News Release – DOH Provides Update on Spoiled Food Removal at Happy Days Restaurant
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO
KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE
DOH PROVIDES UPDATE ON SPOILED FOOD REMOVAL AT HAPPY DAYS RESTAURANT
26-126
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2026
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) are providing an update on efforts to remove spoiled food and control pests at the closed Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Kaimukī, following the partial roof collapse at the restaurant last month.
Located at 3553 Waiʻalae Ave., the restaurant was closed after a portion of its roof collapsed on Aug. 18 while the restaurant was occupied. The Honolulu Fire Department reported that an approximately 40-by-40-foot section of the roof had collapsed. Four people were evaluated at the scene; one person was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Following the collapse, DPP determined that the structure was unsafe to occupy.
Because of the structural hazards, crews were unable to safely enter the restaurant to remove spoiled food left behind after the collapse. The continued presence of spoiled food has contributed to odor and pest concerns in the surrounding area.
DPP clarified on Sept. 24 that the kitchen area could be safely accessed for the limited purpose of removing the spoiled food. The restaurant’s insurance provider has approved a contract for professional cleaning services and work began Sept. 29. The crew expects to be finished by Oct. 2.
DOH Vector Control Branch (VCB) personnel were on-site Sept. 29 to provide recommendations and ensure rodent and pest harborages were removed. VCB will continue to monitor the site and provide guidance and oversight as the kitchen area is cleaned out and the remaining spoiled food is removed. VCB personnel will be on-site as needed throughout the cleaning process.
Some spoiled food remains in the dining area, which continues to be inaccessible because of the structural condition of the building. That food cannot be removed until the area can be safely accessed. The property owner is working with its insurer and contractors to determine the appropriate path forward for the damaged structure, which may include demolition.
“We understand the impact this situation has had on the Kaimukī community, particularly for nearby residents and businesses who have been affected by the conditions at the restaurant,” said DOH Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. “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.”
Once the property owner determines whether to repair or demolish the structure, DOH will coordinate with DPP and other agencies for that process to occur expeditiously, in order for the remaining spoiled food to be safely removed.
The public should not enter the building unless specifically authorized to do so by the appropriate authorities.
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