$2M To Settle Hawaii Deep-Sea Water Violation

A deep-sea water bottling company has agreed to pay $2 million to the Hawaii Department of Health to settle a violation order.

Hawaii health officials last year issued an order alleging Koyo USA Corp. adulterated its product with rejected water over five years. Koyo mines, desalinates and bottles deep-sea water off the Big Island with the slogan, “Purely the Best Water in the World.”

The state originally imposed a fine of more than $5 million but both parties agreed on the negotiated amount. The first half was paid earlier this month and final payment is due by Aug. 31, 2013.

Health officials say the water didn’t pose any immediate or significant risks.

Koyo says the settlement doesn’t admit any wrongdoing and that changes were made to its filtration process.