Waikōloa restaurant reopens after getting a red placard for a rodent infestation and more

The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch allowed Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai to reopen, issuing a green “pass” placard during a follow-up inspection on Tuesday.

The food establishment is located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place in Waikōloa and is operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels. The restaurant was shut down on April 19 when a state inspection revealed an active rodent infestation, contaminated food products and unsanitary conditions within the facility.

DOH required the food establishment to take the following corrective actions:

• Discard all contaminated food products and gnawed food storage containers.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all food and non-food contact surfaces.
• Seal any cracks, crevices, and holes to prevent vector entry into facility.
• Increase professional pest control operator treatments 2-3 times per week until rodent issues have abated.
• Facility to undergo a deep cleaning and disinfection.
• Remove unnecessary equipment and supplies to prevent harborage sites.

During the follow-up inspection, DOH determined that all of the violations have been resolved.

The Department of Health Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold.

The branch also investigates the sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration; and is charged with mitigating the effects of these incidents to prevent any future occurrences. The Department of Health’s food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers, and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.

For more information on the department’s placarding program go to http://health.hawaii.gov/san/.