KAIMUKI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Crews have begun clearing spoiled food from a collapsed Kaimuki restaurant, more than a month after its roof caved in.
Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant, located at 3553 Waialae Ave., has been shut down since Aug. 18, when an estimated 40-by-40-foot section of the roof caved in while customers and staff were inside.
One person was transported to a hospital for treatment, while three others were evaluated at the scene.
City inspectors with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) deemed the building unsafe to occupy immediately after the collapse. Officials said structural hazards prevented crews from safely entering to remove leftover food, sparking persistent odor and pest concerns across the neighborhood.
Kitchen cleanout underway
On Thursday, Sept. 24, DPP clarified that contractors could safely access the kitchen area for the limited purpose of removing spoiled food.
The cleaning team expects to complete the kitchen cleanout by Oct. 2.
State health inspectors visited the site Tuesday to ensure rodent and pest problems were addressed. Vector Control personnel will continue monitoring the property and provide guidance throughout the cleanup.
Despite progress in the kitchen, officials said some spoiled food remains stranded in the main dining area, which remains entirely inaccessible due to the building’s unstable condition.
“We understand the impact this situation has had on the Kaimuki community, particularly for nearby residents and businesses who have been affected by the conditions at the restaurant,” state Department of Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink said in a statement. “The department continues to work closely with our partners at DPP and the responsible parties to find a solution as quickly and safely as possible.”
The property owner is working with insurers and contractors to decide whether to repair or demolish the building.
Once a path forward is determined, DOH said it will coordinate with DPP and other agencies to safely and expeditiously remove the remaining spoiled food.
Authorities warned the public not to enter the structure under any circumstances.
DPP has also temporarily closed a portion of the sidewalk fronting the restaurant along Waialae Avenue.
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