Oct 4, 2012

Posted | 1 Comment

In the Mix: The Republik rebounds

<em>Yellowcard performs at The Republik on Sept. 25. (Star-Advertiser File)</em>

BY JASON GENEGABUS / jason@staradvertiser.com

After a few weeks of uncertainty, Kapiolani Boulevard nightspot The Republik is back on track with its plan to dominate Honolulu’s concert scene.

Without proper testing and certification of its fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems, the Honolulu Fire Department issued multiple notices of violation in August, resulting in The Republik being restricted to just 299 people — a decrease of nearly 70 percent in crowd size compared to what owners expected — and fire inspectors showing up to enforce the restriction when rock band Third Eye Blind performed on Aug. 31.

On Sept. 14, however, representatives from HFD and the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting attended a functional performance test, which allowed for The Republik’s capacity to jump to 1,000 people. According to HFD spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig, conducting the test took care of “two of the three issues” and all that was left was the “administrative” process by DPP to determine the venue’s official maximum room capacity.

The Republik has not responded to multiple requests for comment about the situation, but continues to issue press releases and social media updates about upcoming shows. Already announced: Ballyhoo! on Oct. 13, The Green on Oct. 19 and 20, and Odd Future on Oct. 27.

In addition, upcoming shows were announced this week; tickets will be available tomorrow for Tiffany on Nov. 2, Buckcherry on Nov. 3, a DJ set by Dirty Vegas on Nov. 10, Ozomatli on Dec. 1 and Reel Big Fish on Dec. 9.
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Jason Genegabus is Entertainment Editor/Online at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and has covered the local nightlife, music, bar and entertainment scenes since 2001. Contact him via email at jason@staradvertiser.com.

  • http://www.facebook.com/lilahakin Lilah Akin

    I was so very disappointed at the complete lack of information or guidance by any Republik employee or manager during the ill-fated Third Eye Blind show. There was no system to differentiate ticket holding concert-goers from show-ups. The massive crowd was left standing outside for hours with no idea what was going on except for hearsay and rumors which made everyone more upset. The only people who came out to the crowd downstairs at any point to apologize or say something were actual members of the band. What happened between The Rupublik’s paperwork and the HFD was unfortunate and it’s good to know that they’ve taken steps to remedy the situation. However, due to the entire experience it will take either a huge head-liner or a very public and humble apology to bring me back.