DOH shuts down Genki Sushi in Kona due to roach infestation

KAILUA-KONA — Multiple complaints of cockroaches at Genki Sushi has prompted the state Department of Health to shut down the chain’s Kona Commons restaurant.

A red “CLOSED” placard was posted Wednesday on the front door of Genki Sushi off Makala Boulevard following a health inspection at the restaurant earlier in the day, Janice Okubo, DOH spokeswoman, said Wednesday afternoon. The inspection was prompted by “multiple complainants reporting roaches seen inside the establishment.”

During the inspection, Okubo said a host of violations were found, including:

– Numerous dead cockroach shells inside a conveyor belt housing/wall and electrical control box.

– Live roaches and nesting sites in paper hand towels, foil packet boxes, glove boxes (disposed), poly urethane food liners (disposed), etc.

– Live roaches in the corners of the walls behind loose panels.

– Take home containers have roaches and roach legs in them.

– Flour containers have roach parts on them and some legs in them.

– White bumpers used to keep foods on the belt have roaches living in them.

To reopen, Okubo said that the facility is required to complete a thorough cleaning of all food and non-food contact surfaces; ensure all entry points are closed to prevent vectors/roach entry; contract a pest control operator to treat the establishment; and dispose of contaminated paper goods.

The closure of the Kona Commons Genki Sushi will remain in effect until the restaurant pass a DOH inspection and receives approval to reopen, Okubo said.

By Chelsea Jensen West Hawaii Today cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com