Many feared it would eventually be torn down, but a state lawmaker has introduced a proposal to keep it around for generations to come.

Pali Lanes is a crucial part of life to bowlers from around Oahu and uncertainty over its fate has put a dent in the business. Owner Arthur Machado lost the alley’s biggest league in December because of the lanes’ uncertain future.

“That league takes in besides bowling and use of the bar, takes in about $2,000 to $3,000 a night and that type of money doesn’t come by easy and like I said, we took a beating in December.”

The domed structure housing the lanes was placed on the state’s list of historic buildings in December, sparing it from demolition. But Alexander & Baldwin would still be able to tear out the lanes and redevelop the inside.

State Representative Cynthia Thielen has introduced legislation to have the state buy the Pali Lanes property and preserve it as a public bowling venue to be operated by the state Department of Parks and Recreation.

We asked why she is suggesting that the state use taxpayer money to preserve what has been a private entity.

“In Hawaii, we are able to acquire land for public purposes and that’s what this would do. It would acquire the land and the bowling alley, for public purposes, and make it a vest-pocket park for Kailua, for the community.”

We asked A-&-B for its response, and the company told us it hadn’t had time to review the bill, but “remains committed to ongoing community engagement efforts and looks forward to working further with Kailua residents and businesses on this issue.”

For school teams special needs teams, bowling leagues of all ages and families, there is great hope that Pali Lanes will stay open for generations to come.

Chris Fortin, a bowler from Kaimuki, was enjoying some bowling with his family Thursday. “We’ve been coming to Pali Lanes for a very long time, since I was a small boy. My grandma used to bowl here in leagues, my uncle used to bowl here in leagues and it’s been a family thing, growing up.”

“I hope it does stay so that generations can come and bring their kids and so on and so forth. It’s a huge thing in this community.”