The Palladium Rerun #81

In the May 2014 issue of Honolulu magazine, Senior Editor, David Thompson, explored the World of Ballroom Dancing in Honolulu. It was read throughout the islands and there was not much commentary. However, in the current September issue of Honolulu is a letter to the editor.

By Mary Flynn, Honolulu, Hawaii

The Ala Wai Golf Course Multi-Purpose Recreation Center is a public utility and, by its very name, should be shared equitably by many nonprofit organizations. The attitude of the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association in this article reflected badly on the Association and the City and County of Honolulu. By their own admission, dancers use the facility frequently and seem to feel that their organization should have exclusive rights.

According to the facility's online schedule, dancers are scheduled in July for 88 percent of the available slots  (120-136). This can hardly be considered "multi-purpose" and suggests a cozy relationship with a single group. Honolulu does not have many rental sites for large groups that are available, affordable and have parking, whether they have a slippery eucalyptus floor or not.

It would be a shame and possibly unethical or even illegal to limit this facility to ballroom dancers when others, equally worthy also need it desperately. I firmly request that the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation investigate this near-monopoly.

Mary Flynn, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Pub's Side Note: I am sure there are several out there with a good defense of dancing at the Palladium. Our Guest Authors or Two Centers are welcome.