honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, April 7, 2010

EPA fines Gay and Robinson, Kula Lodge for cesspool violations


Advertiser Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Gay and Robinson on Kaua'i and Kula Lodge and Restaurant on Maui a combined $151,000 for failing to close large-capacity cesspools on their properties.

A large-capacity cesspool ban was implemented in 2005 to address environmental concerns. Large-capacity cesspools are defined as those that discharge untreated sewage from multiple dwellings or non-residential locations that serve 20 or more people per day.

Gay and Robinson was fined $100,000 for failing to close 40 large-capacity cesspools. The company has been ordered to close its Kaumakani and Camp 6 cesspools by next month, and its cesspools at Pakala Village by September 2011.

Kula Lodge and Restaurant owner Fred Romanchak agreed to pay $51,000 after receiving numerous warnings regarding the cesspools, the EPA reported. The lodge recently completed installation of a new state-approved wastewater system.

David Albright, manager of the EPA Southwest region's Ground Water Office noted that cesspools are used more widely in Hawai'i than in any other state.