THE CARROLL COX SHOW

NEWS AND COMMENTARY

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is investigating the unlawful release of more than 3000 gallons of oil, or some other petroleum product, at Keehi Lagoon.   The investigation was initiated after the state claims it received a tip that oil was eithier discovered or caused by workers employed by Royal Construction who were digging a trench to house a new water line for Honolulu Marine, LLC near the Keehi State Boat Harbor.   The state said their investigation was to determine the source of the oil, and why the state was not notifed by the parties involved.

The state also reports that a company was contracted in late August to remove approximately 480 gallons of oil from the trench.   On another occasion,  on or about 9/2/14,  approximately three thousand gallons of oil were removed. The state reports that neither of these extractions of oil, or its discovery, were reported to the state or other regulatory agencies.  

On September 8, 2014, the DOH sent a letter to Honolulu Marine LLC regarding their "Failure to Report Hazardous Substance Spill (see attached).    Copies of the letter were also sent to:

Ms. Rose Chu / Hawaii Independent  Energy

Mr. Don Grimes / Aircraft Service International Group

Mr. Rob Donovan / Tesoro Environmental Resources Company

Ms. Meghan Statts / Department of Land and Natural Resources

Reportedly it was Pacific Commercial Services (PCS)  who pumped some of the oil out.  State records show PCS's purpose statement is for "environmental services".   Hawaii Revised Statutes required that all releases must be reported immediately upon discovery.  Warning letters have been sent to all parties involved.

The source and volume of oil is not known.  The state reports it could be from a number of possible sources, but could not identify the actual source at this time.