to schedule the outing.”
She was
hoping an appropriate movie would be available, and she was not
disappointed.
The students were appreciative of the generosity of theatre
manager Bob Inguagiato, who held over “Anna and the King” when he heard of the
students’ interest in viewing it.
Inguagiato was impressed with the
students’ respect for and interest in the renovated theatre, which stands as a
landmark, preserving and protecting Waimea’s unique architectural character and
historic resources.
Miyamoto, who grew up in Waimea, said she wanted the
students to not only enjoy the recreational aspect of the outing, but wanted
them to experience first hand the Waimea she has known and loved.
She
said she is pleased that the theater is once again a keystone in the community
and compliments west side lifestyles and cultural traditions.
After the
show, the students either walked to the nearby Subway or Pacific Pizza &
Deli for their choice of lunch.
They culminated the community tour with a
visit to the Boys and Girls Club of Hawai’i’s Waimea Clubhouse, where the
students enjoyed the facilities, especially the basketball courts.
The
Waimea Theatre, which is operated by the non-profit West Kaua’i Professional
and Business Association (WKPBA), is available for community utilization and
may be reserved through manager Bob Inguagiato at 338-2027.
Inguagiato
hopes more people will make use of this community resource equipped with an 864
square foot stage for live shows, meetings, cinema films and special events.
For movie titles and showtimes call 339-0282.
