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State labor officials have fined a Maui tree trimming business $10,000 after the death of a 39-year-old tree trimmer on July 7.
The tree trimmer fell about 50 feet after his safety belt broke while trimming coconut fronds at a condominium in Kaanapali on July 6, officials said.
The death is the third tree-trimming fatality this year and the fifth in the past two years.
Several citations alleging violation of state safety and health requirements were issued to Mary’s Tree Service & Landscaping in the incident, including failure to prohibit the use of defective or damaged safety equipment.
The business, which has an opportunity to contest the citations and penalties, was unavailable for comment.
Officials said the flip line, used to hold and position the tree trimmer, was defective.
"The flip line was rusted and wrapped with duct tape and had apparently been previously damaged and not repaired in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements," state labor spokesman William Kunstman said.
State labor Director Dwight Takamine said in light of several fatalities, state labor officials are planning to conduct a free safety workshop in tree trimming in February.
Takamine said the restoration of funding for labor safety by Gov. Neil Abercrombie has enabled the department to identify accident trends and improve services intended to reduce injuries.