The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) to Hawaii American Water. The notice is for discharging effluent beyond the permitted limits from the East Honolulu Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Pacific Ocean, as outlined in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. HI 0020303.
Between August 2022 and April 2024, Hawaii American Water exceeded NPDES permit limits for ammonia nitrogen on 14 occasions. Additionally, the facility failed to submit required written noncompliance reports twice. The NOVO mandates that Hawaii American Water pay a penalty of $47,750 and undertake corrective actions to prevent future violations.
"Ammonia is derived from the breakdown of proteins and amino acids in wastewater. High concentrations of ammonia can have toxic effects on aquatic organisms and contributes to excess nutrients in the water. As such, the discharge of ammonia above allowable limits into state waters is unacceptable," stated Kathleen Ho, deputy director for the Environmental Health Administration.
All individuals and entities must adhere to environmental laws designed to protect Hawaiʻi's natural resources. Non-compliance with water pollution regulations may result in penalties up to $60,000 per day for each violation.
The DOH Clean Water Branch works to safeguard public health and preserve environmental quality by prohibiting discharges that impair water quality. This ensures that Hawaiʻi’s waters remain fishable and swimmable for everyone. Wastewater system owners and operators are required to follow environmental regulations meant to protect public welfare. Failure to comply leads to legal action by state authorities, federal partners, or private citizens.