Lit stove blamed for
fire at eatery

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

Fire inspectors determined a stove that had been left on caused a fire that heavily damaged Eggs 'n Things, a Waikiki eatery well known for its pancakes and omelets.

Owner Janice Fukunaga is expected to meet today with inspectors from her insurance company to determine the monetary damage.

The fire was reported at 7:41 p.m. Wednesday, when the restaurant was closed and forced the evacuation of residents who live in apartments above it.

"Through the whole thing, I feel that we were so blessed that no one was hurt. You could always rebuild," said Fukunaga.

Since the fire a number of regular customers have called offering help, Fukunaga added.

The eatery first opened in February 1974 at 436 Ena Road. Twelve years later, it relocated to its current location at 1911 Kalakaua Ave.

The fire damaged tables, chairs and refrigerators, while smoke damaged the front part of the restaurant, said Capt. Kenison Tejada, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.

And some of Fukunaga's sheet music from her grandmother that decorated the eatery was destroyed, she said.

Jerry Kunze, who has worked as a dishwasher for Eggs 'n Things for 17 years, was on his way to work last night when he found out what happened.

"It was quite a shock," said Kunze.

Kunze said he hopes Eggs 'n Things will reopen as soon as possible. "That's what we're praying for," he said.