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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Clean Air Act and Amendments
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
(Hawaii Revised
Statutes - HRS)
HRS, Chapter 342B, Air Pollution Control
(Hawaii
Administrative Rules - HAR)
HAR, Title 11, Chapter 59, Ambient Air
Quality Standards
HAR, Title 11, Chapter 60.1, Air
Pollution Control
To obtain more information about the Clean Air Branch, please call
(808) 586-4200 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Department of Health Clean Air Branch
919 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 203
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Ph (808) 586-4200
Fax (808) 586-4359
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 Environment Branch, DOH,
586-4700: indoor air quality; asbestos; radiation.
Sanitation Branch, DOH, 586-8000:
any restaurant-related problem (e.g., cooking smoke, odors, imus)
Office of Hazard Evaluation &
Emergency Response, DOH, 586-4250: health effects; emergency
response.
Health Promotions & Education Branch,
DOH, 586-4613: tobacco smoke.
Pesticides Branch, Dept. of Agriculture,
973-9401: pesticide & herbicide spraying.
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