The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has cracked down on Wailehua I, LLC, imposing a hefty $2.4 million fine for unauthorized environmental violations. The property development company faces serious allegations of discharging soil and other construction debris into protected wetlands without the necessary state permits or DOH approval, according to the news release.
Kathleen Ho, Deputy Director for Environmental Health at the DOH, emphasized the importance of these ecosystems, "Wetlands are critical to Hawaiʻi’s environment," she noted. They provide a range of ecological functions, from water purification to habitat support, thus warranting strict regulation to ensure their protection. According to the DOH, Wailehua I, LLC began the illegal dumping on a property along Wailehua Road, Kāneʻohe, as early as 2015. The violations only came to light following a referral from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2021.
The Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) served to Wailehua I, LLC requires them to halt any further discharges immediately, remove the unauthorized materials from the wetlands, and cough up the multi-million dollar penalty. The company has been given a window of 20 days to contest the NOVO and request a hearing. This incident serves as a stark reminder, for all individuals and businesses, that failure to adhere to environmental regulations can lead to tough legal consequences and significant financial penalties.
The Clean Water Branch (CWB) of the DOH took point on this case, underscoring their role in mitigating pollution in state waters. Their goal is to maintain water quality that ensures Hawaiʻi’s waters remain safe and enjoyable for public use. "All persons, including business owners, government agencies and visitors must comply with environmental laws designed to protect Hawaiʻi," reiterated the CWB. Non-compliance could result in daily fines that can go as high as $60,000 per violation, a costly risk for any potential violators, as noted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
For the complete details of the enforcement action, the DOH has made the Notice of Violation and Order available to the public.
