Smoke from stage equipment prompts UH theater evacuation

Kennedy Theatre at the University of Hawaii at Manoa was evacuated for about an hour Wednesday after stage equipment in the main theater began emitting smoke about 2:23 p.m.

Hydraulic fluid leaked from the stage lift, which raises the floor from the orchestra pit to the stage in the theatre, and started to smoke, prompting security personnel to evacuate the building, Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said.

Firefighters confirmed there was no fire and ventilated the area until the equipment experts arrived to examine the equipment. Firefighters allowed students back into the building shortly before 3:30 p.m.