Chef Chai in Honolulu has been given the green light to reopen after obtaining the proper permit following a change in ownership, according to state officials.

The Hawaii Department of Health had issued the award-winning restaurant a red placard on Wednesday for operating without a valid food establishment permit. DOH said during a routine inspection, state health officials discovered that the restaurant at 1009 Kapiolani Boulevard had a new owner, Pomaikai Culinary Group LLC.

But the new owner has applied for and received a permit, DOH said, and been issued a green “pass” placard.

DOH still conducted a followup inspection to ensure no critical food safety violations were observed.

In an email, Chef Chai and Pomaikai said the restaurant had reopened as of Thursday and was open for bu

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