Happy Valley landmark burns
By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor
WAILUKU, Maui — A fire early today gutted a Happy Valley landmark that lived many lives in the small Wailuku community alongside I'ao Stream.
Christie Wilson • The Honolulu Advertiser
Old-timers recall the unimposing wood and tin structure on Market Street was once a Chinese restaurant, then a rowdy bar with a jukebox that played late into the night. It served at one time as an office supply business and again as a bar.
Fire inspector Leo Domingo checks out damage from this morning’s fire at the Happy Valley Cafe, known to many as the former Sam Sato’s noodle house.
Most on Maui know it as the former home of Sam Sato's famed noodle house, which vacated the property after 20 years for updated quarters in The Millyard in 1993.
Its current occupant was the homestyle Happy Valley Cafe.
The building was owned by members of the Sato family, Charles Toma and Lynne Sato Toma.
"It's a landmark here. It's a shame," said Charles Toma as he visited the burned-out structure this morning. "Luckily no one was hurt."
Maui Fire Department officials said the fire was reported at 4:58 a.m. and brought under control a half-hour later. Damage in the building showed the blaze started in the kitchen, although an investigation is continuing into the cause.
Fire officials estimated the damage at $200,000. Toma said the building is insured. He did not know whether it would have to be demolished.
