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July 22, 2008
Hawaii moves to ensure water service for Molokai
The Department of Health of Hawaii has issued an order to Molokai Properties Ltd. and its subsidiary utilities to continue to provide drinking water and wastewater service to Molokai (pictured) for at least the next 90 days. It also ordered Maui County to prepare to operate the services if they are curtailed.
Molokai Properties, also known as Molokai Ranch, had announced in March that it was going to shut down ranch and resort operations and lay off more than 120 employees, due to financial losses. It later added that wouldn't be able to provide utility services after August.
Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said, "We do object to the DOH order directing the county to conduct a physical and staff assessment of these subsidiary companies that belong to Molokai Properties and make preparations to take over operations if the company walks away." "It is puzzling that the DOH would treat the county as the violator in this case. Molokai Ranch is clearly the violator."
"We would have liked to have partnered with the state in holding Molokai Ranch accountable and protecting the rights of the consumer. In fact, the county itself is a consumer," Tavares said.
"The Department of Health is exercising its authority to order immediate action to protect the public health from an imminent and substantial danger if the services are stopped," said Laurence Lau, department deputy director for environmental health.
"Our priority is to ensure uninterrupted water and wastewater service for the health and safety of the people of Molokai," Gov. Linda Lingle said. "While the county has the primary responsibility to operate and maintain public utilities, the state is prepared to assist the county," as reported by the Associated Press and published by Business Week.
Posted by Stephen Betheil at July 22, 2008 02:50 PM
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