Fines look imminent for Matson’s spill

The massive molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor earlier this week, which has already killed thousands of coastal-dwelling fish, appears to be worse than state health officials originally thought.

State officials are rushing to head off an environmental and health disaster in Honolulu Harbor, where nearly a quarter million gallons of molasses from a ruptured pipeline have caused a massive marine die-off. On Wednesday, colorful surgeonfish, pufferfish and eels were swaying limp or lifeless in the currents.

Thousands of fish are expected to die in Honolulu waters after a leaky pipe caused 1,400 tons of molasses to ooze into the harbor and kill marine life, state officials said. Hundreds of fish have been collected so far, the state Department of Health said in a statement Wednesday. Many more fish are expected to die and thousands will likely be collected, it said.

The molasses fish kill is even worse than expected, according to the state Health Department and marine biologists.

Matson could face millions in federal fines after molasses spill.