The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) to the City and County of Honolulu (CCH) for exceeding National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits. The violations occurred at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, where effluent was discharged into Kailua Bay.
Understanding the Violations
Between April and May 2023, CCH exceeded daily NPDES permit limits for enterococci on 13 occasions, including exceeding the monthly NPDES permit limit for the month of April. Enterococci are bacteria that are indicators of fecal contamination in water. The presence of these bacteria in high numbers is a concern for public health and the environment.
The Penalties for the Violations
The NOVO requires CCH to pay $434,350.00 in penalties related to the effluent discharges and the late submission of a required discharge monitoring report. Failure to comply with water pollution laws may subject violators to monetary penalties of up to $25,000 per day, per violation.
The Importance of Compliance
“Discharge of pollutants above allowable limits into state waters is not acceptable,” said Kathleen Ho, Deputy Director of Environmental Health. “We will continue to take action to protect public health and the environment.” All persons, including business owners, government agencies, and visitors, must comply with environmental laws.
The Role of the DOH Clean Water Branch
The DOH Clean Water Branch responds to water pollution of state waters. The branch’s mission is to protect public health and the environment by prohibiting discharges that impair water quality, keeping Hawaii’s waters fishable and swimmable for everyone. Owners and operators of wastewater systems must comply with environmental regulations that are in place to protect the public. Failure to do so results in legal action by the state, federal partners, and/or private citizens.
The recent citation of the City and County of Honolulu for wastewater permit violations at Kailua Bay underscores the importance of compliance with environmental laws. As the situation unfolds, the Hawaii Department of Health remains committed to enforcing these laws to protect public health and the environment.
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.