DOH Cites Kitagawa for Alleged Permit Violations

By Wendy Osher

Kitagawa's Towing. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) filed an order against Kitagawa Towing and Metal Recycling on Maui for alleged permit violations.

The DOH claims “multiple and significant” violations were observed during a routine permit compliance inspection at the company’s facility, located at Hobron Avenue in Kahului.

Alleged violations included: failure to take measures to prevent the discharge of fluids (such as used oil and gasoline) or to assess and mitigate the release of fluids; failure to construct and operate the facility in accordance with application materials, operations manual, or permit; improper storage of unprocessed vehicles, waste tires, lead acid batteries and waste fluids; and failure to prevent mixing of waste streams with other material.

Kitagawa's Towing. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The DOH has imposed a penalty of $73,900, suspended the facility’s solid waste management permit, and ordered the facility to cease operations.

Kitagawa Towing and Metal Recycling may request a hearing to contest the allegations or order.

Standards outlined by the DOH Solid Waste Section are intended in part to prevent pollution of the drinking water supply or waters of the state.  The section also considers the protection of public health and safety when issuing orders of compliance.