The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has permitted Kat’s Kau Kau Moʻopuna Style to resume operations. The establishment, situated at Mile Marker 106 on Māmalahoa Highway in Kailua-Kona, received a green "pass" placard following a follow-up inspection conducted on October 25, 2024.
Operated by Makaio Holdings LLC, the food establishment was required by DOH to undertake specific corrective actions. Among these was the repair of the facility's handwashing sink. During the subsequent inspection, it was confirmed that this violation had been addressed and that the handwashing sink is now functional. Dedicated handwashing sinks are deemed essential for maintaining food safety in commercial kitchens as they enable employees to clean and sanitize their hands effectively, thus preventing contamination and potential spread of foodborne diseases.
The DOH Food Safety Branch is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the health of both residents and visitors in Hawai‘i through educating food industry workers and regulating food establishments across the state. This branch conducts regular health inspections at locations where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.
Additionally, the branch investigates sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration while working to mitigate such incidents to prevent future occurrences. DOH food safety specialists collaborate with business owners, food service workers, and those within the food industry to ensure safe preparation practices and sanitary conditions.
For further details about the department’s placarding program, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/san/.