Chinatown businesses road to recovery after power outages

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Downtown and Chinatown businesses are recovering after a power outage shut them down for days, they said community support will get them back on track.

From the front of the house to the kitchen, it is a scramble to prepare for Friday’s dinner service at Chinatown’s Pig and the Lady. The popular restaurant will reopen its doors for the first time in four days. They were one of hundreds affected by HECO’s power outage.

The Pig and the Lady General Manager Alex Le said it is all hands on deck preparing to reopen.

Le said, “One hour without refrigeration is too long already so four days is an ordeal.”

Le said they brought in generators in an attempt to keep the refrigerators functioning, but at the end of the day, they lost about $20,000 worth of food, and about 1,500 reservations were canceled.

“The frustrating part was not being able to plan, and with the commitment times changing every time for the power to come back on it was really challenging,” said Le. “I’m just glad that we’re at this point right now.”

Business owners in Chinatown said they are counting on the community’s support, especially going into the weekend, to help make up for some of the losses from the last few days.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi made rounds Friday afternoon to support the affected businesses.

At a press conference, Blangiardi encouraged residents to dine and shop in Chinatown.

Blangiardi said, “From the beginning, we made it really clear that our Chinatown community and downtown community are very important to the vitality of our island and the urban core, and this particular case is just yet again another challenge.”

Le said he has been feeling the help from the community.

“Booking already their large parties and events and stuff with us,” said Le. “Just trying to give us business, purchasing a lot of gift cards. I’m so overwhelmed and surprised.”

HECO said all power was restored by Thursday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the power utility company said they have not received many damage claims. They said affected customers can submit a claim within 30 days of the outage.