Benson Lee, Illegal Dumping of Solid and Hazardous Waste, Hawaii 2007

Honolulu, HI – Benson Lee, along with Hawaii Steam and Coast, was sentenced in January 2007 following a guilty plea to charges of illegally dumping solid and hazardous waste on private property in Hawaii. The case, brought forth by state environmental regulators, revealed a disturbing pattern of unauthorized disposal impacting unsuspecting landowners.

The investigation, which began in October 2006, uncovered two separate sites where the defendants had deposited waste without the knowledge or consent of the property owners. Authorities discovered numerous 55-gallon drums and large totes containing materials with an extremely low pH of 0 – a highly corrosive level indicative of dangerous substances. The nature of the hazardous waste remains undisclosed, raising concerns about potential long-term environmental and health risks to the affected areas.

According to court documents, the defendants deliberately targeted private land for waste disposal, circumventing proper hazardous waste management protocols and associated costs. This reckless disregard for environmental regulations and property rights prompted a swift response from state authorities. The dumping not only poses an immediate threat to soil and water quality but also potentially jeopardizes the health of residents and ecosystems in the vicinity.

On October 4th, 2006, formal charges were filed against Lee, Hawaii Steam, and Coast, alleging violations of unspecified state environmental regulations. All parties entered guilty pleas on December 18th, 2006, to the three counts leveled against them. The plea suggests an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, though the specific details of the dumped materials and the motivation behind the illegal activity remain largely unreported.

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Penalties and Fines

The sentencing, delivered on January 29th, 2007, was relatively light considering the potential severity of the environmental damage. Benson Lee and Coast were each ordered to pay a $30 special assessment fee *and* a $2,500 state fine. Hawaii Steam received a less substantial penalty – a $30 special assessment fee and a $500 state fine. Critics argue that the financial penalties are insufficient to deter future instances of illegal dumping and do not adequately address the cost of potential remediation efforts.

The case highlights a persistent problem of illegal waste disposal across the nation, often driven by financial incentives to avoid the expenses associated with responsible waste management. While this particular instance resulted in convictions, the limited penalties raise questions about the effectiveness of current enforcement mechanisms and the need for stricter regulations and harsher punishments to protect vulnerable communities and the environment.

Key Facts

Defendant: Benson Lee, Hawaii Steam, Coast
State: Hawaii
Year: 2007
Crime: Illegal Dumping of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Violated Laws: Unspecified State Environmental Regulations
Waste Characteristics: Highly acidic, pH of 0
Penalties: Lee & Coast – $2,500 fine + $30 assessment; Hawaii Steam – $500 fine + $30 assessment

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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