MOANALUA, Hawaii (KHON2) — Hawaii restaurants have some new food safety rules to follow that went into effect on Sunday, Aug. 24, but the Hawaii Restaurant Association and some local businesses said communication about the changes could be improved.
Legislation passed in 2024 made updates to Hawaii’s food safety code that just went into effect on Sunday — some local restaurants said they did not get word from health officials.
“From my understanding, I just spoke to my two operators also, we haven’t heard anything from them,” said Rick Nakashima, Ruby Tuesday Hawaii CEO and owner. “We’re good on almost all the rules I just went over. There’s a couple questions we have on a few of them.”
One addition that patrons should see the next time they eat out is eateries that cook with sesame seed products need to have it displayed in an allergy warning.
“So now that has to be either on your menu or on a table tent,” said Hawaii Restaurant Association executive director Sheryl Matsuoka. “And we want to be good, you know, good citizens, and so we want to follow the guidelines — but unless we know about it, how are we going to follow the guidelines?”
Some homemade products like candies, chips and cookies can now be sold wholesale to grocery stores or restaurants, which is good news for small local businesses.
“And that definitely does help, but yeah, we didn’t hear about that passing last year or when it would go into effect, unfortunately, so I’m really appreciative you reached out to us,” said Aloha Below Zero owner Ryan Pang.
The Department of Health updated their food safety code online on Monday, Aug. 25. Previously, only service animals were allowed inside restaurants or in outdoor seating areas. Now, pet dogs are allowed in lanai settings as long as the animal does not have to cross through the inside of the eatery.
“We have the lanai at Moanalua and we have an outside access. We have two ways to get in there,” Nakashima said.
Another one of the rule changes that is now in effect is that back-of-house workers who prepare food are either required to tie their hair back or keep it contained in a hairnet.
Gloves to cover any incidental cuts on hands are also now mandatory — just a bandage was necessary before the change. The DOH said inspections often educate businesses on code changes, and they are working to get the word out.
“So, there is public notification prior to the rules. You know, there’s discussions with media like you that help get the word out to everybody,” said DOH Environmental Health Services division chief Matthew Kurano. “We work to phase it in so that people’s awareness is there.”
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Click here to read through the code changes. The HRA said to call 808-586-8000 with any questions.