DOH shuts down Waikoloa restaurant due to rat infestation
The state Department of Health issued a red “Closed” placard and immediately shut down Ocean Club at Hali‘i Kai on Friday due to an active rodent infestation, contaminated food products and unsanitary conditions within the facility.
The establishment, located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place in Waikoloa, is operated by Castle Resorts &Hotels Inc.
During an inspection by the Food Safety Branch conducted in response to a public complaint received on Thursday, the DOH inspector noted the following: contaminated food products; food-contact surfaces and utensils were not clean to sight and touch; rodent feces on food preparation surfaces and plates; premises were maintained free of insects, rodents and other pests; physical facilities were not maintained and cleaned.
DOH is requiring the Ocean Club at Hali‘i Kai to take the following corrective actions: discard all contaminated food products and gnawed food storage containers; thoroughly clean and disinfect all food and nonfood contact surfaces; seal any cracks, crevices, and holes to prevent vector entry into facility; increase professional pest control treatments 2-3 times per week until rodent issue has been abated; undergo a deep cleaning and disinfection; and remove unnecessary equipment and supplies to prevent harborage sites.
A follow-up inspection is scheduled for today to reassess the establishment’s progress.
The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawaii 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.
