Imagine walking into your favorite bubble tea shop, only to discover it’s been slapped with a health violation placard. You’d probably think twice before ordering, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: what if the shop simply removes that placard, hoping no one notices? That’s exactly what happened at a Kakaako bubble tea and dessert shop, and now they’re facing a hefty $2,000 fine. Let’s dive into the details—and trust me, this is the part most people miss.
In Honolulu, GFL Tea LLC, operating as Sun Tea Mix on 400 Keawe St., found itself in hot water after health officials discovered employees had unlawfully removed a yellow placard issued by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). This placard, part of the state’s Color Coded Placard Program, is no small matter—it signals serious health violations that could put customers at risk. And this is where it gets even more troubling: the shop wasn’t just guilty of removing the placard; they were also cited for multiple critical violations during a July 30 inspection.
Here’s what the health inspector found:
- No certified food handler was on-site to oversee operations.
- The handwashing sink was inaccessible, a basic hygiene requirement.
- Food was left unprotected, risking cross-contamination.
- Chlorine sanitizer levels were inadequate for proper disinfection.
- Hot water for cleaning dishes failed to meet the required 110°F temperature.
These aren’t minor oversights—they’re red flags for potential health hazards. The inspector ordered the shop to display the yellow placard until all issues were resolved. But just two days later, on August 2, the placard was gone, removed by employees in clear violation of the rules. Bold move? Or reckless disregard for public safety?
Peter Oshiro, the environmental health program manager, didn’t mince words: “Placard removal is a serious violation. These placards are crucial for transparency, letting customers know if a business is meeting health and safety standards.” Since the program’s launch in 2014, only eight restaurants have tampered with placards, making this incident particularly rare—and concerning.
The shop now has 20 days to contest the fine, but the damage to its reputation may already be done. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should businesses face harsher penalties for hiding health violations from the public? Or is a $2,000 fine enough to send the message? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For more details, visit the Hawaii Department of Health’s website (https://health.hawaii.gov/san/). And next time you’re craving bubble tea, maybe take a closer look at that placard—it could save you from more than just a bad drink. Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
