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All businesses cleared at Pier 38 after ammonia leak

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2012

Nico’s Pier 38 Restaurant. The Honolulu Fire Department has cleared the Hawaiian Ice Co. building except for one room at Pier 38 following an ammonia leak Monday.

The Honolulu Fire Department has cleared Hawaiian Ice Co. to resume operations today except for one room at the company’s building at Pier 38 following an ammonia leak Monday.

Honolulu Fire Spokesman Capt. David Jenkins said a hazardous materials team is at the scene today where they cordoned off the room and are continuing to ventilate it.

“For the most part, there is no danger to the public,” Jenkins said. “It’s just a matter of ventilating out one room at Hawaiian Ice.”

Other businesses at Pier 38 reopened today. Nico’s Pier 38 restaurant remained closed for breakfast but reopened for lunch. Nicolas Chaize, chef and owner of Nico’s, said, “Everything is back to normal.”

Shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, firefighters responded to the ammonia leak from a 6,500-pound container at Hawaiian Ice. More than 100 people from area businesses and vessels were evacuated from Pier 38.

The fire department’s HazMat team turned off the main supply of ammonia at Hawaiian Ice and ventilated the building.

Emergency Medical Services treated nine people at the scene for irritated eyes, difficulty breathing and other symptoms. Paramedics transported one person to the hospital for further treatment.

The cause of the ammonia leak is undetermined at this time.

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