Soil Arsenic Guidance and Information
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. In Hawai‘i, low levels of arsenic are found naturally in native soils. However, elevated levels of arsenic have been identified in soils at former sugar cane fields, former pesticide mixing areas, former sugar cane plantation camps, a former canec production plan, wood-treatment plans, and at least one former golf course. The resources provided on this page range from general information to technical guidance on soil arsenic in Hawai‘i.
Publications
All documents below are in PDF format.
- Arsenic Fact Sheets
- Kea‘au Arsenic Assessment – Since 2004, the HDOH has conducted studies to assess arsenic in the Kea‘au area of the island of Hawai‘i. The following reports provide information on these investigations.
- Kilauea, Kaua‘i Arsenic Assessment – High soil arsenic levels were recently discovered in an area of the Aalona neighborhood in Kilauea, Kaua‘i, which is believed to be the site of a former pesticide mixing area for a former sugar mill. The following fact sheet provides information on the investigation.
- Maps – These maps show estimated sugarcane lands in the 1920-1937 timeframe, where arsenic herbicides could have been (but not necessarily were) used by the sugar plantations. These are areas where HDOH generally advises to test soil for arsenic residues, prior to redeveloping the land.
Technical Guidance
All documents below are in PDF format.
Office of Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response
State of Hawai‘i Department of Health
919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 206
Honolulu, HI 96814
| Telephone: |
(808) 586-4249 |
| Fax: |
(808) 586-7537 |
Webpage maintained by Marsha Mealey
