The state Department of Human Services has suspended the operating license of a Kailua-Kona day-care center, the second time this year, the state announced Tuesday.

The license for Kids Play Corner Inc., dba Busy Buddies Hawaii, was suspended July 3 for allowing a staff member, who was terminated in 2009 for threatening abuse of a child, back on the premises or directing operations and/or staff.

In February, DHS found there were occasional violations at Busy Buddies since 2009 and suspended its license.

In March 2009, a Child Welfare Services investigation confirmed that a staff member threatened to abuse a child being cared for at the center, a media release by the Human Services Department said.

Human Services issued in May 2009 a notice to the business to terminate the staff member’s employment because she was found unsuitable to provide child care.

The worker was banned from the premises during child care hours or when children were present.

After the February suspension, Busy Buddies entered into a settlement agreement May 31 with DHS, which prohibited the individual from stepping onto the property at any time or directing operations and/or staff.

Parents may contact the North Kona Child Care licensing office at (808) 327-4755 if they have any questions. For parents who need to make alternative child care arrangements, DHS recommends contacting PATCH Hawaii at (808) 322-3500 for a list of child care providers in the area.