Matson agrees to plea deal with feds over Honolulu Harbor molasses spill

 

Matson Inc. reached a plea agreement Tuesday with the U.S. Attorney in Hawaii on charges that the company illegally discharged more than 230,000 gallons of molasses into Honolulu Harbor in 2013, agreeing to pay a total penalty of $1 million.

Matson Terminals Inc. pleaded guilty to the two counts of violating the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 under the charges filed by U.S. Attorney Florence Nakakuni.

 

Matson Terminals will pay a total $1 million — a $400,000 fine and a $600,000 community service payment, with $300,000 of that paid to the Waikiki Aquarium. Another $300,000 payment will be made to Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii – "to inspire local communities to care for their coastlines through beach clean-ups," Matson said in a statement.