The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has introduced an Environmental Monitoring Data Portal aimed at consolidating environmental monitoring data for areas impacted by the August 2023 Lahaina and Kula wildfires. This portal provides public access to environmental data collected by DOH and its federal, state, and community partners. The website includes narrative and graphical information to help users interpret the data, which is available for download.
Since August 2023, various entities have conducted environmental monitoring by collecting and analyzing samples of air, ash, soil, sediments, beach sand, and nearshore water. These efforts aim to determine if hazardous substances from the fires are present at levels that could pose risks to human health or the environment. The ongoing monitoring also assesses the effectiveness of clean-up activities and related measures like dust control. The compiled data in the new portal allows DOH and its partners to communicate with the public about safe areas and activities, ongoing protective measures by recovery agencies, and necessary precautions during clean-up activities.
“This public platform provides the community with direct access to environmental data from multiple sources for the Lahaina and Kula wildfires,” said Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho. “We appreciate the continued collaboration and partnership of community partners and other federal, state, and local agencies. As monitoring activities continue, we will use this portal to provide the public with easy access to information from DOH and its partners.”
DOH will update the portal as new data are received. Air monitoring data will be updated approximately every two to four weeks; coastal water quality, sediments, and West Maui Temporary Debris Storage (TDS) Site monitoring data will be updated quarterly. The portal also features narrative discussions and graphical representations of data over time compared to relevant regulatory standards.
This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort involving federal, state, and community partners to monitor environmental quality related to wildfire recovery. DOH will continue posting new data as it becomes available.
In case of unusual environmental or health concerns, DOH will issue specific announcements as needed.