SupermanHawaii.com

The Last Sanctuary became a favorite hang-out
for the comic and gaming community in Honolulu.

by Lawrence E. Pacheco

It feels somewhat poetic that, on the launch of the all-new Occasional Orb, I announce the loss of a local comicbook store. Where there are beginnings... there are some ends.

For those of us living here in Hawaii there are only a handful of comic shops in town... each catering to their own specific target audience. One of those is known as The Last Sanctuary, nestled among other types of shops on Kapiolani Boulevard and right next door to Ala Moana Center. The Last Sanctuary began its journey in 2002 and, since then, have provided a true "sanctuary" for not only comicbook fans, but for gamers, collectors, and coffee drinkers as well.

Ala Moana Center, owned by General Growth Properties, plans to expand its existing shopping mall by including a Nordstrom "full-line store" to its line of upscale shops. A huge multi-million dollar structure will occupy the land where The Last Sanctuary now stands. Also affected will be the now legendary Bakery Kapiolani.

Most of the shop's clientele I spoke with were disappointed about the decision to not continue elsewhere. "I'm upset that we'll lose a place like this when there are very few around", said John Cheshire, a long-time customer and former Last Sanctuary intern, "I'll miss the employees... they're really nice guys." Justin Patterson remarked on his fascination with the store before becoming an employee. "The first time I came here", explained Justin, "I knew I wanted to work here."

The Last Sanctuary will close its doors in mid-October and, despite previous rumors and hopes, there are no plans of re-opening. "At this point we don't feel it's a viable option to open elsewhere", said owner Steven Gallon in a prepared statement. Until then, they will begin liquidating what's left over time. Discounts of 25%... 40%... 50%... then, they're gone. What makes it most difficult for the employees is that they are not only losing a job and have children to feed... but they are losing something that they truly love doing!

To the employees of the Last Sanctuary... thank you for your endless desire to make your customers feel welcomed, and for your love of the craft. Your regular customers will miss you... and we all wish you well.

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