#air quality

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is urging residents and visitors to take precautions as elevated volcanic gas emissions from the recently paused Kīlauea eruption continue to produce vog and poor air quality across the islands. 

Currently, air quality levels are elevated at several Hawaiʻi island and Maui island air monitoring stations. As southerly winds are expected to persist throughout the weekend, particulates in the air and levels of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) may increase and fluctuate in various areas of the state, causing poor air quality.

The West Maui Temporary Debris Storage site environmental monitoring quarterly report for the fourth 90-day operational period shows the findings from sampling and monitoring comply with county, state and federal environmental regulations.

As the eruption and volcanic gas emissions continue, downwind communities may be affected by vog conditions (hazy air pollution caused by volcanic emissions). Particulates in the air and levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) may increase and fluctuate in various localized areas on Hawai‘i Island, causing poor air quality. Currently, air quality levels are elevated at the Ocean View and Pahala air quality monitoring stations.

More than 17,000 truckloads of ash and debris have been taken from Lahaina to the Temporary Debris Storage in Olowalu. The data is among the highlights included in a second Quarterly Report.

EPA tested for metals including lead and arsenic, asbestos, particulate matter, and 42 compounds called volatile organic compounds.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced today it will conduct a needs assessment survey for residents affected by the wildfires. The DOH survey will assess ongoing priorities identified by the community and barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services.

FEMA will be fronting the initial $5.36 million in funding for a temporary campus on 10.2 acres in Honokōwai below the Kapalua Airport. The build time for the temporary site will be around 95 days.

The US Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday began work to remove and dispose of hazardous waste from properties affected by the wildfires in Kula. Hazardous waste removal efforts in the Lahaina disaster area will start after search and rescue responders allow EPA crews to enter the area.

Heavy rainfall after a wildfire can greatly increase the risks of other dangers such as flash floods, debris flows, landslides and rockfalls. DOH reminds the public to avoid storm drainage and natural drainage channels due to rapid flowing waters.

“We’re thankful the lava flow is not affecting residential areas at this time, allowing schools and businesses to remain open. I’m issuing this Emergency Proclamation now to allow responders to respond quickly or limit access, if necessary, as the eruption continues,” said Gov. David Ige.

Of the 12,000 classrooms in public schools statewide, approximately 10% or 1,261 classrooms, have limited access to outside air due to central air conditioning.

Changing wind conditions have created intermittent air quality problems in areas west of the summit such as Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View as well as Hilo and East Hawai‘i.

The American Lung Association’s 2020 “State of the Air” report found that Honolulu and Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina continue to have some of the cleanest air in the nation despite increased volcanic smog. Honolulu City and County set record levels for low amounts of annual particle pollution.

Wailuku, Kahului and Lahaina were lumped into one location, which was in a 3-way tie for #1 on a list of Cleanest US Cities for Year-round Particle Pollution.

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority executives say, “After 3 months of continuous lava flows,” they are “cautiously hopeful” the cessation in activity becomes permanent.

The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency is asking the public in the volcano eruption zone to be aware of the laze hazard at the lava ocean entry point at Kapoho Bay.

“There were also some incandescent blocks that were thrown out of the vent and landed in Halemaʻumaʻu and just along the edge of the crater rim,” said HVO Volcanologist Wendy Stovall.

“Fortunately, when trade winds are blowing, the vog and ash routinely move in a southwesterly direction and out to sea away from the Hawaiian Islands.” – State Department of Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler

The US EPA has deployed emergency responders and air monitoring equipment as part of FEMA’s response to the Kīlauea volcanic eruption on Hawaiʻi Island.