MEDIA RELEASE

DOH cites Kauai Industries and Big Island Landscaping for asbestos violations

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Notice of Violation and Order against Kaua‘i Industries, LLC and Big Island Landscaping for multiple violations of the state’s asbestos demolition and renovation regulations.

Kaua‘i Industries, LLC and Big Island Landscaping were cited for failure to thoroughly inspect the affected facility for the presence of asbestos prior to its demolition activity; failing to provide the DOH with a separate written notice of intention to demolish prior to its activity; and engaging in an asbestos disturbance activity without proper asbestos certification. The violations were discovered during a site inspection at the Kekaha Sugar Mill on Kauai on April 6, 2011. The DOH has imposed a penalty of $9,000. Kaua‘i Industries, LLC and Big Island Landscaping may request a hearing to contest the allegations or order.

Since the department’s discovery of the violations, the owner and operators of the Kekaha Sugar Mill demolition project have been cooperative in correcting the deficiencies in accordance with state requirements.

The DOH Indoor & Radiological Health Branch regulates demolition and renovation activities to ensure thorough identification of asbestos materials and prevent improper abatement or disturbance of material that can pose a risk to public health. The branch requires all owners, operators and contractors involved in demolition activities to use certified asbestos inspectors to conduct a thorough and complete inspection of the facility or portion of facility for the presence of asbestos prior to demolition; properly notify of the DOH prior to demolition; and use only certified asbestos abatement employees when engaging in asbestos abatement or disturbance.