After shutting down Jade Palace Two on Wednesday, the Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Branch gave an okay to reopen, issuing a green “pass” placard after a follow-up inspection on Thursday.

The follow-up inspection determined that all violations had been resolved and “concluded that there was no imminent health hazard,” according to a DOH release.

An active cockroach infestation, adulterated food products and unsanitary conditions found by the Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Branch has closed Jade Palace Two in Kailua-Kona.

Adulteration in food refers to adding substances such as other ingredients or chemicals to enhance the appearance or bulk of food.

A routine inspection conducted on May 21 at the establishment operated by Minh Tuan Tran at 75-5595 Palani Road found contaminated food; live cockroaches in food, on food preparation surfaces and under equipment; physical facilities that were not maintained or cleaned; food not properly stored to prevent contamination; ready-to-eat foods in the refrigerator not properly dated; and an employee who returned to work without washing hands.

As a result, DOH has closed the business until all violations have been corrected and the operator contacts DOH to conduct a follow-up inspection.

The operator is required to discard all contaminated food products; thoroughly clean and disinfect all food and non-food contact surfaces; hire a professional pest control operator and submit the report to DOH; undergo a deep cleaning and disinfection of the facility; and re-train food employees to properly handle and store food.

The DOH Food Safety Branch routinely conducts health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed and sold, as well as investigates sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration of food.

The public can find information on current inspections.

Editor’s note: The article has been updated with the reopening of the restaurant. (May 23, 2025)