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KAHULUI >> Federal regulators want to fine a heavy equipment rental company $70,000 for safety violations after a Maui worker was crushed and killed by a crane.
Ronald Nakasone was crushed under a crane he was operating for his employer, Hawthorne Pacific Corp. in Kahului in October.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the company for 13 serious alleged violations. Company representatives couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Monday.
Inspectors found outriggers designed to stabilize the truck-mounted crane weren’t extended, allowing it to tip. They also found the truck crane had been out of service for more than six months and hadn’t been completely inspected before it was used.
OSHA officials say the 62-year-old’s death could have been prevented.
