Black Rock Pizza in Kailua-Kona closed after inspectors find rodent droppings, food safety violations

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has ordered the immediate closure of a Black Rock Pizza in Kailua-Kona after inspectors found an active rodent infestation and multiple critical food safety violations during a routine inspection.

Black Rock Pizza, located at 75-5813 Aliʻi Drive and operated by Black Rock Pizza #2 Kona LLC, was issued a red “closed” placard on July 8 and must remain closed until health officials verify that all critical violations have been corrected.

According to the Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch, inspectors documented widespread evidence of rodents throughout the establishment, including fresh and old rodent droppings found in food preparation areas, on food-contact surfaces and in food.

Inspectors also cited the restaurant for failing to protect food from contamination, failing to keep the premises free of rodents and other pests, obstructing a required handwashing sink, and failing to properly maintain and clean the facility.

Before the restaurant can reopen, operators must discard all contaminated food products, hire a licensed pest control company to service the facility and submit documentation to the Department of Health, seal holes in the building’s walls and ceiling, and thoroughly clean and disinfect all food-contact and non-food-contact surfaces.

The restaurant will remain closed until the violations are corrected and the Department of Health conducts a follow-up inspection confirming the facility meets state food safety requirements.

The Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch conducts routine inspections of food establishments statewide to help protect residents and visitors from foodborne illness and ensure compliance with state sanitation standards.

Click here for more details about the department’s placarding program. For current inspections, click here.