KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa has been closed because of a rodent infestation, according to a Hawaii Department of Health news release.
The DOH’s Food Safety Branch issued a red “closed” placard to the poolside bar and grill on Friday, citing a rodent infestation. Castle Resorts & Hotels Inc. operates the establishment.
During an inspection conducted in response to a public complaint received on Thursday, a DOH inspector saw rodent feces on food preparation surfaces and plates.
He also wrote up:
- Contaminated food products,
- Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils were not clean,
- Perimeter walls and roofs do not effectively protect from the entry of insects and rodents,
- Premises were not maintained free of insects, rodents and other pests, and
- Physical facilities were not maintained and cleaned
In order for Ocean Club to reopen, the DOH is requiring the following to be met:
- Discard contaminated food products and gnawed food storage containers,
- Clean and disinfect food and non-food contact surfaces,
- Seal any cracks, crevices, and holes to prevent vector entry,
- Increase professional pest control operator treatments to 2-3 times per week until rodent infestation has been abated,
- Deep cleaning and disinfection, and
- Removal of unnecessary equipment and supplies to prevent harborage sites
DOH scheduled a follow-up inspection for Tuesday.