Charley’s Steakery at Pearlridge Center in ʻAiea is flipping cheesesteaks again, after a sewage overflow spotted during a routine inspection led to a temporary shutdown and a bright red "closed" placard from state health officials.
The food-court spot was ordered closed on Friday and stayed dark through the weekend while plumbing repairs were made and checked by inspectors. It was cleared to reopen on Monday once health officials confirmed the problem was fixed.
According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, the Food Safety Branch issued the red placard after an inspector observed "a sewage overflow at the floor drain of the three-compartment sink" during the July 17 inspection. The branch required repairs to the plumbing system to prevent any further overflow. A follow-up inspection on Monday confirmed the violation had been corrected and the outlet was authorized to reopen. The department also shared the notice on X.
The Pearlridge location, at 98-1005 Moanalua Road inside Pearlridge Center, is listed in the chain’s store directory. Per Charleys and its franchise disclosure, the Pearlridge unit is part of Charley’s Hawaii, Inc. The franchise document is available from Charleys.
How the Placard System Works
The DOH Food Safety Branch uses a color-coded placard system that lets inspectors immediately sideline food businesses when they spot critical public health hazards such as sewage overflows. The branch conducts routine inspections statewide and posts results online.
Inspection reports can be viewed through the state’s inspection portal or by contacting the branch directly; details are available on the DOH Food Safety Branch site.
Charley’s Pearlridge resumed serving customers after Monday’s follow-up inspection. Diners who want extra reassurance can look for a green placard, or no placard at all, at the counter and check the inspection portal for the latest report. The DOH has said it will continue routine inspections and enforcement across the islands to protect public health.
