Agency inspectors found in November 2004 that the facility did not have a hazardous waste identification number, failed to correctly label two 55-gallon drums in a waste storage area and hadn't posted emergency contact information in the waste storage area.

The Hawai'i-based high-technology company has since moved to a new facility.

"We are pleased that Hoku has corrected its violations," said Jeff Scott, the agency's director for the waste management programs in the Pacific Southwest region. "Safe storage and management of hazardous waste protects the community and our environment."

The agency informed Hoku of the violations a year after its inspection. By that time, Hoku had had already moved to a new facility built to properly handle waste materials, said Scott Paul, general counsel for the company.

Hoku makes membrane electrode assemblies — key components for the fuel cells that may someday power everything from homes to automobiles.