Neighbors oppose music at The Shack

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

HAWAI'I KAI — Despite complaints about noise that nearby residents say already emanates from The Shack at Hawai'i Kai Shopping Center, the restaurant is applying for a temporary permit that would allow live music on its lanai.

Noise is a sore subject with residents who live across Hawai'i Kai Marina, about 300 feet away.

A little more than a year ago, the community complained to the Honolulu Liquor Commission about ambient noise from the bar, such as laughter and shouting. The commission ordered the restaurant's management to work out a solution with the residents.

Since then, The Shack has spent about $250,000 to remodel its lanai and erect glass doors that can be closed when music is being played, said Andy Lindberg, director of operations for the four Hawai'i Shack restaurants.

"We have a 'good neighbor' policy," Lindberg said. "We don't want to disrupt the neighborhood, but we wanted live music once in a while."

The restaurant/bar is seeking permission from the Liquor Commission to try live or recorded music and dancing for 90 days. If it works out, The Shack would like to make it a permanent feature, Lindberg said.

The commission will hear the request at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Pacific Park Plaza, 711 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 600.

Al Latimer of the Koko Isle Homeowners Association said he would be there to speak on behalf of the 30 or so residents whose homes are closest to the restaurant.

The glass doors at The Shack do help keep noise in, but only when they're closed, Latimer said.

"They don't shut the doors," Latimer said. "The noise now funnels right to us. Super Bowl Sunday will be nightmare Sunday for us."

K. Dreher, president of the association, said letters had been sent to the commission asking that the effect of live music on the community be considered.

"When people are out celebrating on the lanai, it gets particularly noisy," Dreher said. "We're not happy with the request."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.