Violations close Waikiki eatery

The state Department of Health ordered a Waikiki buffet restaurant closed Friday because of food safety violations, following a report of a foodborne illness Oct. 13.

The department’s Sanitation Branch issued a red placard to Makittii Hawaii on Kuhio Avenue and fined the restaurant $35,000.

The Department of Health has temporarily suspended the restaurant’s food permit until all food code violations are corrected and the facility can demonstrate managerial control over its food operations, the agency said in a news release.

An investigation into the illness report showed inadequate hand-washing and hand-washing facilities; violations for inadequate temperatures for cold and hot foods; foods not protected from contamination; unsanitary food equipment; improper time controls for foods; potential contamination of display foods; and the presence of insects and rodents.

The restaurant was issued a yellow “Conditional Pass” placard Oct. 13.

However, follow-up inspections on Oct. 16, 19 and 22 and Thursday revealed ongoing violations, including seafood and meat products being left out on the buffet line at room temperature with no time marking and cooked food items not being cooled to proper temperatures within the time required to prevent bacteria growth, the Health Department said.

THE restaurant’s food permit is suspended until the violations are corrected, the Health Department said.

A restaurant manager had no comment when contacted by phone Friday.

The restaurant can request a hearing to contest the suspension and penalty fee.