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Asbestos in Hawaii

hawaii beach and palm trees at sunsetMany of the schools, state buildings, and military bases were constructed before 1980 and included asbestos-containing building materials. These buildings pose an ongoing threat for asbestos exposure that could lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, other cancers, or asbestosis.

In 2004, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) placed the site of a former vermiculite mine in Honolulu on the priority list for cleanup. This site received vermiculite from Libby, Montana from 1954 to 1983. Although the plant only processed vermiculite until 1983, asbestos continued to be present.

Additionally, many of Hawaii’s military facilities, such as Pearl Harbor, used and still contain numerous asbestos products.  Veterans and workers who served and worked at Pearl Harbor have an increased risk for mesothelioma.  Notably, in 2000, asbestos was found in Schofield Barracks in Oahu, forcing 600 soldiers to leave their living quarters. Also, the Army failed to remove asbestos safely in Fort Shafter, in Oahu. Fort Shafter’s asbestos-containing material was not removed safely and asbestos-containing materials were emitted into the open air.

Jobsites in Hawaii with Known Asbestos Exposure:

  • Pearl Harbor Naval Supply Center
  • Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station
  • Barber’s Point Naval Air Station
  • Dillingham Shipyard (now known as Honolulu Shipyard)
  • Kapalama Shipyard
  • Honolulu Harbor
  • Kewalo Basin
  • Matson Navigation
  • Young Brothers Ltd.
  • Prudential Grace Lines
  • Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)
  • Maui Electric Company (MECO)
  • Hawaii Light Electric Company (HELCO)
  • Lihue Plantation Company
  • Mauna Kea Sugar Company
  • Oahu Sugar Company
  • Pepeeko Sugar Company
  • Pioneer Mill Company
  • Wailuku Sugar Company
  • Chevron Oil refinery
  • Many others.

Contact an Asbestos Exposure Attorney if You Were Exposed in Hawaii

pearl harbor memorialKnowing the primary culprits of asbestos in Hawaii can help you understand your legal options if you or a loved one have developed mesothelioma. To discuss your potential compensation claim with a lawyer, give us a call today.