PFAS in Hawaii

PFAS in Hawaii’s drinking water

Hawaii’s drinking water primarily comes from groundwater sources, which can become contaminated if PFAS migrate from surface spills or firefighting foam applications into aquifers. Multiple investigations show that PFAS compounds have been detected in some drinking water systems statewide.

Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility

One site that has attracted attention is the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks over the years have raised concerns about contamination of groundwater supplies. Although the primary focus at Red Hill has been petroleum contamination, I have seen evidence that PFAS foams used at or near the facility may also pose a threat. The Department of Health has ordered rigorous testing to protect Oahu’s water resources, including the area around Red Hill, to ensure any PFAS presence is closely monitored.

Honolulu and Oahu drinking water concerns

In Honolulu and across Oahu, some test results indicate that PFAS compounds are detectable in wells drawing from critical aquifers. Even if they remain below federal or local action levels, these detections show how widespread PFAS can be. I know this raises understandable worries for Oahu residents who rely on tap water. The Hawaii Department of Health guidance is to continue testing for these compounds under new federal standards. Drinking water systems are also encouraged to sample unregulated PFAS to build a more complete contamination profile.

Groundwater testing and federal investigations

Groundwater contamination in Hawaii has been documented in maps maintained by HDOH since 1989, reflecting the presence of different organic and industrial chemicals. PFAS are increasingly included in these surveys. The EPA has established enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds, including PFOS and PFOA. These MCLs have been integrated into Hawaii’s Environmental Action Levels to guide local policy. Ongoing federal-level investigations, in cooperation with HDOH, explore where PFAS contamination exists in Hawaii so that appropriate cleanup measures can be taken.

PFAS in Hawaii’s soil and agriculture

Since so many of us in Hawaii rely on local farms and gardens, I believe soil contamination is just as important as water contamination. PFAS can enter farmland through irrigation, biosolids from wastewater treatment, or contaminated soil amendments. According to multiple studies cited by state health officials, PFAS that build up in soil can transfer into certain fruits, vegetables, and livestock. As a result, local farmers may need to test soil if PFAS contamination is suspected, especially if their area is near airports, military sites, or industrial facilities.

HDOH publishes Environmental Action Levels (EALs) to help farmers, landowners, and state agencies decide what concentrations might be safe. Although there is no single standard for all PFAS, Hawaii’s EAL guidance stands out among the most detailed in the United States. This includes using EPA models to assess cumulative risks from multiple types of PFAS in the same environment.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

Many health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), have spent years researching how PFAS impact human health. I have seen that these chemicals can persist in the body, potentially leading to a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Specific concerns include:

• Immunological effects, such as suppressed antibody responses.
• Hormone disruption, especially related to thyroid function.
• Elevated cholesterol and liver enzyme changes.
• Fertility and pregnancy complications, from low birth weight to preeclampsia.
• Certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.

The National Toxicology Program found that PFOA and PFOS can suppress the immune system’s antibody response, while other studies observe correlations between PFAS exposure and cancer rates. Although ongoing research seeks to clarify the extent of these risks, many experts agree that PFAS exposure should be minimized.

PFAS-linked diseases in Hawaii

Like people in many other states, residents of Hawaii may face a heightened risk of specific diseases linked to PFAS. Studies point to associations with multiple conditions, though the strength of the correlation varies based on exposure levels and other factors. Below, I summarize four health concerns I have frequently heard about when researching PFAS Hawaii.

Kidney cancer

I have read that PFOA, one of the most studied PFAS, has been associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer. In Hawaii, doctors are monitoring possible clusters of kidney cancer where groundwater or soil contamination is known to exist. Even if clusters have not been definitively confirmed, the health community recommends vigilance and regular checkups for those with potential exposure.

Testicular cancer

Some findings suggest that testicular cancer may be linked to certain PFAS compounds, including PFOA. Residents in close proximity to known PFAS contamination sites, such as firefighting training areas, are advised to stay informed about any abnormal health symptoms. While the state’s cancer registry does not attribute direct causes, researchers remain interested in these connections.

