Cuts could drop Kumu Kahua curtains

Kumu Kahua Theatre, a Downtown Arts District fixture and Honolulu’s dedicated home for local, original stage productions, released a notice yesterday warning that after 40 years, its spring production "Da Kine Space" may be its last.

According to Kumu Kahua Artistic Director Harry Wong, deep cuts in state funding through the past two years precipitated the financial crisis. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts grant to the theater was cut by an additional 60 percent in 2010.

In response, Kumu Kahua implemented cost-cutting measures and the first rise in ticket prices in 10 years, but the money squeeze could cause the organization to close its doors in February.

Kumu Kahua Theatre will hold a news conference Tuesday at its Merchant Street theater.