Kumu Kahua, the only theater company in Hawai'i that focuses primarily on new plays by Island playwrights, has received a $71,250 grant from the state.

"It's like Christmas in July," said Scott Rogers, managing director of the 38-year-old company ensconced in a cozy Downtown theater at 46 Merchant St.

"We actually wrote the grant application back in early 2007 but it got stalled in red tape." said Rogers. "I didn't know if we would ever get the funds. We've had to jump through so many hoops but it was worth it!"

Although there were no restrictions on how the funds may be used, Kumu Kahua's board of directors has decided to earmark "a large chunk of it" — at least $10,000 — to commission new plays from local playwrights, said Rogers.

"We also have some major issues to address like chairs that are getting older and the floor in the foyer, which is buckling."

The theater is located in the old Kamehameha V post office, at the corner of Merchant and Bethel Streets, and the floor is a safety issue that can now be tended to.