The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced the reopening of the North Shore Greenway bike and pedestrian path near Kahului Airport. The path had been closed since June 16 for soil removal due to contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This work was conducted at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training pit close to Kanahā Beach Park.
The closure allowed HDOT to remove impacted soil, a task completed ahead of schedule. Originally set to reopen on July 21, the pathway was made accessible again on July 15. The cleanup process was in line with a removal action plan approved by the Hawai‘i Department of Health.
PFAS are components found in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), used historically in firefighting training at airports because of their effectiveness against aircraft fuel fires. Although AFFF is no longer used for training, it remains available for actual firefighting situations involving aircraft fuel. Statewide ARFF vehicles have been updated to minimize AFFF usage.
To maintain safety and protect the area from axis deer damage, gates along the pathway at Stable Road and ʻĀmala Place will operate from sunrise to sunset starting August 15.
“HDOT thanks the public for its cooperation and patience during the temporary closure which allowed the crews the time to conduct the cleanup safely and efficiently ahead of schedule,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen. “We welcome back all path users to enjoy the North Shore Greenway.”
