Judge Sentences Matson for Honolulu Molasses Spill
The sentence stems from criminal charges related to the 2013 molasses spill that was the largest marine disaster in Hawaii’s history.
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Matson Navigation Co. was sentenced in federal court Thursday to pay $600,000 in restitution to environmental groups, the Associated Press reports.
The sentence stems from criminal charges related to the 2013 molasses spill that killed more than 26,000 fish and marine life.
The restitution money will be given to the Waikiki Aquarium and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. Matson will also need to pay $400,000 in fines, according to the AP report.
The accident, called the largest marine disaster in Hawaii’s history, caused public uproar and concern over the state’s readiness to respond to another such incident. It even moved lawmakers to introduce bills addressing these concerns last legislative session.
About 233,000 gallons spilled into Honolulu Harbor. Read our past coverage on what’s being done to prevent another spill.
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