In a recent development, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has temporarily closed the Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina due to a severe pest infestation. The decision was made following a routine inspection and a complaint received on July 10, 2023.
The Maui Brewing Company, owned and operated by Amakua Holdings Inc., is located at 4405 Honoapi‘ilani Highway #217 in Lahaina. The establishment was issued a red “Closed” placard by the DOH’s Maui Food Safety Branch, indicating a significant public health risk.
During the inspection, the DOH discovered extensive evidence of a rodent and cockroach infestation. Rodent droppings and live cockroach activity were observed throughout the establishment, including on food items such as pizza dough, inside refrigeration units where food is stored, and on food contact surfaces where food is prepared. The presence of adult, juvenile, and unhatched cockroach egg cases suggested an active infestation. Two dead rodents were also found in traps within the food storage room.
The establishment was further cited for conditions conducive to pest infestation, including holes and openings that allow pests to enter, a build-up of grease and food debris that attracts pests, and clutter that provides harborage for pests. The absence of soap and paper towels at the kitchen handwash sink was also noted.
The DOH has mandated several corrective actions before the restaurant can reopen. These include the development and implementation of an aggressive pest control treatment and monitoring plan by a professional pest control company, deep cleaning of the facility to remove all pest harborage conditions, and sealing all openings within the walls, ceiling, and floors to prevent pest entry.
A follow-up inspection is scheduled for July 12, 2023.
The DOH’s Food Safety Branch is committed to protecting and promoting the health of Hawaii’s residents and visitors through the education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments and investigates sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration.
For more information on the health department’s placard program, visit their official website. To view restaurant inspection reports, visit the Hawaii Health Inspections website.
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.
