Multiple Health Violations Force Kona Restaurant Closure: What You Need to Know

Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina & Restaurante in Kailua-Kona has been closed by health officials due to serious food safety violations. These issues include roaches found both in the kitchen and in ready-to-eat foods.

The Hawaii Department of Health issued a red placard on Thursday, meaning the restaurant must stay closed until they fix all critical issues and pass a follow-up inspection.

In a routine inspection, officials discovered live and dead cockroaches on food-contact surfaces, inside kitchen areas, and even among stored food. They noted that kitchen equipment and utensils were not clean, and hand-washing sinks were blocked and lacked paper towels. Additionally, refrigerated foods were not stored properly to avoid cross-contamination, and there was no certified food handler on-site.

To reopen, the restaurant must take several steps. These include throwing away all contaminated food, having a pest control service treat the establishment, deeply cleaning all surfaces, retraining employees on safe food storage, ensuring hand-washing stations are accessible, and having at least one staff member with a Safe Food Handler certificate present during hours of operation.

This closure is a reminder of the importance of food safety in restaurants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. It emphasizes why inspections and regulations are vital for ensuring public health.

In recent years, many eateries have faced similar challenges, often shared on social media. A surge in posts about health inspections shows that the public is more aware than ever of food safety practices. This increased scrutiny can push restaurants to uphold higher standards, as customer safety remains a top priority.

Pancho & Lefty’s will remain closed until all violations are corrected and health officials perform a follow-up inspection.

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Hawaii island, Health