OSHA has cited Halekulani Corp., owner and operator of the luxury Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki Beach, with 14 serious safety violations following a routine inspection.

"The hotel industry is one of the biggest employers in Hawaii, and it's critical that owners and operators have strong safety and health programs," said Galen Lemke, director of OSHA's Honolulu Area Office.

The 14 serious violations involve personal protective equipment use and availability, fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection and a lack of electrical safe work practices by maintenance workers, such as the provision of appropriate equipment for electrical work. OSHA also found that the hotel had failed to provide training in hazardous waste operations and emergency response standards.

The three other-than-serious violations involve a lack of labeling and access to electrical panels and labels on gas cylinders.

OSHA began its investigation Jan. 16 during a regularly scheduled inspection under a local emphasis program for hotels. The full service, five-star hotel employs more than 800 people who service more than 450 rooms, some of which cost $850 a night to rent.

Facing $49,000 in total proposed penalties, Halekulani has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.