The Hawaii State Department of Health has fined Ken’s Towing Service in Hilo for allegedly operating a vehicle salvage facility without a permit and obstructing a DOH inspection.
The Hawaii State Department of Health has fined Ken’s Towing Service in Hilo for allegedly operating a vehicle salvage facility without a permit and obstructing a DOH inspection.
The violations occurred at Ken’s tow yard at 55 Kukila Street, the DOH said Monday in a written statement.
Ken’s previously operated under a solid waste management permit that expired in February 2012. The department conducted an inspection of the facility on Mar. 13, 2013 and found approximately 40 junk vehicles, at least five cubic yards of scrap metal, at least 100 scrap tires, and approximately 3 pallets of shrink-wrapped lead acid batteries.
The company submitted a permit application in June 2013, but the department was unable to issue the permit as the facility neglected to finish the permit process and the application remains incomplete. On Oct. 20, 2014, DOH attempted an inspection of the facility and was denied entry, the agency said.
Based on these findings and events, DOH has imposed a penalty of $7,500, and ordered the facility to remove all solid waste and close the unpermitted salvage operation. Ken’s Towing Service, Inc. may request a hearing to contest the allegations or order.