The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has issued a Notice of Violation and Order to the property owners at 47-400 Waiheʻe Road in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. The action follows a recent inspection that found an unauthorized stream crossing, resulting in a $65,000 fine, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
During an inspection on April 3, officials from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found an unauthorized stream crossing. Built in March without proper permits, the crossing included dirt, boulders, tree stumps, and mulch placed in Waiheʻe Stream and a connected ʻauwai, which violated environmental regulations.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued a Notice of Violation and Order to property owners for dumping materials into a stream and ʻauwai without authorization. The order requires them to stop further dumping and remove the materials. “Owners, contractors and consultants responsible for construction activities in or near our streams must comply with environmental laws that protect water quality,” said Kathleen Ho, Deputy Director of Environmental Health. “When they fail to do so, they will be held accountable.” The property owners have 20 days to contest the Notice of Violation and Order and can request a hearing. Violations may result in fines of up to $60,000 per day.
