The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Gay and Robinson on Kaua'i and Kula Lodge and Restaurant on Maui a combined $151,000 for failing to close large-capacity cesspools on their properties.

A large-capacity cesspool ban was implemented in 2005 to address environmental concerns. Large-capacity cesspools are defined as those that discharge untreated sewage from multiple dwellings or non-residential locations that serve 20 or more people per day.

Gay and Robinson was fined $100,000 for failing to close 40 large-capacity cesspools. The company has been ordered to close its Kaumakani and Camp 6 cesspools by next month, and its cesspools at Pakala Village by September 2011.

Kula Lodge and Restaurant owner Fred Romanchak agreed to pay $51,000 after receiving numerous warnings regarding the cesspools, the EPA reported. The lodge recently completed installation of a new state-approved wastewater system.

David Albright, manager of the EPA Southwest region's Ground Water Office noted that cesspools are used more widely in Hawai'i than in any other state.