Waikōloa restaurant ordered to shut down after state inspection reveals rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions
The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch issued a red “Closed” placard and immediately shut down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai on April 19 due to an active rodent infestation, contaminated food products and unsanitary conditions within the facility.
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The establishment, located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place in Waikōloa, is operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels.
During an inspection conducted in response to a public complaint received on April 18, the health department inspector noted the following:
- Contaminated food products.
- Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils are not clean to sight and touch.
- Rodent feces on food preparation surfaces and plates.
- Perimeter walls and roofs of a food establishment does not effectively protect the establishment from the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.
- Premises are not maintained free of insects, rodents, and other pests.
- Physical facilities are not maintained and cleaned.
DOH is requiring 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 issue has been abated.
- Facility to undergo a deep cleaning and disinfection.
- Remove unnecessary equipment and supplies to prevent harborage sites.
A follow-up inspection is scheduled Tuesday to re-assess the establishment’s progress.
For more information on the Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch placarding program go to Food Safety Branch here.