HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch is pursuing an environmental enforcement action against the Hu Honua Bioenergy facility in Pepeekeo on Hawaii Island, the DOH said in a press release today.

Preliminary findings from the Clean Water Branch’s investigation confirm Hu Honua Bioenergy personnel caused an unauthorized discharge of industrial wastewater from their facility’s treatment system on Friday morning, Nov. 9.

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“The discharge was a blatant disrespect of the environmental laws that govern this highly regulated industry,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “The history of concern over the operations of this facility emphasize the need for the Department of Health to take swift action on this violation.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, DOH Clean Water Branch enforcement personnel conducted an inspection at the Hu Honua facility in response to a reported discharge of boiler cleaning wastewater. Inspectors interviewed Hu Honua management, environmental personnel and workers who were onsite the day of the discharge. The facility’s temporary wastewater treatment system was also inspected as the source of the discharge.

“While in general, the department does not provide information about ongoing investigations, given the public nature of this case and community concerns, we are confirming the cause of the spill and moving forward on the enforcement process,” said Keith Kawaoka, deputy director of Environmental Health. “Fortunately, our staff did not observe visible damage to the environment or determine an imminent threat to the health of the public from the discharge.”

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The DOH Clean Water Branch is continuing their investigation, it said. Further information to determine the volume and chemical characteristics of the unauthorized discharge is still being collected. A formal report with recommendations for enforcement requirements and penalties will be completed. For unlawful discharges to state waters, violators face potential civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day per violation and potential criminal prosecution.

The Hawaii Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch protects the health of residents and visitors who enjoy the state’s coastal and inland water resources.