Bicyclists and pedestrians can now freely traverse the North Shore Greenway next to the Kahului Airport, following a brief closure due to environmental concerns. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced on Tuesday that a section of the path had been shut down since June 16 to facilitate the removal of soil contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often found in firefighting foams. According to HDOT's statement, the cleanup finished ahead of schedule, with the path reopening last Tuesday, several days before the originally projected completion date of July 21.
PFAS, known for their presence in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), were once regularly employed in firefighter training near airports due to their effectiveness against fuel fires. HDOT has been quick to assure the public that the use of such substances in training ceased in 2021. In a move to further mitigate environmental impact, firefighting vehicles across the state have been retrofitted to use AFFF only in emergencies directly involving aircraft fuel fires. The Department's efforts to not only promptly but thoroughly address these environmental challenges have proven commendable.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health had approved the soil removal as part of a removal action plan, signifying state-level oversight and environmental stewardship. The reopening of the North Shore Greenway represents a balance struck between ecological responsibility and the public's recreational needs.
Starting from August 15, the gates along the pathway at Stable Road and at the terminus of ʻĀmala Place will be unlocked at sunrise and re-secured after sunset. This measure has been established both to ensure the safety of the area's users and to effectively reduce the presence of axis deer, a non-native species known to frequently damage local vegetation and sites. HDOT Director Ed Sniffen, in a statement obtained by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation blog, expressed gratitude to the community, acknowledging their patience and cooperation that permitted the cleanup teams to swiftly and safely conclude their work. "We welcome back all path users to enjoy the North Shore Greenway," he said.
