Ala Moana restaurant employees locked out with no access to personal items
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Workers at Romano's Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana said they were surprised when they showed up to work on March 21 and were locked out.
'There were chains on the door, no notice, nothing,' said one employee that KHON2 spoke to outside the unemployment office on Punchbowl Monday afternoon.
Honolulu introduces new emergency alert system
'There were court papers on the door saying the restaurant has been seized and we can no longer work until the issue is resolved,' the 16-year employee said.
Workers say it all appears to stem from a legal battle.
Court records show an ongoing 10-month litigation between the new Macaroni Grill owner, the previous owner and Ala Moana Shopping Center.
According to court documents, Ala Moana Center was seeking backpay in rent to the previous owner back in May 2024. The documents state the previous owner owed $178,405.04 in rent and legal fees.Court documents show the new owner paid his rent and is going through litigation with the former owner.
It's a legal battle that has left the employees wondering if they'll be able to go back to work, or need to find new jobs.
'We're just workers,' the employee said. 'The issue between ownership and the mall has nothing to do with the workers, we just wanted a few minutes to go in and grab our personal items.'
He said employees want to grab things like tip money, knives, and work shoes.
Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news
'We have families to feed, bills to pay, we're not looking for trouble, we just want this issue resolved so we can move on with our lives.
The HR representative for Manna Restaurant Group shared a letter to KHON2 that was sent to the Governor as well, urging an investigation into the lockout.
In part, the letter reads:
'On Friday, March 21, the management of Ala Moana Center took the drastic step of chaining the doors of our establishment, leaving our dedicated employees in a state of shock and uncertainty. Many of them arrived for their scheduled shifts only to find the doors locked, with no explanation provided. In response, we filed an injunction on Monday; however, after a week has passed, there has been no progress toward reopening the restaurant.
Skateboarder, 38, killed in crash involving two vehicles
'It is particularly concerning that the writ filed addresses the previous owners of the restaurant, and it has come to our attention that this writ was not served by a sheriff, raising questions about the legitimacy of the lockout and the processes being followed.
'This situation has caused immense distress for our employees, who rely on their jobs to support themselves and their families. They are left in limbo, uncertain about their futures and without the means to earn a living. It is disheartening to witness such treatment of hardworking individuals during what should be a collaborative and respectful business environment.
'We urge you to investigate this matter with urgency and advocate for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of our employees and ensures that their rights are upheld. The community depends on businesses like ours, and it is crucial that we stand together to protect the rights and livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to serve our patrons.'
KHON2 reached out to Ala Moana Center and has not yet heard back.
The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said in an email that concerns regarding property access may involve private lease agreements and legal matters and employees may need to consult an attorney or seek assistance from law enforcement if they are being denied access to personal belongings.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Menomonee Falls Kohl's theft, police seek suspect
The Brief Menomonee Falls police are looking for a suspect in a Kohl's theft. Police said the suspect took items and left in a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck. Anyone with information is asked to call the MFPD at 262-532-8700. MILWAUKEE - Menomonee Falls police requested the public's help to find a suspect who they say stole various items from Kohl's on Monday, June 2. What they're saying It happened at the store on Appleton Avenue just south of County Line Road. Police said the suspect went into the store and stole items around 3 p.m. that day. She left in a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck with Wisconsin license plates: AMT-3007. Those plates did not match the vehicle. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android What you can do Anyone with information is asked to call the Menomonee Falls Police Department at 262-532-8700 or email Sgt. Compton. To make an anonymous tip, contact Waukesha County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-441-5505, through the website, or through the P3 app. The Source Information in this report is from the Menomonee Falls Police Department.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ajax striker Brian Brobbey was the ‘target of violent extortion threats'
The Ajax striker Brian Brobbey has been the target of violent extortion threats involving arson, explosions and a shooting, according to reports in the Netherlands. Het Parool reports that the attacks on Brobbey came after he allegedly refused to pay €150,000 to an Amsterdam criminal who claimed to have 'solved a problem' for him. Advertisement Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'. If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you're on the most recent version. In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications. Turn on sport notifications. There followed a series of incidents from fireworks that were pushed through his mother-in-law's letterbox, to an explosive detonated near Brobbey's car, his sister-in-law's car set ablaze and a close friend of Brobbey's, who had reportedly tried to intervene on his behalf, being shot and seriously wounded. Het Parool claims Brobbey rejected offers of help from the Amsterdam club, insisting he would deal with the coercion himself. The police found no evidence that Brobbey had paid any money to Jeymon A, who was sentenced in November 2024 to 10 years in prison for the attempted murder of Brobbey's friend, firearms offences, and drug trafficking. Brobbey, who had attracted interest from Premier League clubs, saw his form dip dramatically. Last season, the Dutchman scored just four league goals, a stark contrast to 18 the previous campaign, and could leave Ajax this summer. Brobbey's lawyer told Het Parool that his client has declined to comment while Ajax would not be drawn on players' private affairs. Lawyers for Jeymon A. said there is no evidence their client was involved in the extortion.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Residents want sustained enforcement on Diamond Head homeless
DIAMOND HEAD, Hawaii (KHON2) — The issue of homelessness around Diamond Head continues to frustrate neighbors and beachgoers, even after a major sweep in April. Over 100 cleared from Diamond Head during homeless sweep KHON2 checked it out and found some troubling signs that the problem has not gone away. Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park looks like any other scenic spot on Oʻahu at first glance, but this corner of paradise was also home to a large and messy homeless encampment until June 5. 'And I've been writing letters and and sending in photos and I mean, I think people from all over the world come here. They shouldn't have to see that,' said Ann, a Diamond Head beachgoer. Ann and others who visit the beach said they have been pleading for help for weeks, but it was not until KHON2 reached out to HPD and the Department of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday that action was taken — the encampment was cleared out on Friday. Neither agency would say who made it happen — HPD told KHON2 that it was DLNR responsibility and DLNR said to ask HPD. There is concern that someone cooking dinner could provide the spark that lights up the whole mountainside with the summer heat drying out the slopes. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news City officials said at Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Town Hall meeting on Thursday that they were aware of the risks, especially from campfires and open flames. A joint sweep with the State removed most of the homeless living around Diamond Head in April. 'There were as many reported 120, 140 people on the Hill. There's 12 there now, seven on top, five below. We're going to zero. We're going to zero because of the fire safety issues that are posed there,' said Department of Community Services director Anton Krucky. Diamond Head Beach is still troubled even though some areas are mostly cleared. Folks are still living in the cliffs and along the shoreline — neighbors said it simply is not safe. 'It's a very dangerous place for anybody really, alone. Male or female, there's a lot of people on drugs here. You can tell. And, there's no police presence here,' said Arleen Velasco, Diamond Head Neighborhood Board vice chair. Velasco said the solution is not just clearing tents, it is sustained enforcement. 'If people knew there was a police presence and they were going to get tickets and fines. I think they'd go somewhere else,' said Velasco. 'You know, I used to come to Diamond Head all the time, for many years, and walk the beach, but now I go somewhere else because I don't like to walk past it. It's. It's a safety issue for me,' Ann said. Check out more news from around Hawaii Jurisdiction over enforcement is split between City police and State DLNR officers, and for now, this scenic part of the south shore is still caught between gorgeous views and serious problems. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
