Business Owners Fed Up with Cleaning Up After Chinatown Brawls

Crime and late-night fights are ongoing issues in Chinatown, resulting in financial burdens for local business owners. Valia Honolulu Boutique recently experienced damage to their store when they arrived to find a shattered window with no signs of entry or theft. Reviewing security footage revealed a brawl on Bethel Street that resulted in a man being thrown against the boutique’s glass window. Owner Camille Heung expressed frustration at the lack of accountability for the damage, noting that without insurance, the cost to replace the window would be around $12,000.

Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam expressed disappointment in the situation, emphasizing the efforts to revitalize downtown and support small businesses. Other businesses in the area have also been impacted by early morning altercations, with one store having their window broken twice in the same month. The community has called for increased police presence when bars and clubs close at 2 a.m. to ensure safety and prevent further damage.

Despite the challenges faced by businesses in Chinatown, the owner of Valia Honolulu Boutique hopes that raising awareness about these incidents will encourage individuals to consider the impact of their actions on small business owners. By shedding light on the consequences of late-night fights and crime, there is a possibility for positive change in the area.