A recent investigation by Beat of Hawaii revealed a significant issue: accessing Hawaii's restaurant health inspection reports is exceedingly difficult, effectively hiding health violations from the public. This lack of transparency has serious implications for Hawaii's tourism industry and the local businesses that depend on it.
The investigation focused on the accessibility of information regarding restaurant closures due to health code violations, specifically highlighting a recent cockroach infestation at an L&L Hawaiian Barbecue location on Maui. According to Beat of Hawaii's report, the closure, which occurred in May 2025, underscores a broader problem: the public's inability to readily access health inspection data.
The issue isn't new. KHON2 News reported in April 2024 on the challenges in accessing these reports, noting the issuance of red placards to several restaurants with no easy way to access the underlying inspection details. This lack of readily available information creates an environment where potential health hazards at restaurants may go undetected by customers and businesses alike. As Beat of Hawaii points out, such issues erode public trust and potentially impact tourism, a cornerstone of the Hawaiian economy.
Further complicating matters, the Hawaii Department of Health issued a red placard to the L&L on Maui due to a cockroach infestation discovered during a follow-up inspection. This closure, in addition to the instance at Ramen Bones in Kahului where a red placard was issued due to evidence of breeding, highlights the severity of the issues restaurants might be facing, and the importance of having easily accessible information on health and safety for the public.
The lack of accessible inspection reports leaves both tourists and local residents vulnerable. Without readily available information, consumers cannot make informed decisions about where to eat, potentially exposing themselves to health risks. This lack of transparency also unfairly disadvantages businesses that maintain high standards, creating an uneven playing field. For entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector, this situation presents a challenge, demanding increased vigilance in maintaining health standards and potentially requiring proactive measures to communicate their commitment to food safety.
The state's failure to provide easy access inspection reports poses a serious problem for the restaurant industry, local consumers, and Hawaii's reputation. Addressing the transparency deficit is essential for protecting public health and safeguarding the economic health of the islands.
