Health Department Issues Red “Closed” Placard to ʻOhana Tacos on Maui

The Hawai‘i Department of Health Sanitation Branch issued a red “Closed” placard at ʻOhana Tacos located at 3600 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road in the Honokōwai area of Lahaina on Maui for an “extensive pest infestation.”

The enforcement comes following a routine inspection at the restaurant conducted on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. Health officials say numerous other food safety violations were also observed during the inspection and the red placard was posted at the establishment “to protect public health.”

Health officials say critical violations observed during the inspection include the following:

• Extensive roach infestation with live roaches found around the hot-holding unit, in packages of food skewers, on food service plates, around the handwashing sink, on and in the meat slicer, and around the dish storage area;
• A buildup of black mold on the chute of the restaurant’s ice machine, which is a food contact surface; and
• Unsafe food cooling practices, cold-holding temperatures, and employee hygiene violations.

The closure of ʻOhana Tacos and the suspension of its food service permit will remain in effect until the establishment completes required actions, passes a follow-up health inspection and receives DOH approval to reopen.

Required actions include cleaning and sanitizing all food and non-food contact surfaces; ensuring all entry points are enclosed to prevent the entry of pests; eradication of cockroach infestation; and disposing of paper goods, single-use items, and any food items that have been contaminated.

A follow up inspection is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26.

Red Placard. Image courtesy: state Department of Health.