The Nanakuli fast food restaurant is reopening weeks after the fatal knife attack on a teenage employee

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Nanakuli Wendy’s is set to reopen for business Friday, nearly two weeks after a teenage employee was killed in a knife attack.

The victim was identified as 22-year-old Kashka Otto.

State Representative Darius Kila, who serves the Nanakuli community, announced that the Wendy’s franchise – Cotti Foods – plans to donate 100% of Friday’s proceeds to Otto’s family.

“This act of kindness speaks volumes about their commitment to our community,” Kila said in a social media post.

Kila told Hawaii News Now he is grateful for the sensitivity and care the company has shown the community as they mourn the loss of Otto and come together to heal.

“This is about supporting the family, right. “Yeah, I mean, it wouldn’t surprise me if our people from the west side show up and go out and fill the place like we used to,” Kila said. “I mean, I’m just happy to think that we get to eat for a good cause, and this is a really good community effort to just continue to show each other that not every incident is a reflection of what’s happening .” continues.”

He also said he’s confident Wendy’s will have one of its busiest days in business by far.

The restaurant starts the day with a breakfast service directly at the drive-thru.

The dining room will open sometime in the afternoon. Kila said they want to welcome everyone back so they can enjoy their favorite foods in a safe environment.

Kila said he and Councilmember Andria Tupola are in active discussions with the mall’s management and security teams to ensure smooth operations.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the fatal stabbing – 60-year-old Reynaldo Cheney – is charged with murder and is being held without bail.

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