Company:
Tropical J's Inc. Honolulu, HI

Project Details

Fabric 1

Mehler 500
Producer: Mehler Texnologies GmbH
Supplier: Mehler Texnologies GmbH


Engineer Name 1
Ian N. Robertson, PhD, P.E.

Engineer Company 1
INR

Design Name
Gary Barnes

Design Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Fabrication Name
Tara Cabral

Fabrication Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Project Manager Name
Justin Barnes

Project Manager Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Installation Name
Alwin Lacar

Installation Company
Tropical J's, Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

The beloved Hawaii Ocean Theater at Sea Life Park received a much-needed retrofit after the antiquated metal roofing and supporting Glulam beams began to show their age. A fabric conversion of the former Killer whale arena provided the marine mammal park shade and weather protection to continue their educational vision for the State of Hawai`i and visitors alike.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

Hawaiian Ocean Theater was reaching the end of its life, with rusted metal roofing and badly damaged wooden support structure. The client required a minimum five-year life extension until full funding was appropriated for a new structure. Our solution was replacement of damaged Glulam beams along with trapezoidal fabric inserts at a fraction of the cost of a new roof system. The main goal was to get our customer up and running as soon and as safely as possible for the hundreds of visitors below.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Access was tough as the apex of the structure is over a former Killer whale tank preventing lifts and requiring extensive scaffolding. Due to budget restraints, we also needed to facilitate a fairly economical installation and created a tensioning method of trapezoidal panels that utilized Keeder track and custom waterjet plates.


What were the results of the project?

Sea Life park can continue to spread knowledge and awareness for visitors who wish to enjoy the company of dolphins, sea lions, rays, sharks, native fish and more. The space is once again a useable area hosting educational and interactive programs below.


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