Indoor and Radiological Health (IRH) Branch

COVID-19 Updates:

As COVID-19 spreads globally and nationally, we all need to get vaccinated, practice social distancing (i.e., maintaining at least 6 feet distance or 2 arm’s length from others), as well as other important infection prevention measures (e.g., wash hands, mask wearing, etc.) to prevent widespread community transmission.  Social distancing can reduce the spread of disease, prevent our healthcare system from being overburdened, and protect the most vulnerable members in our community from infection.  If you get sick, please stay home—get rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you are older or have an underlying medical condition and become ill, call your doctor.

For more information on COVID-19, please click on the following links:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Hawaii Dept. of Health – Disease Outbreak Control Division  https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/
Hawaii COVID-19 https://hawaiicovid19.com/

 

IRH Branch Office Status and Regulated Community Information:

For more information on IRHB’s Regulated Community Guidance due to COVID-19, please click here:

https://health.hawaii.gov/irhb/covid-19/

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and to support the Governor’s and Mayor’s directives which can be found at https://governor.hawaii.gov/category/newsroom/latest-news/ and https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/proclamations-orders-and-rules.html:

  • The office remains open during normal business hours; however, we are asking individuals to support social distancing and curtail visits unless absolutely necessary.  Staff members are available by phone, text, and email.  Regular mail and deliveries continue to be accepted.
  •  If you have fever/cough/respiratory symptoms, or have had close, prolonged contact with someone who has or may have coronavirus, please do not enter the facility.  If you need special assistance, please contact us at (808) 586-4700.
  • Day-to-day activities such as license, permit and certification review/processing continues.  Please call the office at (808) 586-4700 for status updates or to make an appointment.  We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding during these trying times.

*Should you have any specific questions, please contact the following individuals for assistance:

Noise-related concerns and permit/variance questions –
Shawn Haruno, Noise Section Supervisor                         Ph. (808) 586-4700               Email:  [email protected]

Radiation-related concerns and facility/service/rad tech licensing questions –
Geoffrey Lau, Radiation Section Supervisor                     Ph. (808) 586-4700                Email:  [email protected]

**for assistance, please call (808) 586-4700**

Indoor air quality concerns, A/C ventilation and Form-1 permit questions –
Geoffrey Lau, IAQ Unit Supervisor                                      Ph. (808) 586-4700                Email:  [email protected]
Nancy Nakata, IAQ Specialist                                                Ph. (808) 586-4700                Email:  [email protected]
Joshua Marvit, AC-Vent Specialist                                        Ph. (808) 586-4700                Email:  [email protected]

Asbestos and Lead-related concerns, certification and accreditation questions –
Reuben Bilan, Asbestos-Lead Section Supervisor             Ph. (808) 586-5800                Email:  [email protected]

Administrative questions –
Gabrielle Fenix Grange, Program Manager                        Ph. (808) 586-4701                 Email:  [email protected]

 

Indoor and Radiological Health Branch (IRHB) office location:

99-945 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea  96701  (Google Maps link )

*Please look for the Animal Quarantine signs and take the right onto the local road from Halawa Valley Street.  Take the first left to enter our complex.  Public parking is on the left after you enter.  Refer to the map below for the exact location and public parking area.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Indoor and Radiological Health (IRH) Branch consists of the following programs:

♦  Community Noise
♦  Radiation Control
♦  Air-Conditioning/Ventilation
♦  Asbestos
♦  Lead-Based Paint
♦  Indoor Air Quality

The Indoor and Radiological Health Branch conducts community health assessments for noise, radiation and indoor air pollution. It provides for access to essential services, and directs its resources towards problems that pose the greatest risk to public health and the environment.  In addition, the branch operates the State Radiological Response Team under State Civil Defense.

The branch conducts investigations of health and environmental-related problems, and performs regulatory functions to monitor compliance with applicable statutes and rules. These functions include permit issuance, monitoring, and enforcement. The IRH Branch also conducts consultative services, works toward building partnerships, and participates in programs for public outreach and education.

About the IRH Branch

Inspector conducting a routine test on an x-ray unit.

Inspector conducting a routine test on an x-ray unit.

Details the history, organizational structure, and legal authority governing the branch.

Noise Section
Forms and information about Objectives and Strategies governing the Noise Program.

Radiation Section
Forms and information about Objectives and Strategies governing the Radiation Program.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Unit
Brochures and information about Objectives and Strategies governing the IAQ Program.
Air Conditioning and Ventilation
Information about Objectives and Strategies governing the A/C Ventilation Program.

Asbestos
Forms and information about Objectives and Strategies governing the Asbestos Program.
Lead-Based Paint
Forms and information about Objectives and Strategies governing the Lead-Based Paint Program.

 

Program Priorities

Long-term goals and objectives for the programs are constantly reviewed, modified and based on an assessment of public and environmental health needs. The success of the overall branch mission is based on the prioritization of general program elements.

  1. Permitting
    Procedures for Community Noise Permits and Variances, Air Conditioning and Ventilation System Permits, Asbestos Notifications, Radiation Facility/Services Licenses, and Radiologic Technology Licenses, must be evaluated in order to achieve an efficient and streamlined process without compromising public health and welfare.
  2. Inspections
    Inspection policies, procedures, and guidelines must be refocused to include initiatives to prevent significant public and environmental health impacts by encompassing public outreach and public education functions.
  3. Enforcement
    Disposal of asbestos containing materials at an approved landfill.

    Disposal of asbestos containing materials at an approved landfill.

    Enforcement procedures and penalty policies must be developed to further enhance the enforcement process.

  4. Education
    The education component includes public outreach and education, and research and training.
  5. Partnership
    Emphasis must be placed on developing and establishing partnerships with federal, state and county counterparts, industry, professional organizations, community groups, and the general public.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the:
Indoor and Radiological Health Branch
99-945 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, HI 96701
Phone: (808) 586-4700
Fax: (808) 586-5838
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:45am – 4:30pm (except for State holidays)
Gabrielle Fenix Grange, Program Manager

Last update: August 1, 2022