A Decade in the House of the Reflection

by Anthony Kaauamo 

On a recent winter afternoon, Ben Noble sat in Hale Keaka’s office, drafting an email to lanai96763.com, where the theater’s showtimes are posted. The theater was expecting to premiere a new film the next day, but the shipment had been delayed, mistakenly sent to a Maui address the previous afternoon. The studio, a new vendor, was unfamiliar with the logistical challenges of sending films to Lāna‘i, and had assumed Maui and Lāna‘i were easily connected, given they are part of the same county. “They didn’t realize we’re a different island,” Ben said. “It’s not like someone can just drive over and pick it up. But these kinds of mistakes happen when you’re working with a studio for the first time.”

Ben was left with a decision to make. In Theater 1, a different new release was already loaded into the projector and ready to go. But in Theater 2, the schedule was incomplete. Should he try to borrow the delayed film from another theater off-island? Should he extend the current film in Theater 2, which had already been running for two weeks? If so, how long should he extend it — just until the missing film arrived, or an entire week? Every option had its own cascade of potential consequences.

Borrowing the film could mean dealing with transport delays. Extending the current film, though more straightforward, could frustrate patrons eager for something new. And the clock was ticking. If he delayed his decision, the website would go live with the wrong showtimes, confusing patrons and forcing him and the staff to explain at the ticket counter why the advertised film wasn’t playing.

“We decided to keep the current movie for another week,” Ben said. “The showtimes were set before but we didn’t want people showing up expecting something we didn’t have.”

After a decade at Hale Keaka, Ben has become adept at watching for solutions in every corner of the theater. Whether it’s shipments gone astray, a projector in need of attention, or a schedule thrown off by delays, he’s learned to anticipate problems and address them before they escalate. His role as lead theater attendant demands constant vigilance — watching the patrons, the films, the staff, and the systems that keep everything running. “Things don’t always go smoothly,” Ben said. “But you keep your eyes on everything and make it work.”

Ten Years

Hale Keaka reopened its doors in December 2014, following years of closure. The theater’s restoration balanced the charm of its 1930s design with modern upgrades, preserving key architectural features like the bracketed gable entry, arched doorways, and restoring the wood-stamped concrete walkways. Renamed Hale Keaka, meaning “Theater House,” the space was updated with state-of-the-art digital projection systems and premium seating, blending contemporary functionality with its historical roots.

The reopening marked the beginning of a new chapter for the building, the community, and for Ben, who has been a part of the theater since day one. “We were hired on December 4, 2014,” Ben said. “The popcorn machine was still being installed when we started. Contractors were all over the place. We started training when they were finishing construction.”

Ben, Crimson Soberano, and four high school students — Kisha Kala, Ezequiel Bolo, Christian Etrata, and Caroline Stock — were the first hires. Crimson, who now works as retail manager for Richard’s Market while also overseeing the theater, reflected on those early days. “It was exciting,” she said. “Everything was new. We were figuring out how to use the registers, how to clean, how to run the concession stand. It felt like we were a part of something special.”

While the energy of a newly restored theater was invigorating, the practical realities of running it set in quickly. Crimson described the first weeks of operations as chaotic but rewarding. “After “The Hobbit,” we’d walk into the theaters, and it was like a bed of popcorn and candy all the way down. We’d just stand there like, ‘Did they do this on purpose?,’” she said. “Cleaning took forever, but we eventually found a system.”

The technical side of operations presented another learning curve. Initially, a projectionist managed the equipment, but Ben and Crimson were trained as backups. “We were the backup for the projectionist, Bill, at the time,” Crimson explained. “We got training on running everything upstairs, to get the projectors to the sound system running.” As staff transitioned, Ben and Crimson took on more responsibilities, becoming the go-to team for theater operations.

From Hesitation to Leadership

Ben’s journey to becoming the theater’s operational leader didn’t happen overnight. Crimson, who had already stepped into a supervisory role, saw his potential early on. “He knew how to run the place,” she said. “But he would hesitate,” Crimson said. “He’d say, ‘I don’t think I can do that.’”

To build his confidence, Crimson began assigning Ben tasks like ordering concessions and managing schedules. As he grew more comfortable, she gradually transferred larger responsibilities, including programming and administrative work. “I told him, ‘You’re already doing this,’” Crimson said. “‘You just need to trust yourself.’”

A turning point came when Crimson took a three-month medical leave, leaving Ben to manage the theater in her absence. “It wasn’t easy,” he said. “I was used to following instructions, not giving them. Suddenly, I had to make decisions on my own.”

During her leave, Ben managed everything from staff schedules to troubleshooting the equipment. When Crimson returned, she heard glowing feedback. “People told me he was doing great,” she said. “That’s what I wanted — for him to believe he could handle it.”

The experience solidified Ben’s confidence in his ability to lead. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said. Once he adjusted, he recognized he could handle the responsibilities.

