LAHAINA, Hawaii — Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina has been closed until sanitation violations are resolved, according to a Hawaii Department of Health news release.
DOH’s Maui Food Safety Branch issued a red “closed” placard to the restaurant on Monday, citing a cockroach and rodent infestation. The restaurant is owned and operated by Amakua Holdings Inc.
According to DOH, rodent droppings and cockroaches were seen throughout the establishment, including on pizza dough, in refrigerators, and on tables where food is prepared. Inspectors saw adult cockroaches, young cockroaches and unhatched egg cases, signifying an active population. Two dead rats were also seen in traps in a food storage room.
Inspectors also cited the restaurant for holes where pests can enter, a build-up of grease and food debris that attracts pests, clutter where pests can nest, and a lack of soap and paper towels at the kitchen handwash sink.
DOH informed the business that in order to reopen it must hire a pest control company to create an aggressive pest control treatment plan to eradicate the current infestation, deep clean the entire facility, and seal all holes in the walls, ceiling and floors.
A follow-up inspection is set for Wednesday.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.