KAILUA-KONA — Multiple complaints of cockroaches at Genki Sushi has prompted the state Department of Health to shut down the chain’s Kona Commons restaurant.
A red “CLOSED” placard was posted Wednesday on the front door of Genki Sushi off Makala Boulevard following a health inspection at the restaurant earlier in the day, Janice Okubo, DOH spokeswoman, said Wednesday afternoon. The inspection was prompted by “multiple complainants reporting roaches seen inside the establishment.”
During the inspection, Okubo said a host of violations were found, including:
– Numerous dead cockroach shells inside a conveyor belt housing/wall and electrical control box.
– Live roaches and nesting sites in paper hand towels, foil packet boxes, glove boxes (disposed), polyurethane food liners (disposed), etc.
– Live roaches in the corners of the walls behind loose panels.
– Take home containers have roaches and roach legs in them.
– Flour containers have roach parts on them and some legs in them.
– White bumpers used to keep foods on the belt have roaches living in them.
To reopen, Okubo said that the facility is required to complete a thorough cleaning of all food and non-food contact surfaces; ensure all entry points are closed to prevent vectors/roach entry; contract a pest control operator to treat the establishment; and dispose of contaminated paper goods.
The closure of the Kona Commons Genki Sushi will remain in effect until the restaurant pass a DOH inspection and receives approval to reopen, Okubo said.
Mary Hansen, vice president and chief administrative officer, Genki Sushi USA, Inc., issued a statement in regards to the matter:
“We are working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to take all necessary actions to correct this situation. The health and safety of our customers are our primary concerns, and we are thoroughly cleaning the restaurant and bringing in an exterminator to ensure it fully complies with DOH guidelines and requirements. All of our restaurants have monthly exterminator appointments and all locations passed their most recent DOH inspections, including the Kona location. We’re hoping the DOH can inspect the restaurant tomorrow and allow us to open for business.”
