Kenichi Pacific granted permission for resumption of operations
Kenichi Pacific Restaurant in Kailua-Kona Reopens After Food Safety Violations
Last week, the Kenichi Pacific restaurant in Kailua-Kona was ordered to close due to multiple critical food safety violations. The establishment, operated by Dragonfly Hospitality Group, was found to have numerous live and dead cockroaches within the kitchen and food storage areas, along with unclean food-contact surfaces and poorly maintained facilities.
However, after completing the necessary corrective actions and passing a follow-up inspection by the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH), the restaurant was given the green light to reopen on August 6, 2025.
The required actions included discarding all contaminated food products, hiring a professional pest control operator, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all food- and non-food contact surfaces, removing unnecessary equipment and supplies, and conducting maintenance and repairs on the mechanical dishwasher and refrigerators.
During the follow-up inspection on August 4, the DOH determined that Kenichi Pacific had completed all the required corrective actions. The restaurant was issued a green "pass" placard, indicating that it is now compliant with food safety standards.
The DOH's inspection also revealed violations such as live cockroaches on food-contact surfaces and facilities that were not maintained and cleaned properly. Food-contact equipment and surfaces were also found to be not clean to sight and touch.
The Kenichi Pacific restaurant in Kailua-Kona has since been reopened and has been authorized for operation by the state Department of Health. The restaurant's successful completion of the corrective actions and the follow-up inspection demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a safe and clean environment for their customers.
[1] Hawaii Tribune-Herald
[2] West Hawaii Today
- The reopening of Kenichi Pacific restaurant in Kailua-Kona, after food safety violations, is a testament to their commitment towards health-and-wellness and food safety.
- The restaurant's compliance with the Hawaii Department of Health's (DOH) corrective actions and subsequent passing of the follow-up inspection indicate a shift in their business practices towards prioritizing food safety and science.
- The successful reopening of Kenichi Pacific restaurant, following the food safety issues, has sparked interest in the food-and-drink industry, as well as the local lifestyle and finance sectors, regarding the restaurant's future health-and-wellness standards and business strategies.
