Brownfields Redevelopment

A brownfield property is simply any real property that may be contaminated and is not being used to its full potential.

In other words, a brownfield is a property whose redevelopment may be hampered by environmental issues. The mission of the program is to provide resources and technical assistance to support productive reuse of contaminated property in a manner that protects the people and environment of Hawaiʻi. Major components of the program are described below.

MAJOR COMPONENTS

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Brownfields Inventory

The State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health, in collaboration with EPA Region 9, developed a public Brownfields Inventory to provide a list of relatively low-risk brownfield properties to developers, EPA Brownfields Grant recipients, and others. This Brownfields inventory will serve as a tool for building and promoting Brownfields redevelopment. Visit the tool at https://arcg.is/1DZxPrE to view a map that shows state- and federally-owned Brownfields sites, solar radiation and wind power potential, and proximity to Honolulu Rail Transit stations. Click on a dot for more information about that property. Use the content tab to select or de-select the layers you are interested in viewing.

The State of Hawaiʻi Brownfields inventory includes properties that are currently listed in the state database that are government-owned. Additional sites may be eligible, as well. HDOH is making an effort to reach out to additional private property owners interested in assessing and cleaning-up their sites, applying for EPA grants if they are eligible, and/or marketing their property to developers. If you have property that is not mapped and you would like it included, please contact Melody Calisay directly at (808) 586-4249.

iHEER Map of Brownfields Sites

For a map view of Brownfields sites, follow these steps. Go to the iHEER Viewer. Wait for the map to fully load. Then type Brownfields into the Keywords bar on the Sites tab.

Voluntary Response Program

The HDOH Voluntary Response Program (VRP) provides a mechanism for prospective purchasers and developers of brownfield property to become exempt from liability for contamination they did not cause. VRP projects are treated as voluntary, collaborative undertakings and receive priority attention from HDOH staff. Participants and HDOH staff agree on the pace at which VRP projects are completed. Find out more.

Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF)

This revolving loan fund offers low- and no-interest loans to cleanup brownfield properties. The BCRLF is managed by the Hawaiʻi State Office of Planning (OP) and originated from a coalition grant to the City and County of Honolulu, County of Maui, and the State. OP developed loan application procedures and administrative rules and the program officially began in July 2005.

For more information on the BCRLF Program, contact the Office of Planning at (808) 587-2846.

U.S. EPA Brownfields Grant Assistance

The agency offers competitive and non-competitive grants and awards hundreds of millions of dollars annually for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, and environmental job training. Hawaiʻi has received federal assistance in each of these areas. Visit the U.S. EPA Brownfields Program website to learn more about these grants and funding opportunities.

Hawaiʻi Brownfields Forum

The goal of the Forum is to facilitate the identification, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated property in Hawaiʻi. The Forum offers stakeholders an opportunity to gather, hear presentations and participate in discussions on current trends, challenges, successes, and lessons learned in the field. The Forum also offers an opportunity to network productively and it is intended to foster collaboration and cooperation among all those who play a role in the redevelopment process. Participants come from a wide range of professions and backgrounds including local, state, and federal government; environmental consultants and planners; land owners; developers; attorneys; financial institutions; insurance agencies; private industry; and non-government organizations.

Forums – Access agenda, presentations and other event information.

Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA)

Enacted in July 2006, this law assures that controls and restrictions agreed to as part of the cleanup process are valid and enforceable. Covenants may be required in conjunction with “risk-based” cleanups in which removing all contamination is neither technically, nor economically feasible, and unnecessary to protect public health and the environment. Environmental covenants can facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield properties and assure that the public and the environment are protected from any contamination left onsite. Property owners, developers, and lenders are protected from future misuse of the property or violation of environmental control measures.

USEFUL LINKS

U.S. EPA Websites

Organizations

Events