State orders Maui company to cease operations over permit violations

The State Department of Health has imposed a $73,900 fine against Kitagawa Towing and Metal Recycling and is also ordering the Maui business to cease operations.

The violations were found during a routine permit compliance inspection at 30 Hobron Avenue in Kahului, and involved multiple violations of the facility’s solid waste management permit.

Violations included failing to take measures to prevent the discharge of fluids (such as used oil and gasoline) or to assess and mitigate the release of fluids; the improper storage of unprocessed vehicles; the improper storage of waste tires; the improper storage of lead acid batteries; the improper storage of waste fluids; and the failure to prevent mixing of waste streams with other material. 

The Health Department suspended the facility’s solid waste management permit.  Kitagawa Towing and Metal Recycling may request a hearing to contest the allegations or order.