Clean Air Branch

Mission Statement

At most times and in most places in Hawaii, we enjoy some of the best air quality in the nation. However, we do have air pollution as does any metropolitan area, so the Department of Health (DOH) works diligently to regulate and monitor air pollution sources.

The Clean Air Branch (CAB) is responsible for air pollution control in the state. The primary services of the branch are provided by its three sections: Engineering, Monitoring, and Enforcement. These sections conduct engineering analysis and permitting, perform monitoring and investigations, and enforce the federal and state air pollution control laws and regulations.

CAB Respiratory Illness Visitor Guidance

Click here for Hawaii Ambient Air Quality Data

Click here for Kula, Lahaina and Olowalu Ambient Air Monitoring

Click here for Maui Wildfire Data:  Air

NO BURN PERIODS:

The Clean Air Branch is issuing a mandatory No Burn Period for the following areas:

HAWAII ISLAND – Kau District

  • The “NO BURN” is currently in effect until further notice.

Agricultural and conditionally allowed open burning is prohibited while a No Burn Period is in effect unless a waiver is provided by the Director.  

Violation of a No Burn Period may result in both civil and administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation. 
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Air Monitoring and Data
Air Permitting and Emissions Inventory
Hawaii Greenhouse Gas Program
Regional Haze
Fugitive Dust
Volcanic Emissions and Vog
Open Burning
Reports
Emissions Reduction

Engineering Section

Reviews air applications and issues air permits of potential air pollution stationery sources. Evaluates, through application of dispersion modeling, the potential impact of an air pollution source on ambient air quality. Evaluates the control technology, operations, and fuels consumed to assess the types and potential air emissions from the various sources. Compiles and maintains a statewide air emissions inventory for the air pollution sources.

Monitoring Section

Monitors the activities of the stationary sources for compliance with the applicable rules and permit conditions. Recommends enforcement action where violations have occurred. Conducts annual inspections of major sources and investigates incidents and complaints. In conjunction with the Air Laboratory, establishes and maintains the ambient air monitoring network and conducts special air monitoring studies as necessary. Compiles, assesses, and manages the data retrieved from the monitoring stations producing applicable graphs and reports.

Enforcement Section

Initiates case development of alleged violations, determines the penalty, drafts and issues the notice of violation, and assists and participates in the conference, hearing, and legal process. Assesses, proposes, or comments on corrective measures, settlement agreements, penalties, and administrative or court actions. Conducts “smoke reading” training classes to provide continuing certification of inspectors in the technique of evaluating visible smoke.

Regulatory Basis

The following are the federal and state laws and regulations that are associated with the control of air pollution and which authorize and direct the Clean Air Branch:

Federal Act

Federal Clean Air Act and Amendments

Federal Regulations

  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 51, Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal of Implementation Plans
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 52.21, Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 53, Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 58, Ambient Air Quality Surveillance
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60, Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 63, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories
  • Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 70, State Operating Permit Programs

State Law (Hawaii Revised Statutes – HRS)

Administrative Rules Hawaii Administrative Rules – HAR)

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact the Clean Air Branch using the following:

State of Hawaii
Clean Air Branch
2827 Waimano Home Road, #130
Pearl City, HI  96782

e-mail:   [email protected]
Phone:   (808) 586-4200 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Fax:        (808) 586-4359

Toll-free from the neighbor islands. Call the numbers below, then enter “64200#”:

    • Hawaii:   (808) 974-4000
    • Maui:      (808) 984-2400
    • Kauai:     (808) 274-3141
    • Molokai & Lanai:   (800) 468-4644

Air Issues Handled by Other Agencies

In addition, the Clean Air Branch frequently receives questions about a number of topics that are related to air pollution but are actually the responsibility of other programs. The following is a list of programs which deal with these subjects:

Indoor & Radiological Health Branch, DOH, (808) 586-4700: indoor air quality; asbestos; radiation.

Sanitation Branch, DOH, (808) 586-8000: any restaurant-related problem (e.g., cooking smoke, odors, imu).

Office of Hazard Evaluation & Emergency Response, DOH, (808) 586-4250: health effects; emergency response.

Health Promotions & Education Branch, DOH, (808) 586-4613: tobacco smoke.

Pesticides Branch, Dept. of Agriculture, (808) 973-9401: pesticide & herbicide spraying.