Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On December 31, 2018, the State of Hawai‘I Department of Health (“DOH”) issued a Notice and Finding of Violation and Order (“Order”) for alleged wastewater effluent violations related to our Upcountry Maui wastewater treatment facility. The facility was built in the 1960’s to serve approximately 200 single-family homes developed for workers in our former agricultural operations. The facility is made up of two 1.5-acre wastewater stabilization ponds and surrounding disposal leach fields. The Order includes, among other requirements, payment of a $230,000 administrative penalty and improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.
The DOH agreed to defer the Order as we continue to work to resolve and remediate the facility’s wastewater effluent issues through an approved corrective action plan. The construction of additional leach fields and installations of a surface aerator, sludge removal system, and natural pond cover using water plants were completed. Test results from wastewater monitoring indicate effluent concentration amounts within allowable ranges. A feasibility study was prepared and submitted identifying various technical solutions that could be implemented to resolve the Order. We submitted a plan and proposed solution to resolve the Order. The plan included the installation of an additional pond that will be lined and installed with aerators. One of the existing ponds will be lined and renovated as necessary and the other pond will be taken offline and used as a backup pond if needed. The Company is awaiting comments, feedback and approval from the State of Hawai‘i at the time of filing the Form 10-K.
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We have accrued approximately $23,000 related to the administrative penalty as of December 31, 2023. We are presently unable to estimate the remaining amount, or range of amounts, of any probable liability, if any, related to the Order and no additional provision has been made in the accompanying financial statements.
From time to time, we are a party to various legal proceedings, disputes, and other claims, arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the results of these ordinary course matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the final outcome of these ordinary course legal proceedings will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial position or cash flows.
Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
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