Air quality issues spur state to fine companies

The state Department of Health issued violation notices for several Hawaii companies that didn't comply with air-quality permits to ensure their equipment is properly maintained and regular tests are conducted.

» Tesoro Hawaii Corp. paid a $2,600 fine for having an excessive downtime of its hydrogen sulfide continuous emission monitoring system at Campbell Industrial Park Refinery in Kapolei from July to December 2006.

» Land Breeze Inc. paid a $5,300 fine because it did not conduct annual tests on its diesel engine generator for visible emissions and on its crushing and processing plant in 2006.

» Grace Pacific Corp. paid $3,100 for not adequately sealing the gradation screen to prevent dust emissions from becoming airborne in its asphalt concrete batch facility in Lihue.

» Resource Recovery Ltd. has yet to pay a $5,500 fine for failing to conduct an annual source performance test on its stone processing plant in 2005.

» Kona Community Hospital has yet to pay a $2,900 fine for failing to conduct an annual opacity test on its incinerator in Kealakekua in 2006.

The companies have 20 days to contest the notices, which would result in a hearing.