HONOLULU — The state Department of Health Clean Air Branch has issued notices and findings of violation and orders against six companies. All those responsible have or had the option to request a hearing to contest their alleged violations and penalties.
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s Kapaia Power Station was cited for nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide exceedances. The violations were self-reported, and the company was fined $22,800.
KIUC is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH.
“KIUC takes our permit requirements seriously and are working with DOH to resolve these issues,” said KIUC President and CEO David Bissell.
Other citations:
• Edwin DeLuz Trucking & Gravel, LLC in Waimea on Hawaii Island was cited for operational, maintenance of equipment and late submittal of reports. The violations were discovered from an inspection and review of their records. The company was fined $6,300 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH;
• Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island was cited for exceeding their visible emission limit on the Keahole combustion turbine generator, CT-4. The violation was determined from a review of their records. The company was fined $11,200 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH;
• Lanai Resorts, LLC, dba Pulama Lanai in Lanai City, Lanai, was cited for not conducting their annual source performance tests on its asphalt concrete batch plant and diesel engine generator. The violations were determined from an inspection and record reviews. The company has paid a fine of $31,300;
• Maui Electric Company, Ltd. in Kahului on Maui, was cited for exceeding the visible emission limits on their combustion turbine generator, units M14 and M17, and diesel engine generator unit M14 at the Maalaea generating station. The violations were determined during a routine review of their records. The company was fined $19,900 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH;
• Water Resources International, Inc., in Honolulu, was cited for late submittal of annual fees and semi-annual reports. The violations were discovered during a review of their records. The company was fined $7,200 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH.
In general, fines are assessed to remove any economic benefit a company may have gained by not complying with their permit requirements. All fines are paid into a revolving fund that helps prevent or minimize damage to the environment.
These are serious violations. E.P.A. This must be dealt with.
When fined, why can they negotiate? Either they are fined what the fine says it should be, or they aren’t fined. It’s not like citizens can negotiate parking tickets, and one would think these violations are worse than that.