Hawaii Virtual Brownfields Workshop
The first Hawaii Virtual Brownfields Workshop showed how online conferences can be successfully pulled off efficiency and effectively. Over 100 people virtually attended the two-day workshop, which was packed with information on brownfields basics, Hawaii environmental regulations and assistance, EPA financial and technical assistance, and case studies. This was the first multi-day conference that CCLR has hosted for land reuse professionals in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, and the information was customized to specific programs, regulations, and emerging issues in Hawaii and the Pacific Island territories.
UXO and PFASs are critical topics for land recycling projects in these areas, and speakers provided the most up to date information on both issues. UXO – or unexploded ordnance – are found in areas where munitions were stored, tested, test-fired, or bombarded during World War II. Unlike traditional site assessment methods, there are catastrophic impacts from poor site investigation practices. Speakers shared methods that keep the public safe during reuse of these areas. PFASs – polyfluoroalkyl substances – are found in products like nonstick pans, food packaging, waterproof jackets, carpets, make-up, fire fighting foam, and many others. These chemicals have recently been recognized as a health hazard, but their use over decades already has impacted drinking water sources across the country. Speakers talked about the risks associated with PFASs and developing scientific knowledge and regulatory action related to brownfields projects.
The speakers also highlighted a few exciting new land recycling projects in Hawaii, including Nohona Hale, an affordable micro-unit development assisted by EPA grant funding, and Honolulu’s transit-oriented development project, created in partnership with Smart Growth America.
The full recordings of both days of the workshop and PDFs of the presentations are available below. If you are looking for a specific presentation or part of the workshop, a playlist of the different topics covered is available here.
Day 1:
Click here for the presentation recording. Use the password Hawaii20201!
Click here for the presentation slides.
Day 2:
Click here for the presentation recording. Use the password Hawaii20202!
Click here for the presentation slides.
