Pacific Kenichi restaurant in Kona closes temporarily due to violations of food hygiene regulations
Kenichi Pacific Restaurant in Kailua-Kona Closed Due to Critical Food Safety Violations
The Kenichi Pacific restaurant, located on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, has been shut down by the state Department of Health (DOH) following a red "closed" placard violation. The closure occurred on Wednesday due to multiple critical food safety violations, including a live cockroach infestation.
According to the DOH, numerous live and dead cockroaches were found within the kitchen and food storage areas of the restaurant. As a result, the restaurant must comply with specific regulations enforced by the DOH to reopen.
The regulations require the restaurant to immediately discard any contaminated food products, engage a licensed professional pest control service, provide documented evidence of pest control treatment to the DOH, and complete thorough cleaning and comply with all DOH requirements. The restaurant must remain closed until a follow-up inspection by the DOH and resolution of all critical violations.
In addition to addressing the pest infestation, the restaurant is required to clean and maintain all non-food contact surfaces, conduct maintenance and repair of the mechanical dishwasher and refrigerators, remove unnecessary equipment and supplies to prevent harborage sites, and thoroughly clean and disinfect all food-contact surfaces.
The restaurant, which is operated by Dragonfly Hospitality Group, will contact the DOH for a follow-up inspection when all violations have been corrected. Until then, the restaurant remains closed for business.
Food safety regulations in Hawaii are governed by the Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 11-50, which set standards and procedures for food establishments statewide, including pest control mandates. These rules require food facilities to implement effective pest control measures to prevent infestation and contamination, maintain cleanliness, and ensure food safety for consumers.
This incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to food safety regulations to protect the health and well-being of the public. The DOH takes its role in enforcing these regulations seriously and will continue to work with food establishments to ensure compliance.
- The health and well-being of the public must be protected, as seen with the closure of Kenichi Pacific Restaurant in Kailua-Kona due to critical food safety violations related to a live cockroach infestation.
- Food establishments in Hawaii, like the Kenichi Pacific Restaurant, are required to comply with food safety regulations governed by the Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 11-50, such as implementing effective pest control measures and ensuring cleanliness to prevent infestation and contamination.
- In the food-and-drink industry, it's essential for businesses to prioritize health-and-wellness considerations, like maintaining cleanliness and enforcing strict pest control measures, to promote a safe and pleasant lifestyle for patrons.
