Health Department Cites HC&S for Agricultural Burn Permit Violations

Overcast conditions in Kahului, vantage toward the HC&S Puʻunēnē sugar mill. File photo by Wendy Osher, Nov. 25, 2015.

The Hawaii State Department of Health Clean Air Branch has issued a Notice and Finding of Violation and Order against Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company.

HC&S operates a sugar cane refinery and plantation at Puunene on Maui, and was cited for agricultural burning permit violations that occurred in May, June and July of 2015.

The violations were self-reported and after a review of the reports a penalty of $8,300 was issued by DOH and paid by HC&S.

Copies of the Notice of Violation are posted at http://health.hawaii.gov/cab/

The DOH Clean Air Branch monitors air quality and regulates businesses that release pollutants into the air.

The Branch reviews and approves air permits, evaluates and enforces state and federal air standards, conducts inspections, and investigates reported incidents related to outdoor air quality.

Through the air permit process, the Branch ensures companies comply with state and federal emission standards to minimize air pollution impacts on the public.