PO‘IPU — Brennecke’s Beach Broiler has paid a fine of more than $47,000 to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to close two large capacity cesspools in Po‘ipu, the agency announced Tuesday.
But the owner is just glad the project is over.
“I am a very happy camper,” said Brennecke’s owner Bob French on finally completing the project in March and paying off the $1.2 million project, which included funding a $500,000 project to improve sewage treatment from Po‘ipu Beach Park’s public restrooms.
Project negotiations started in 2003, French said, but found that there were “many issues.”
The process took much longer than French expected after dealing with a variety of issues with the county including obtaining easements, certifications, archeological discoveries and permitting.
French credited Kaua‘i County Attorney Al Castillo and Ian Costa, Kaua‘i Parks and Recreation deputy director for their assistance in the project.
“While we were aware of the possibility of a fine, this is the first that we’ve heard that the EPA has decided to actually levy a fine,” County Engineer Larry Dill said in a statement Tuesday night. “It’s difficult for us to comment without more specific information on the basis of the fine. We would like to thank Brennecke’s for their partnership and the benefits the project offers to the public.”
A large capacity cesspool discharges untreated sewage from buildings serving 20 or more people per day, according to an Associated Press report.
EPA regulations required existing large cesspools to close in 2005 and prohibited new construction after 2000.
“We appreciate the initiative taken by Brennecke’s to provide beach-goers with improved wastewater treatment at the Po‘ipu Beach Park,” Jared Blumenfeld, the EPA’s regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest, said in a statement. “The EPA will continue to pursue violators who fail to close their large cesspools to protect Hawai‘i’s vital coastal water resources.”
• Laurie Cicotello, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or business@thegardenisland.com
