#molasses spill

The US EPA today announced a settlement with Matson over federal Clean Water Act violations relating to a September 2013 molasses spill into Honolulu Harbor.

Matson Inc., a leading US carrier in the Pacific, has reported a net income of $9.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015, ending June 30. Net income for the quarter ending June 30, 2014 was $18.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share.

The State of Hawaiʻi has reached a $15.4 million settlement with Matson Navigation Company over the September 2013 molasses spill that dumped some 233,000 gallons into Honolulu Harbor, killing fish and damaging coral at the site.

A&B is investigating the cause of the leakage, which appears to be a break in a pipeline. The company says it will not resume loading until the pipeline has been repaired.

Senator Brian Schatz will host a constituent call this afternoon to brief the public on the federal response to the molasses spill at Honolulu Harbor.

The announcement of federal assistance was made today by US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaiʻi, who said through coordination, damage to natural resources, marine life, and businesses can be minimized.

While molasses is not harmful to the public directly, the substance is polluting the water, causing fish to die, and could lead to an increase in predator species such as sharks, barracuda and eels, state health officials said.