Leonard Jr’s Hot Malasadas & Expresso, located at Waikele Center on O‘ahu, was temporarily closed by the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) after a routine inspection found that a handwashing sink did not have running water. The absence of water prevented staff from washing their hands properly, which created unsanitary conditions and posed a potential risk to public health.
The establishment, operated by Frank Leonard Rego, Jr., received a red placard and was shut down on October 28, 2025. Later that day, a follow-up inspection confirmed that the sink had running water again and the critical violation was corrected. As a result, the DOH issued a yellow placard and allowed the business to reopen. Another follow-up inspection is scheduled for October 29.
The DOH Food Safety Branch is responsible for protecting public health in Hawai‘i by educating food industry workers and regulating food establishments across the state. This includes conducting regular inspections at locations where food is prepared or sold.
Further details about the department’s placarding program can be found on the Food Safety Branch website: https://health.hawaii.gov/san/food-safety-branch/. Information about current establishment inspections is available here: https://hi.healthinspections.us/hawaii/.
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