Firms are fined $600,000
for illegal dump sites

Two Oahu companies were fined for allegedly operating illegal dump sites, the state Department of Health announced yesterday.

Hawaiian Steam Inc. was fined $396,749 for allegedly dumping construction materials at illegal dump sites in Waianae and Pearl City, according to a release from the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste.

The division also levied a $205,900 penalty against Leeward Auto Wreckers for allegedly operating its Kapolei facility without a permit.

On at least 28 occasions between July 2003 and April 2004, Hawaiian Steam dumped construction waste at Wayne's Dairy, 86-344 Kuwale Road, and operated an open dump there, Health Department officials said. Preliminary cleanup of the site found lumber, roofing material, PVC pipes, concrete, metal, plastic, petroleum, contaminated soil and rubber, according to the department.

Hawaiian Steam also dumped and buried solid waste at Onipaa Ranch, 2201 Waimano Home Road, the complaint alleges.

The Health Department has cited Hawaiian Steam for solid-waste dumping and running an open dump. The order requires it to pay the fine and come into compliance with state rules.

Leeward Auto Wreckers' permit was revoked in September 2000 for failing to comply with terms of a consent agreement, Health Department officials said.

The company had been warned to stop operations in December 2003, according to the department. Last September, the facility had 40 junk vehicles, 3,000 scrap tires and 845 lead acid batteries on its premises, officials said.

The department has cited Leeward Auto Wreckers for operating a solid-waste management facility without a permit. The order against the company requires it to pay the fine and come into compliance with state rules.

Officials from both companies could not be reached for comment.