Five of the eight theaters closed at Kahala Mall in March by a flood are scheduled to reopen next Friday, the mall said.

The other three screens are expected to begin showing films again early next year.

A representative of theater owner and operator, Consolidated Amusement Co., could not be reached yesterday for more details.

Consolidated started reconstruction of the heavily damaged movie complex about three months ago after lengthy planning and permitting work.

The theater will be the last tenant to reopen at the mall, which closed for about four days after torrents of water swept through the mall, parts of which are below street level, during a heavy March 31 downpour.

Fast-moving muddy water knocked holes through two theater walls, then swirled through every wing of the mall, damaging an estimated 60 out of 90 businesses.

Flooding occurred inside the mall up to 6 inches or more in some areas, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage to stores and merchandise. Most of the stores forced to close because of damage reopened within two weeks following the flood.

The theater, which opened two decades ago as a five-screen facility and was later expanded, helps draw customers to the 418,000-square-foot shopping center. Without the multiplex, many moviegoers in the area headed to theaters in Hawai'i Kai and Victoria Ward Centers.

"I think the customers and tenants are going to be happy," said Ron Yoda, Kahala Mall general manager. "We're looking forward to it. The timing is good, too, right in the middle of the Christmas season."

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.