Storm water violations will cost Hawaii $52 million under a deal reached among federal and state agencies and the Hawaii Transportation Department.
The water violations result from rainwater runoff into the ocean from state highways, transportation yards and construction sites. When the runoff contains contaminants, such as oils or chemicals, there's damage to the environment, reports KITV-Honolulu.
The violations dating back to 1999 were cited by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The agency took pictures of contaminated runoff at a state auto shop and weeds growing out of a storm drain, which could lead to it getting clogged, the report said.
"We don't want to blame the previous administration; it was done a few years ago. We've taken a proactive stance to make sure it doesn't happen under this administration," said Transportation Department Director Rod Haraga.
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