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

The license for Kids Play Corner Inc., doing business as Busy Buddies Hawaii, was suspended July 3 for violating a settlement agreement to not allow a staff member, who was terminated in 2009 for threatening abuse of a child, back on the premises or directing operations or staff.

In February the department also 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 department media release 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 the department, which prohibited the individual from stepping onto the property at any time or directing operations and/or staff.

Busy Buddies had a license to operate a group child care center for 76 children.

Busy Buddies’ owners voluntarily turned in its operating license to the state Friday.

The suspension will remain in place until the department’s Child Care Licensing Unit completes its investigation, the agency said.

Parents with questions may contact the North Kona Child Care Licensing Office at 327-4755.

For those who need to make other child care arrangements, the department recommends contacting PATCH Hawaii at 322-3500 for a list of centers.