HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Department of Health issued a Notice of Violation and Order against Wailehua I, LLC for discharging soil and other construction materials into wetlands, which are considered state waters.
In 2021, DOH’s Clean Water Branch (CWB) responded to a referral from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concerning the placement of unpermitted fill material in wetlands at a property on Wailehua Road, Kaneʻohe.
DOH determined that the respondent began discharging soil and other construction materials in 2015.
The Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) requires the respondents to prevent additional discharges, remove all unauthorized material, and pay a monetary penalty of $2.4 million.
Kathleen Ho, Deputy Director for Environmental Health, said, “Wetlands provide many critical ecological functions. Regulations are in place to ensure these important areas are protected. Property owners, contractors, and consultants responsible for construction activities in or near Hawaii’s wetlands must comply with environmental laws that protect water quality.”
The respondents have 20 days to contest the NOVO and request a hearing.
All persons, including business owners, government agencies, and visitors, must comply with environmental laws designed to protect Hawaii. Failure to comply with water pollution laws may subject violators to monetary penalties of up to $60,000 per day, per violation.
Click here to read the full NOVO.
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