DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS STATEMENT REGARDING HAZARDOUS WASTE VIOLATIONS LEVIED BY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

HONOLULU – April 30, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), is extremely concerned about the hazardous waste left behind by its prior tenant, Save Oahu’s Race Tracks LLC (SORT), and has worked diligently to determine the extent of the problem and the best methods of cleanup. DHHL has hired appropriate experts to assist it in this regard and has been keeping Department of Health (DOH) apprised of its efforts. DOH understands that this problem was directly caused by DHHL’s prior tenant SORT which operated a motorsports race track known as Kalaeloa Raceway Park.

DHHL consultants recently completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the former race track site and are currently developing a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Plan and timeline to continue the evaluation process. Once completed, the department will work with DOH to develop a plan to address any necessary environmental clean-up issues.

DHHL is pursuing claims for damages against SORT, which includes but is not limited to the cost to clean-up and remediate the property, in an action currently pending in the First Circuit Court.

DHHL will continue to work with DOH to address the concerns presented by the Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) issued by DOH. DHHL, however, does not agree with all of the allegations or inferences of the NOVO and has contested the NOVO in an effort to assure that it accurately reflects SORT’s involvement and DHHL’s responsibility as the landowner.

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Media Contact:
Punialoha Chee
Public Information Officer
(808) 620-9591
Punialoha.Chee (at) hawaii (dot) gov
dhhl.hawaii.gov