Matson Navigation, Violation of Clean Water Act, Hawaii 2015

Honolulu, HI – Shipping giant Matson Navigation was sentenced this week following a guilty plea to charges stemming from a massive molasses spill into Honolulu Harbor in 2013. The incident, which resulted in the death of an estimated 25,000 fish, has concluded with a $1 million penalty, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard L. Puglisi ordered Matson Terminals, Inc. to pay a $400,000 criminal fine and $600,000 in restitution. The restitution funds are earmarked for environmental recovery efforts, split evenly between the Waikiki Aquarium’s coral programs and invasive algae clean-ups, and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, a non-profit dedicated to coastal stewardship through beach cleanups. The spill occurred between September 9th and 10th, 2013, releasing approximately 233,000 gallons of molasses into the harbor.

Federal prosecutors detailed that Matson was aware of a leak in the pipeline responsible for the discharge as early as July 31, 2012. A Department of Transportation report had flagged the deteriorating condition of the pipeline, indicating molasses was already escaping. Despite this knowledge, Matson continued to load molasses from the compromised storage tanks into ships, ultimately leading to the substantial and damaging spill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spearheaded the investigation, uncovering the company’s negligence.

The charges against Matson Navigation centered on violations of the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. §407, which prohibits the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters without authorization. The prosecution, handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie E. Osborne, Jr. and Marshall H. Silverberg, successfully argued that Matson’s actions constituted an unlawful discharge with devastating consequences for the harbor’s ecosystem. The company initially faced charges on October 21, 2014, and entered a guilty plea before the sentencing on February 5, 2015.

The scale of the fish kill prompted swift action from environmental groups and local authorities. The sudden influx of molasses depleted oxygen levels in the water, creating a hypoxic environment lethal to marine life. Beyond the immediate impact on fish, the spill also threatened coral reefs and other sensitive habitats within Honolulu Harbor. The restitution payments are intended to help mitigate the long-term ecological damage caused by the incident.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and responsible environmental practices for companies operating near sensitive waterways. The substantial penalties levied against Matson Navigation signal a commitment by federal authorities to hold polluters accountable for their negligence and ensure the protection of Hawaii’s valuable marine resources.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Matson Terminals, Inc.
Crime: Unlawful discharge of pollutants (molasses) into Honolulu Harbor.
State: Hawaii
Year: 2015
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. §407 (Clean Water Act)
Penalty: $400,000 fine and $600,000 restitution.
Environmental Impact: Approximately 25,000 fish killed.
Restitution Beneficiaries: Waikiki Aquarium and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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