Kathleen Ho, deputy director of the Hawaii Environmental Health Department, said the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued Notices of Violation and Order against six local companies that now have the option of requesting a hearing to contest any penalties.
“DOH ensures that companies comply with state and federal emissions standards to minimize air pollution,” Ho said, according to Gov. David Ige's website. “We will continue to hold companies accountable to protect public health and our environment.”
All of the alleged infractions stem from violations that include air permit infractions and failing to conduct performance tests violations, and these have resulted in roughly $100,000 already being paid in total fines. Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, Oahu, is the only one of the six companies cited still fighting its penalty.
Typically speaking, fines are assessed with the aim of wiping out any economic benefit a company may have derived by not requiring with permit requests and are to be paid into a revolving fund put in place with the goal of minimizing damage to the environment.
The Clean Air Branch is entrusted with protecting the people and the environment of Hawaii by monitoring air quality and regulating businesses that release pollutants into the air. The agency is also responsible for approving air permits, evaluating and enforcing state and federal air standards, conducting inspections and investigating reported incidents related to outdoor air quality.