A popular new Waikiki restaurant in the International Market Place voluntarily closed Thursday due to suspected norovirus, Department of Health spokeswoman Janice Okubo told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser late Thursday night.
Hawaii News Now said three diners had fallen ill.
Okubo said DOH staff has been working with the restaurant, but restaurant management decided to close to conduct a cleanup.
Laboratory tests are still pending, Okubo said.
Herringbone said in a statement it was working closely with the DOH. The restaurant was hoping to reopen today, according to an HNN report.
A restaurant spokesman could not be reached for comment.
City hall hue highlights domestic violence
Honolulu Hale will be bathed in purple floodlights through Saturday in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, according to city officials.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell ordered the purple illumination last week for the Domestic Violence Awareness campaign, which began as a “Day of Unity” in October 1981. The goals are to mourn those who have died because of domestic violence while celebrating those who have survived and connecting with those who work to end such abuse.
More information about Domestic Violence Awareness month is available at 808ne.ws/DVAMmonth.
MAUI
Mayor hit with campaign violation
WAILUKU >> Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa is accused of breaking campaign spending laws by misrepresenting more than $6,000 in advertisements that his campaign bought.
The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission claims Arakawa’s campaign characterized the funds as advertisements, although they were really charitable donations to nonprofits.
The commission states that campaigns are allowed to give up to $8,000 in charitable donations. But they’re not allowed to misrepresent the donations as campaign expenses.
Arakawa went before the commission on Wednesday to defend himself against the allegations. He says his campaign never did anything to intentionally skirt the rules.
Arakawa’s attorney, David Minkin, called the allegations a witch hunt.
Commissioner Kenneth Goodenow says it’s not a criminal case, and wasn’t “reckless,” but the commission is considering a $2,000 fine.
KAUAI
Water advisory posted for beach
State health officials issued a water quality advisory Thursday for Hanalei Bay Landing, where levels of enterococci exceeded standards.
The advisory was posted at the beach and will remain in effect until the water no longer exceeds acceptable levels of enterococci, which could indicate the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites that could lead to illness.
“Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely populations to develop illnesses or infections after coming into contact with polluted water, usually while swimming,” health officials said in a news release, citing gastroenteritis as the most common illness associated with polluted water.
