Honolulu Ocean Businesses Take Financial Hit From Big
Matson Harbor Molasses Spill Fish Kill
By Tannya Joaquin HONOLULU HawaiiNewsNow
A picture's worth a thousand words, or dollars in this case for businesses racking up losses, with images of the fish kill top of mind.
The dead fish continue to float to the surface at La Mariana. The devastating environmental effects of the molasses spill are clear from underwater video showing marine life wiped out on the ocean floor and from the air.
Four days after Hawaii News Now caught a dark plume of molasses in Honolulu Harbor, you could say it's 'dissipating' as slow as molasses.
That's taking a bite out of business for companies like Ruckus Sport Fishing and Diving at Kewalo Basin.
That's taking a bite out of business for companies like Ruckus Sport Fishing and Diving at Kewalo Basin.
According to owner Ray Collier, "In the long run We're talking quite a few thousand dollars. They have concerns with the sharks and the area and all the dead fish, environmental effects. So they're canceling."
Collier has called Matson's claims hotline to report his losses. He said it's tragic to see reef fish only found in Hawaii, dying from the spill.
Collier has called Matson's claims hotline to report his losses. He said it's tragic to see reef fish only found in Hawaii, dying from the spill.
"It was a sad sight to see all the dead fish come up and those are guys that we want to take people out to go and let experience."
The sight and stench of rotting fish are also bad for business at La Mariana's waterfront restaurant. According to waitress Billie Lefton,
The sight and stench of rotting fish are also bad for business at La Mariana's waterfront restaurant. According to waitress Billie Lefton,
"The smell has affected business and then they said it's sad when they walk up through here and see all the dead fish."
The Environmental Protection Agency has sent in crews from San Francisco to help the State Department of Health come up with a game plan.
The Environmental Protection Agency has sent in crews from San Francisco to help the State Department of Health come up with a game plan.
EPA Hawaii Office's Dean Higuchi said, "Molasses presents an interesting problem because it again is a different kind of substance and it reacts differently in the water."
