The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Wage Standards Division confirms it is investigating the parent company of Don Ho’s Island Grill, following employee complaints of unpaid wages.

Employees filed complaints with the division and told the Star-Advertiser of multiple uncollectible paychecks. The operating partner of the parent company, PJJ Restaurant LLC, Mike Maielua, has four paychecks that bounced, for instance.

The department can’t comment on "an open investigation," said Administrator Pam Martin, but "employees (also) have the right to go to Small Claims Court and get a judgement and get the money on their own."

The department’s limited investigative staff means the investigation will "take awhile," Martin said.