Earlier this summer, local news outlets reported that Chuck E. Cheese at the Pearl City Shopping Center would close this month after more than 30 years in business.
Entertainment America Inc., dba Chuck E. Cheese, President Jodie Hasche confirmed with Aloha State Daily Wednesday that its last day in operation will be Saturday, Aug. 9.
The business plans to host a mahalo party from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8.
“This special event is our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported us for the past 30 years,” Hasche told ASD by email. “We invite everyone to come celebrate with us, share memories and enjoy one last magical evening together."
Items from Chuck E. Cheese’s Pearl City location are up for auction online at Caring Transitions of Honolulu’s website. Bidding ends Aug. 11, with item pickups scheduled for Aug. 13.
According to the site, the auction features nearly 200 items such as video and arcade games, as well as food service, restaurant, kitchen equipment and supplies, including a double decker pizza oven and cotton candy machine. Also available are commercial grade chairs, tables, booths, racks, mobile countertops, utility carts, prep stations, kitchen tools, food storage, TVs and more.
Proceeds from the auction "will be reinvested into enhancing our Kapolei location, with a focus on refreshing and upgrading our current offerings — like our popular trampoline and Superhero playground,” Hasche said. “Our goal is to ensure guests continue to enjoy the latest and greatest experiences that Chuck E. Cheese has to offer.”
A portion of the funds will support Chuck E. Cheese’s local community initiatives, with donations planned for sports teams and schools such as Kaleiʻopuʻu Elementary and New Hope Christian Academy, she noted.
Caring Transitions of Honolulu President Steve Tokita told ASD by email that the auction will benefit small restaurants including food trucks, as well as the hospitality industry in general.
“The history behind these items makes them special. Over 30 years of memories from a place that created many special moments,” he said.
According to its website, Caring Transitions of Honolulu offers professional relocation services including downsizing, decluttering and estate sales on Oʻahu.
“This is what we do: help provide lots of great used (sometimes new) items to the general public, while helping families and businesses with a big problem and headache in what to do with all of their stuff,” Tokita said. “We help repurpose things and give them a new life while getting rid of the stress of dealing with it by the original owners.”
When asked to reflect on the past 30 years in Pearl City, Hasche said, “One of the most meaningful experiences has been watching generations of families grow up with us.”
“We've celebrated countless birthdays, honored achievements like good report cards and helped create special moments that have become cherished childhood memories for so many. Our guests have truly become part of our extended family, and being a part of those milestones is something we hold dear.”
Another highlight has been the staff, she said. “We've been fortunate to have incredible team members who brought energy, creativity and heart to those performances, making each visit unforgettable.”
Hasche added, “What many people may not realize is that the Chuck E. Cheese locations in Hawaiʻi are locally owned and operated. We’re proud to be small business owners, who are deeply invested in our community and our local economy.
“I’ll never forget the day our father [Wayne Hayami] passed the torch to us, saying it was our turn to carry the business forward. I spent 10 years as general manager of the Pearl City location before taking on the challenge of building our Kapolei location from the ground up. That experience — navigating permits, overseeing construction and launching a new business — taught me invaluable lessons about what it truly takes to build and sustain a successful operation.”
Next steps for Hasche and the family business is “to continue investing in our locations and our community. We're committed to innovation, growth, and ensuring every guest continues to create joyful, lasting memories where a kid can be a kid!”
After the closure, Chuck E. Cheese will have two remaining locations on Oʻahu in Kalihi and Kapolei.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
