The Hawaii State Department of Health announced on May 11 that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in water samples from the Haleakalā Park Rain Shed Chlorinator, part of the Haleakalā National Park water system serving areas of the park on Maui.
The department said PFAS were detected through multiple samples collected between Nov. 14, 2023, and March 31, 2026. The initial detection was reported to state health officials by Haleakalā National Park on May 1. According to results provided by the department, levels of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), a type of PFAS chemical, ranged from 3.1 to 7.5 nanograms per liter.
The concentrations found are not expected to pose significant public health risk at this time. While PFBA is not currently regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Hawaii’s Department of Health has set an Environmental Action Level for PFBA at 15 micrograms per liter in surface water that may be used as a drinking source—well above what was measured at the park site.
According to the EPA, PFAS are fluorinated organic chemicals used since the 1940s in products such as carpets, clothing, furniture fabrics and cookware designed for waterproofing or nonstick properties; they are also present in firefighting foam and some industrial applications. Some compounds within this group have been linked with potential health effects following long-term exposure.
The Hawaii State Department of Health operates as a public health agency focused on delivering comprehensive services for health, environmental protection, disease prevention and community wellness across the state, according to the official website. The department contributes to community well-being by promoting health education on vaccination and disease outbreaks through its Disease Outbreak Control Division; it is headed by a director supported by deputy directors managing key programs; it extends programs throughout multiple islands via local offices; and provides preparedness planning through its Office of Public Health Preparedness coordinating disaster response efforts—all outlined on its official website.
For more information about PFAS or questions regarding these findings at Haleakalā National Park’s water system, impacted users may contact park representatives directly.
