Matson Takes Responsibility for Honolulu Harbor Molasses Spill

Matson, Inc.

will cover the costs associated with the Honolulu Harbor molasses spill response, not Hawaii taxpayers. That was the commitment reaffirmed today by Matson President and CEO, Matt Cox, at a news conference, held at Pier 34. He also stated that customer rates would not be affected by the incident. "We operate the pipeline and it is our transfer operation," Cox said. "Matson is taking responsibility and we'll continue to fully cooperate with the state on this response.  We'll be here as long as it takes to get it right."  Cox announced that Matson immediately ceased its molasses operations following the incident and will not resume operations until the company is assured that it can do it in a safe and responsible manner.  "Our goal always is to conduct cargo loading operations safely and in an environmentally responsible manner," he said. He added that his pipeline operations team is already working on a report that will provide him with information needed to determine the future of Matson's molasses cargo business. "If it is determined that the system cannot be operated safely or in an