Herringbone restaurant reopens after illnesses led to closure

A popular Waikiki restaurant at the International Market Place reopened for dinner Sunday after the establishment voluntarily closed following reports of customers who became ill, some confirmed with norovirus.

Inspectors from the state Department of Health’s Sanitation Branch cleared Herringbone Waikiki to reopen Friday after staff thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the restaurant and discarded hundreds of pounds of food.

In an emailed statement, marketing manager Rob Mora said, “The well-being of our guests and staff remains our absolute priority and we look forward to welcoming guests.”

The restaurant voluntarily closed Thursday after the Health Department received reports of customers who became ill after dining there. Inspectors visited Herringbone on Tuesday to investigate and collect samples.

Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist, said Monday that the investigation into the illnesses continues, including interviews. “To date we know of 43 people, including six employees, who had compatible illness through Oct. 10. Seven of those 43 people are confirmed (for norovirus) through laboratory testing of stool samples,” she said.

Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea after consuming contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, according to the Health Department.