Hazardous waste fine hurts students most

The state's Department of Health recently issued a $1.3 million fine against the University of Hawai`i for violating hazardous waste laws in Bilger Hall and the Environmental Protection Facility.

Eugene Imai, the senior vice president for administration, said it is unknown where UH will find the money, which is no surprise.

UH doesn't have any funds to spare as it is, let alone for these types of extraordinary expenses. As a result, students' quality of education will suffer for the mistakes of a few irresponsible people.

This is unfair. Fines imposed on public entities hurt the ones served by it, rather than the person or people responsible for the incidents.

Rather than punish the entire student body for this, it would be better to simply let the issue go. Instead of issuing fines, the state would issue reprimands.

A witch hunt for the one person responsible would only lead to mayhem, finger pointing and personal conflict. However, if there is one person solely liable for this debacle, they ought seriously consider another position.