Here's the thing. As someone who has been frustrated by Disney continuing to offer less for more, but also someone who thought O'Hana was overpriced, I can't really fault Disney for their decisions. For one thing, meat/seafood has gotten a lot more expensive for everyone during COVID for a whole host of reasons, and its had a trickle down effect as restaurants and consumers (who are on different supply chains mostly, certainly Disney World is) adjust. Things like chicken wings, which used to be cheap are now more expensive because places are downgrading to them, creating more demand when there was already less supply. Same goes for shrimp and all the cuts of meat, since shellfish is more expensive now than it ever has been and the fancier restaurants and consumers will still pay a premium for the good cuts of meats and there's less of that to go around. The noodles to rice decision was likely not cost-based, but more likely to make a gluten-neutral option on the sides available (I have never been to O'Hana with a gluten-free person, but I imagine they probably used fried rice to accommodate). I will concede that Kielbasa is a weird choice. Like I know they wouldn't go to Spam, even though that would be authentic, but there are better sausages they could provide. At the same time, even with that, it's clear that Disney's concern is getting it open as quickly as possible with the staff/resources they have to open it.
More importantly, O'Hana has always been a cash cow for Disney. Disney doesn't let cash cows that seem like a deal stay that way too long (look at Le Cellier). Even in the good old days before they rushed you out, they were still minting money there. This new menu and set-up and $5-10 price increase(?) is just a reflection of the cost of doing business right now, and they know people will pay for it. Sure the noodles rebellion was successful, but until the supply chain rectifies itself and Disney can employ enough people to actually do the skewer style service, this is going to have to suffice.
