Leonard Jr’s Hot Malasadas & Expresso, located at the Waikele Shopping Center, has reopened after receiving approval from the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch. The restaurant was initially closed on October 28, 2025, after a health inspection resulted in a red placard due to critical food safety violations. A follow-up inspection on October 29 confirmed that all violations had been addressed, and the establishment was issued a green placard allowing it to resume operations.
The DOH advised Leonard Jr’s Hot Malasadas & Expresso to continue monitoring their water supply and ensure workers are retrained on proper handwashing and glove use.
According to the DOH Food Safety Branch, their mission is to protect and promote the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch routinely inspects locations where food is prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold. It also investigates sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration in order to prevent future incidents.
“DOH food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions,” according to the department.
