The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch has issued a red “CLOSED” placard to Doner Shack at 79 South Pauahi St. in Honolulu due to repeated instances of employees not wearing face masks while working, the department announced. 

The Food Safety Branch received a complaint alleging that Doner Shack employees were not wearing masks on Jan. 20.

A complaint inspection was conducted on Jan. 25 and revealed that the establishment’s owner/manager was working with no face mask or covering. A written warning letter was issued for the violation, which stated that a follow-up inspection would be conducted, and a repeat violation would result in closure of the food establishment.

A follow-up inspection was conducted on Jan. 27 to ensure compliance. The inspection revealed that the same owner/manager who was issued the warning on Jan. 25 was working without wearing a face mask or covering, according to the state Department of Health. 

Health officials say that due to the repeated violations, a red “CLOSED” placard was issued to the establishment to protect public health.

Health officials say that after the red placard was posted by an inspector, the owner allegedly removed the placard and refused to close the establishment.

The department notes that this is a violation of HAR 11-50, Food Safety Code, which states in part that a placard must be displayed and may not be removed, subject to a $2,000 fine.

In addition, issuance of a red placard is a temporary suspension of a food permit. Refusal to close a food service establishment operating without a permit may lead to fines of up to $1,000 per day.

The department reports that the facility may not legally reopen until a follow-up inspection is requested and a health inspector verifies that all employees are wearing masks at all times. 

“It is so critical at this time for all businesses and their customers to pay close attention to pandemic prevention measures and requirements, and for all business owners to ensure that their employees and customers are properly wearing face masks at all times,” said Peter Oshiro, Food Safety Branch chief. “This is essential to curbing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”