Genki Sushi USA Inc. said it is cooperating with the state Department of Health to correct an extensive roach infestation at its Kailua-Kona restaurant that led to the outlet receiving a red “closed” placard from the state agency.

Health officials said the restaurant at Kona Commons, 74-5450 Makala Blvd., was closed due to extensive roach infestation discovered during an inspection Wednesday.

Mary Hansen, vice president and chief administrative officer of Genki Sushi USA, is hopeful that the Genki Sushi restaurant in Kona can open shortly.

“We are working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to take all necessary actions to correct this situation,” she said in a statement. “The health and safety of our customers are our primary concerns, and we are thoroughly cleaning the restaurant and bringing in an exterminator to ensure it fully complies with DOH guidelines and requirements. All of our restaurants have monthly exterminator appointments and all locations passed their most recent DOH inspections, including the Kona location. We’re hoping the DOH can inspect the restaurant tomorrow (Friday) and allow us to open for business.”

The inspection, conducted in response to numerous complaints, found dead cockroach shells inside the conveyor belt housing/wall and electrical control box, and live roaches in the paper hand towels, foil packet boxes, glove boxes, as well as in the corners of walls, behind loose panels and in the white bumpers used to keep food on the conveyor belt.

Inspectors also found roach parts and legs in flour containers.

In 2018, Genki Sushi and its distributors settled a $4.5 million lawsuit for consumers exposed to hepatitis A from tainted scallops served at Genki Sushi during an outbreak from June 12 through Oct. 9, 2016. There were 292 confirmed cases of hepatitis A and 74 hospitalizations during the outbreak. Genki operated 13 restaurants at the time on Oahu, Kauai and Maui.