A brownfields property is simply any real property that may be contaminted and is not being used to its full potential. In other words, a brownfield is a property whose redevelopment may be hampered by enviorinmental issues. The mission of the program is to provide resources and technical assistance to support productive reuse of contamintated property in a manner that protects the people and environment of Hawai‘i . Major components of the program are described below.
Voluntary Response Program – This program provides a mechanism for prospective purchasers and developers of brownfields property to become exempt from liability for contamination they did not cause. VRP projects are treated as voluntary, collaborative undertakings and receive priority attention from HDOH staff. Participants and HDOH staff agree on the pace at which VRP projects are completed.
Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) – This revolving loan fund offers low and no interest loans to cleanup brownfields properties. The BCRLF is managed by the Hawai‘i State Office of Planning (OP) and originated from a coalition grant to the City and County of Honolulu, County of Maui, and the State. OP developed loan application procedures and administrative rules and the program officially began in July 2005.
HAR 15-155– Hawai‘i Administrative Rules for the implementation of the BCRLF.
BCRLF Overview – Should be used in conjunction with implementation plan and flow chart.
BCRLF Implementation Plan – Contains a chronological description of the steps involved in applying to and participating in the BCRLF program.
BCRLF Flowchart – Should be used in conjunction with the implementation plan and overview.
U.S. EPA Brownfields Grant Assistance – The agency offers competitive and non-competitive grants and awards hundreds of millions of dollars annually for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, and environmental job training. Hawai‘i has received federal assistance in each of these areas. Visit the U.S. EPA Brownfields Program website to learn more about these grants and funding opportunities.
Hawai‘i Brownfields Forum – The goal of the Forum is to facilitate the identification, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated property in Hawai‘i . The Forum offers stakeholders an opportunity to gather, hear presentations and participate in discussions on current trends, challenges, successes, and lessons learned in the field. The Forum also offers an opportunity to network productively and it is intended to foster collaboration and cooperation among all those that play a role in the redevelopment process. Participants come from a wide range of professions and backgrounds including local, state, and federal government; environmental consultants and planners; land owners; developers; attorneys; financial institutions; insurance agencies; private industry; and non-government organizations. Agendas from previous forums can be downloaded below.
3rd Forum Agenda, October 24, 2007 – Session 1: Managing the Risks of Developing Brownfields, Session 2: Everything Owners and Developers Should Know About Site Investigations
Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA) – Enacted in July 2006, this law assures that controls and restrictions agreed to as part of the cleanup process are valid and enforceable. Covenants may be required in conjunction with “risk-based” cleanups in which removing all contamination is neither technically, nor economically feasible, and unnecessary to protect public health and the environment. Environmental covenants can facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields property and assure that the public and the environment are protected from any contamination left onsite. Property owners, developers, and lenders are protected from future misuse of the property or violation of environmental control measures.
