HONOLULU — Many people invest in extended gym memberships, expecting to receive the services promised. However, for one Honolulu resident, that expectation was not met.
“I want people to know, I doubt we’re getting our money back,” said Marcia Myers.
Myers paid approximately $1,800 for a one-year membership at Island Club and Spa, located in the Ko’olani Condominiums near Nordstrom in Kaka’ako. Shortly after she signed up, a pipe burst, flooding the gym and causing it to close indefinitely.
Cameron Nakashima from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) told Island News on Friday, “The BBB currently shows there are two open complaints for Island Club and Spa, filed within the past month. We’ve reached out to them with multiple letters, but have not received a response.”
Myers reported receiving multiple emails stating the gym would reopen on February 1, then March 1, and April 1, but it never did. On May 17, Myers received an email from the club’s apparent owner, stating the gym had been sold.
“The owner kept saying it would reopen next month, then the next month. I sent emails requesting my money back because I wanted to join another gym, but never heard anything,” said Myers.
The gym’s ownership had apparently changed hands. “He said in an email that it was sold to Global Mana Development,” added Myers.
Nakashima advised consumers, “Whether it’s a spa, a club, a gym, or any other type of business, and they owe things to customers, it can be handled in different ways. It never hurts to communicate with the company as much as possible. If you’re not getting anywhere, involve other entities like the BBB to bring accountability to the marketplace. If more stern action is needed, contacting local authorities might be appropriate.”
As the situation remains unresolved, Myers and other affected customers are left seeking answers and hoping for refunds.