Thyroid disease

Research has shown that PFAS can affect the endocrine system, which regulates hormones including those produced by the thyroid. Thyroid dysfunction has been reported in individuals exposed to higher levels of PFAS. HDOH and medical professionals in Hawaii have pointed to PFAS as a potential contributor to thyroid disorders, especially among populations with occupational exposure.

Liver damage and cholesterol changes

In my experience reviewing the latest scientific literature, liver enzyme elevations and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) are repeatedly cited as common PFAS-related findings. Over time, changes in cholesterol levels can lead to cardiovascular disease. Even though these issues may initially seem minor, ongoing exposure to PFAS could exacerbate underlying health problems.

How Hawaii is responding to the PFAS crisis

Hawaii’s elected officials, health agencies, and local communities have taken steps to address PFAS contamination. The response includes monitoring, testing, lawsuits, and remediation orders. I have found that the goal is to reduce current exposures, prevent future contamination, and hold violators accountable.

Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) monitoring programs

The Hawaii Department of Health has developed significant programs to test groundwater, soil, and drinking water for PFAS. They have compiled a list of Environmental Action Levels for more than 20 PFAS compounds. I have seen that these threshold values incorporate toxicological data from the EPA and from research by other states. This gives Hawaii an evolving framework to assess risk and guide public and private entities in cleanup.

Red Hill lawsuits and U.S. Navy accountability

Recent civil and environmental actions have named the U.S. Navy in connection with potential contamination from Red Hill. Although the primary focus has been fuel leaks, legal advocacy groups and local governments are pushing for a wide-ranging review of PFAS usage at the facility. In my research, I found that lawsuits can force accountability by requiring full disclosure of pollution data, payment for damages, and remediation measures. The Red Hill lawsuits show how Hawaii residents are seeking recourse for contamination that might have compromised their drinking water supply.

Emergency public health actions and cleanup orders

Emergency orders from HDOH and other local agencies sometimes mandate immediate water testing or the closure of certain wells. Cleanup orders may require industries to remove contaminated soil or install water filtration systems. Because PFAS do not degrade naturally, remediation strategies often rely on advanced filtration technologies, such as granular activated carbon or ion-exchange resins. My understanding is that these methods can be expensive and time-consuming, prompting calls for polluters to cover those costs.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in Hawaii?

If you suspect contamination, you can request sampling and analysis for PFAS. Certified environmental laboratories across the state conduct specialized testing suitable for federal and state standards. I find that it is vital to use labs with low detection limits, since PFAS might be present at very low concentrations. By testing your private well or your soil, you can compare results to HDOH’s Environmental Action Levels and the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels. Be aware that testing costs may vary, and it may be beneficial to coordinate with neighbors to reduce expenses.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in Hawaii?

Individuals who believe their health or property has been harmed by PFAS contamination may qualify to file or join a lawsuit. Factors that I have observed could support a claim include:

1. Documented exposure from drinking contaminated water, soil, or food.
2. Medical evidence connecting an illness or symptoms with PFAS exposure.
3. Proof that a specific polluter acted negligently or failed to warn the public.

In some Hawaii cases, attorneys may explore class-action or individual lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS-containing products. If you want to explore whether you qualify for a claim, you can consult legal resources such as PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit pages. Each lawsuit has unique requirements. Gathering medical records, property tests, and expert testimony is often important to build a solid case.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

I know from my own experience researching legal support that finding the right team is crucial. Legal Claim Assistant helps connect potential PFAS claimants with lawyers who have experience litigating chemical contamination cases. If a contaminated site in your area has impacted you or your loved ones, Legal Claim Assistant can:

• Offer a free case review to evaluate your eligibility for compensation.
• Help locate specialized legal professionals who understand PFAS science and regulations.
• Assist with gathering necessary documents, such as water test results and medical records.
• Provide guidance on claims related to prominent PFAS manufacturers, including DuPont, which has faced numerous PFAS-related lawsuits. If you want more background on these claims, you can check the DuPont lawsuit page.

For more general information, visit the PFAS Lawsuit page or contact a representative to learn about next steps.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

After hearing the same questions repeated by people worried about PFAS, I have put together concise answers. It is always recommended to seek professional advice, but these questions address some core issues residents face.