Grease buildup is shown in the kitchen of Fu Lin Chinese Restaurant in Lahaina, which was shut down by the state Department of Health for multiple violations. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH photo

The Maui News

Fu Lin Chinese Restaurant in Lahaina was shut down and issued a red “closed” placard after state health inspectors discovered cockroaches, a live cat, grease buildup and other violations in the kitchen.

Operated by AL & JL LLC, the restaurant at 1312 Front St. received the red placard on Monday and must remain closed until the state Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch conducts a follow-up inspection and all of the violations are resolved, according to a DOH news release Friday.

During a routine inspection on Monday, the DOH inspector noted the following critical violations:

• About two dozen cockroaches throughout the kitchen.

• A live cat in the kitchen.

• Rodent droppings throughout the kitchen.

• Multiple holes/openings in walls, ceiling and floor where pests can enter.

• Food debris and grease accumulation throughout the kitchen.

• Lack of sanitizer in the mechanical dishwasher.

• Improper temperatures of potentially hazardous foods.

• Use of a handwash sink for purposes other than handwashing.

A follow-up inspection was conducted on Wednesday, with noted violations including a live rat in the front bar, roach activity in the kitchen and rodent excrement in the kitchen. The DOH said there was improvement towards cleaning grease and food debris and filling holes and gaps in kitchen walls, ceilings and floors.

Based on the severity of pest activity, the restaurant should remain closed to protect public health, the DOH said. Before it’s allowed to reopen, Fu Lin Chinese Restaurant must:

• Continue to work with a professional pest control contractor. A monitoring and treatment plan for both rodents and cockroaches must be completed to eradicate the current pest infestation.

• Provide copies of the pest treatment reports to DOH to monitor progress.

• Clean any remaining food debris and grease and fill any remaining holes.

The next follow-up inspection is scheduled for Monday.