Health officials are working to mitigate a growing sanitation crisis at the former site of Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Kaimuki. Following a partial roof collapse that forced the business to close last month, neighbors and local businesses have complained about an overwhelming foul odor emanating from the building. In response, the state Health Department confirmed that professional cleaners began scrubbing the kitchen area this week after receiving approval from the restaurant’s insurance provider, with hopes that those efforts will wrap up by Friday.
Despite the progress in the kitchen, some areas of the restaurant remain unreachable due to severe structural hazards. Crews are currently unable to remove spoiled dim sum and other food remnants left on dining tables when the ceiling gave way. To prevent further health risks, the Health Department’s vector control branch has visited the site to provide recommendations and ensure that rodents and pests aren’t finding new homes within the ruins.
The closure follows a frightening incident on August 18 when a section of the roof collapsed during lunch service, injuring four women in their eighties. While paramedics treated three of them at the scene, one woman required hospitalization. Shortly after the accident, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting declared the structure unsafe for occupancy, leading to its immediate shutdown.
As police tape remains around 3553 Waialae Avenue, authorities have warned the public against entering the hazardous building without authorization. Property owners are now weighing their options for moving forward, which could potentially lead to total demolition of the premises. Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink expressed sympathy for the surrounding community, stating that his office is coordinating closely with city partners to resolve these unsanitary conditions as quickly and safely as possible.
