The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says a Kauai restaurant’s owners will pay a fine of nearly $50,000 for failing to close two large capacity cesspools in Poipu. 

The agency said today the owners of Brennecke’s Beach Broiler also funded a half-million dollar project to improve the treatment of sewage from Poipu Beach Park’s public restrooms.

EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld said the agency appreciates Brennecke’s initiative on the park project. He says the EPA will continue to pursue those who don’t close their large capacity cesspools. 

A large capacity cesspool discharges untreated sewage from buildings serving 20 or more people a day.  

EPA regulations required existing large cesspools to close in 2005 and prohibited new construction after 2000. 

Brennecke’s owners didn’t immediately return a phone call all seeking comment.