The Maui News
A pizza restaurant in West Maui has been shut down after health inspectors discovered a “severe pest infestation,” including dozens of dead cockroaches and evidence of rodents.
The state Department of Health announced Tuesday that it had issued a red “closed” placard to Nikki’s Pizza in the Whalers Village food court in Kaanapali.
During an inspection on Aug. 31, inspectors observed several roach traps that had been stapled to the ceiling and on a prep chill refrigerator in the kitchen. When the traps were removed, they observed 50 to 70 dead and five to six live cockroaches in each of the traps, the department said. In addition, numerous rodent feces were observed on top of a refrigerator in the kitchen, and a rodent rub mark was seen in the front service area. Other critical violations included:
• Cockroach nymph on the prep chill refrigerator, indicating an active population.
• A hole in the ceiling of the kitchen, allowing entry of pests.
• Potentially hazardous foods not being held at proper temperatures in the two-door prep chill refrigerator.
• Hand-wash sink being used for cleaning soiled pans.
• Lack of sanitizing after washing kitchenware.
• Incorrect hand-washing and glove use.
Inspectors also noted areas under kitchen equipment with food debris accumulation, which could possibly attract pests.
The department said the restaurant was closed to protect public health and will remain shuttered until the restaurant completes the following requirements and receives DOH approval to reopen:
• More frequent professional pest control treatments and a monitoring/treatment plan for both cockroaches and rodents.
• Cleaning all areas underneath and on top of kitchen equipment.
Since Whalers Village provides routine professional pest control services for establishments, they will provide DOH with a pest treatment/monitoring plan for the food court and adjacent support kitchen, the department said.
While a follow-up inspection on Thursday showed that the owner was making progress, the red placard remained in place due to active pest activity, the department added. Another follow-up inspection is scheduled for Friday.
To view full health inspection reports for food establishments in Hawaii, visit hi.healthinspections.us/hawaii/#facility. For recent inspection records, enter the name of the establishment in the search field. For past inspections, enter the date range in the advance search options.
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