Today, Ben is involved in every aspect of the theater’s operations. While Crimson remains an important presence, she describes Ben as the backbone of Hale Keaka. “He’s got to keep an eye on all that stuff. On a day-to-day, it’s Ben. It’s Ben. He’s the one who has to deal with all of it. It’s very hands-on on. He’s the one who monitors all that stuff. If there’s an issue with the projector — because there have been times when it’s down — he knows the contact and all that stuff,” Crimson said.

Guiding the Next Generation

A key part of Ben’s role is mentoring the theater’s younger staff, most of whom are high school students. “It’s rewarding but challenging,” he said. “They’re kids — they make mistakes, so you have to guide them.”

The reliance on high school staff means constant turnover due to natural circumstances, such as graduation, fluctuating academic priorities and athletic commitments. While this creates frequent staffing changes, Ben views it as an opportunity. “For many of them, this is their first job,” he said. “It’s a chance for them to learn responsibility and build a work ethic.”

Training focuses initially on the concession stand, where newly hired staff are responsible for food preparation, sales — including learning to operate the register — and cleaning the area and equipment afterward. Staff also assist with cleaning the screening rooms after patrons leave. Training typically focuses on one task at a time, such as running the popcorn machine or handling the register, giving staff a week to become proficient in each area.

“We start with the basics,” Ben said. “Once they’re comfortable with those, we move on to bigger responsibilities.” Although constant turnover requires ongoing training, Ben approaches the process with patience. “It’s part of the job,” he said. “You have to give them space to grow.”

One of the theater’s strongest team members is Kayla Medeiros, who has worked there for several years. Under Ben’s guidance, she has grown into a dependable and proactive worker. “She’s responsible and takes initiative,” Ben said. Crimson described Kayla’s progress as a milestone for Ben as a mentor. “This was his first time training someone to shadow him to act as a backup. I suggested he train someone so he can have reliable coverage when he needs time off,” she said.

Kayla’s role has been crucial, especially when Ben is occupied with other tasks. “She knows what needs to be done and takes ownership of tasks,” Crimson said. If it’s time to start a movie and Ben is busy, Kayla steps up without hesitation and handles the projector herself.

In some ways, Kayla’s journey mirrors Ben’s early days. She was hesitant at first and often soft-spoken, a contrast to Ben’s more assertive demeanor. Initially, she would seek his approval before making decisions. Over time, however, she grew into her role, gaining confidence and developing a deep understanding of the theater’s operations. 

A Watchful Eye on Everything

The concession stand at Hale Keaka depends on Ben’s planning and his and Kayla’s monitoring of perishable and non-perishable inventory. Knowing which films will draw large opening-night crowds, often Disney, Pixar, or Marvel releases, helps the team prepare food quantities in advance to avoid delays. “When we first opened, we were like deer in the headlights,” he said. “As time went on, we got that groove of it on how much to prep.”

The concession menu also expanded under Ben’s guidance. “Oh, there’s different types now. Pork and peas with rice, shoyu chicken with rice, curry chicken with rice, beef stew,” he explained. “And then if you want rice, of course.”

The projector room, accessed by a spiral staircase, is kept cool to protect the equipment from overheating. When technical issues arise with the advanced projection systems, Ben’s familiarity with the equipment helps him identify issues and contact the appropriate technicians for repairs. From the room, he monitors screenings, maintaining playback quality and addressing violations of strict studio rules against recording when they arise. “I don’t make exceptions,” he said. “Family or friends, it doesn’t matter. The rules are the rules.”

Cleanliness is another priority for Ben and Kayla, who manage deep-cleaning tasks every few weeks. Their work includes power washing the theater’s external walls, dusting waistcoat trims, and scrubbing restroom tiles. “We opened this place,” he said, “So I take a lot of pride in making sure it’s kept organized and running smooth and clean.”

A Reflection of Shared Memories

Ben’s connection to the theater is rooted in personal memories. “Movies like ‘Encanto’ and ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ hit differently,” he said. “They’re about family, and they remind me of what I’ve been through, especially losing my parents.”

In 1994, when Ben was about 13, he attended a screening of “The Lion King” at the Lāna‘i Theater & Playhouse with his mom, Nora. A giveaway that day offered prizes, and he won a 21-inch Mufasa puppet. “The Lion King” was the first, last, and only movie I ever watched with my mom,” Ben said. She passed away on Mother’s Day in 1998. “That memory with “The Lion King” is something I carry every time I’m here,” he said.

Working at the theater has also deepened his connection to the community. “I know what movies people like to watch,” he said. Years of running the theater have revealed patterns in preferences, from families attending animated films to regulars showing up for the latest action blockbusters. “It’s nice to see people enjoy themselves,” he said.

Ben reflected on what the theater means to the community. “It’s a place where the community comes together,” he said. “Whether it’s families, friends or first dates, people make memories here. It’s important to keep this space welcoming and ready for everyone.”

For the patrons who walk through Hale Keaka’s doors, the work that goes on behind the scenes is invisible. They see the polished floors, the warm popcorn, and the big screen offering an escape into another world. That experience is made possible by Ben and his team, whose efforts keep the theater running smoothly.

“He takes pride in that place,” Crimson said. “It’s the way it is because of him.”