FOOD SAFETY UNIT

The Food Safety Unit of the Kauai District Health Office is responsible for protecting and promoting the health and well-being of Hawaii’s residents and visitors. We accomplish this with professionalism, integrity and fairness through education and regulation in the areas of food safety, disease prevention, community sanitation and emergency response. The Food Safety Unit is responsible for inspections of restaurants, tattoo shops, public pools, and other facilities where sanitation may pose a risk to the health of the public.

To report a food borne illness, please contact the Disease Investigation Branch at (808) 241-3563 between the hours of 7:45am – 4:30pm Monday–Friday.

For complaints regarding food establishments, tattoo shops/artists, swimming pools or mortuaries, please call (808) 241-3323.

Food Handler Certification

Classes for Food Handler Certifications for Kauai, Maui, and Big Island will be offered online via Zoom and in-person for Big Island (Kauai and Maui dates coming soon). A working webcam is required for these online classes. (If you do not have access to a computer/tablet with a working webcam, please contact Kyla Arruda at (808) 825-1774 or [email protected] to discuss possible alternative arrangements). ANSI-accredited online courses offered by other organizations are available here (fees may apply). For more information on food handler certification, visit the State of Hawaii Department of Health Website for Food Safety Education.
Safe food handling tips for holiday get-togethers

Restaurants and Food Establishments

All restaurants and food establishments statewide are subject to Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) 11-50, which establish rules and regulations for the health and safety of the public. Amendments to Chapter 11-50 were made effective on September 2, 2017. The amended rules affect all restaurants and food establishments statewide.
Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 11-50
Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 11-50 (searchable)
Inspection reports available online — Consumers can see how Hawaii restaurants fare in food safety inspections.

Important Food Regulations for Restaurants and Other Food Establishments
How to get a green placard
Get ready for upcoming changes
Color coded placard program

Helpful Links and More Information:

Contact:
Environmental Health – Food Safety Unit
Kauai District Health Office
3040 Umi St.
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3323
Office Hours: 7:45am – 4:30pm

*Environmental Health – Food Safety Unit is on the second floor of the two-story building, with elevator access available.