Most Foodland stores remained open after the blackout last night, though with restricted entry and limited supllies inside.

At Beretania Foodland, about 100 people were lined up outside at around 10 p.m., as groups of 25 were allowed to enter every 10 minutes or so. A store worker announced on a bullhorn that all batteries and flashlights were sold out, and no perishable food was for sale.

"What about beer?" yelled one customer outside.

The store worker replied, "Yes, we've got plenty of beer, and ice."

Inside, all fish, meat and poultry sections were closed, as were the frozen food lanes.

There were another 50 to 75 people still waiting outside at around 11 p.m.

At Ward Warehouse, about 30 people were lined up at the Egg Roll Chinese food kiosk around 9:25 p.m., shortly after hearing an announcement by the store's owner on KSSK that they were open for business.

"I was on Ward Avenue, and I heard on Perry and Price they were open," said Jerry Choy, 48, of Liliha. "When I got here, there were already seven or eight people in line."

The menu was limited to chow mein, chow fun and sweet and sour pork, but Choy went home happy with two mini-boxes of food.

"I'm hungry, and I'm glad they're open," Choy said. "After the (2006) earthquake, I just ate baloney sandwiches."

At Times Supermarket in Kahala, a long line formed as workers let limited numbers inside at a time to buy provisions. The store closed about 9:30 p.m. because its generator was almost out of fuel.

Michelle Hookano and her family drove to the Times from Ewa Beach looking for a bite. They grabbed bread, luncheon meats, drinks and chips, and ate their dinner in the bed of their truck.

"We just had to find some place to feed the kids," said Hookano, who was with her five young children and a neighbor's daughter.

At the Whole Foods in Kahala, dozens of people gathered to get a hot meal. Scott Wehner, 43, headed for the supermarket from Kailua after hearing it was still open on the radio. "The food is great. Everybody's calm," he said.

Some were making the best of the situation.

Kelly Simpkins, of Kaimuki, sat outside the Whole Foods with friends, eating wine, cheese and other treats.

"It's very calm," Simpkins said.