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.

Another burst in volcanic ash emissions from the Haleamaʻumaʻu Crater on Hawaiʻi Island was recorded at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, prompting a special weather statement advising area residents of light ashfall and hazardous air quality.

Officials say the lower particulate levels coincide with reduced fireworks activity that occurred upon the implementation of a ban on certain types of fireworks in 2011 on the island of Oahu.

By Wendy Osher A Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been filed for the controversial Honuaula Development in South Maui. The project gained approvals by the council two years ago after decades of discussion, legal challenges and debate over zoning. The master-planned community is proposed for development on land located at the border of Kihei and... Read more »

Light and variable winds are to blame for an drop in air quality on New Year’s day.  The air particulates exceeded the federal 24-hour standard at several monitoring locations. The Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch monitored air quality at five stations located at Honolulu, Sand Island, Pearl City, Kapolei, and Kihei on Maui.  Three... Read more »

Hawaii’s air quality on New Year’s Eve was better than expected according to a report released by the state Department of Health. The highest concentration of particulate matter was recorded at Pearl City. All other locations monitored including Kihei on Maui recorded levels lower or equal to last year’s New Year’s celebration. The state’s Clean... Read more »