HC&S Cited for Mill Emissions

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
NEIL ABERCROMBIE, GOVERNOR
LINDA ROSEN, MD, MPH. DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2014
DOH CITES HAWAIIAN COMMERCIAL & SUGAR COMPANY FOR VIOLATIONS OF AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS

HONOLULU- The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued a Notice and Finding of Violation and Order (NFVO) to Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company (HC&S) for excess emission and reporting violations that occurred from 2009 to 2013 in Puunene, Maui. A penalty of $1,335,000 has been assessed for the alleged violations. HC&S may request a hearing to contest the violations within 20 days of receiving the NFVO.

More than 400 violations were documented by DOH’s extensive records reviews of HC&S’s semi-annual reports, deviation letters and additional information submitted by HC&S. A copy of the NFVO, which includes a complete list of the violations, may be viewed at http://health.hawaii.gov/cab/Issued Formal Notices of Violation and Order

Through the air permit process, the DOH ensures companies comply with state and federa
l emission standards to minimize air pollution impacts on the public. The DOH Clean Air Branch (CAB) protects the people and environment of Hawaii by monitoring air quality and regulating businesses that release pollutants into the air. The CAB reviews and approves air permits, evaluates and enforces state and federal air standards, conducts inspections, and investigates reported incidents related to outdoor air quality.