Violation issued to Matsuyama Food and Fuel for underground storage tanks

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Underground Storage Tank Section has issued a notice of violation and order against MATS4 LLC, which operates Matsuyama Food and Fuel in Kailua-Kona.

A Department of Health inspector conducted an inspection on Sept. 11, 2024, and confirmed the installation and operation of two 20,000-gallon and one 15,000-gallon underground storage tanks. MATS4 LLC did not apply for or obtain a permit prior to installation or operation.

The underground storage tank systems were installed at Matsuyama Food and Fuel in December 2023, but proper notification and permitting requirements were not completed until October 2024. The Department of Health’s Underground Storage Tank Section issued a notice of violation and order, which MATS4 received on April 14, 2025.

MATS4 LLC has been assessed a $35,000 penalty for the following violations related to the underground storage tanks:

• Failure to obtain an underground storage tank permit from the department prior to installation and operation of the tank systems.
• Failure to notify the department at least seven days prior to the installation of the tank systems.
• Failure to notify the department within 30 days after the installation of the tank systems.

The Department of Health’s Underground Storage Tank Section regulates underground storage tanks, which store petroleum or hazardous substances, by conducting operational compliance inspections after installation.

Routine inspections determine whether an underground storage tank or tank system is being properly maintained to prevent releases of regulated substances into the environment.

MATS4 LLC has 20 days from the date of receipt of the notice of violation and order to submit a written request for a hearing, or the order will become final and enforceable after the 20-day period.