The new entrepreneurs setting up business say rats are not a problem, although they have been answering phone calls since the infamous “;rat video”; surfaced on YouTube a few weeks ago.

“;Every city located on the waterfront in the world has rats,”; said Marsha Joyner, coordinator of the Chinatown Arts District Merchants Association, adding that the problem has been blown out of proportion. At the same time, many businesses say they are clear of the rodents - battling the public image has been more of an issue. Many are located outside of Kekaulike Market, where the rats were filmed at Pacing Market.

At the Land of Organica, the facilities undergo strict inspections to get certified as organic, said owner Jeremy Daniel.