A drink at Denny’s raises some hackles

Anyone who’s been to a Denny’s restaurant knows it as a family- friendly establishment. As Waikiki Neighborhood Board Chairman Bob Finley noted: “Denny’s is a responsible organization. I don’t think that they’ll turn it into a dive bar.”

But a new outlet coming up on Kuhio Avenue across Jefferson Elementary School and the Honolulu Zoo has concerned parents petitioning against the owner’s application to serve alcohol.

In response, the owner now says he’ll ask the Honolulu Liquor Commission to restrict inside sales of beer and wine from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, instead of the 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. allowed under a standard bar license.

That seems reasonable, for those who might enjoy a glass of wine or beer with a meal. But whether that’s enough to assuage those worried about the close proximity to kids will be seen when the commission resumes discussion on Thursday.