Matson Pleads Guilty to Honolulu Molasses Spill Charges

Matson Inc. has agreed to pay USD 1 million in penalties for illegally discharging over 230,000 gallons of molasses into Hawaii’s Honolulu Harbor on September 9, 2013, the Pacific Business News reports.

Matson Terminals Inc. pleaded guilty with the U.S. Attorney in Hawaii to violating two counts of the the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Matson will pay USD 400,000 fine, together with a USD 600,000 community service payment which will be equally divided between the Waikiki Aquarium and Sustainable Coastline Hawaii.

“Matson has cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s office and the EPA Criminal Investigation Division throughout their investigation of the September 2013 molasses incident,” Matt Cox, Matson president and CEO, said in a statement. “While we regret the incident, we are focused on resolving the matter, subject to the court’s approval of the agreement. We continue to cooperate with the state and the EPA in an effort to address impacts from the incident.”

Around 25,000 fish died as direct or indirect result of the spill, forcing Matson to stop its molasses pipeline system operations at the sand Island terminal.

World Maritime News; Image: HEER