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C O U NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO, JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES, JR.
Managing Director
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 2, 2017
LENNY RAPOZO, DIRECTOR
Tel (808) 241-4460
Fax (808) 241-5126
County takes precautions after test confirms presence of asbestos at
Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall
LIHU‘E – In December of 2016, the Department of Parks and Recreation hired an
independent environmental consultant, Owen Environmental, to inspect the tile flooring of the
Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall for the presence of asbestos.
A State-certified Asbestos Inspector tested exposed flooring materials and associated
mastic (the adhesive material used to lay the tiles) within the lobby and exhibition areas of the
facility, using requirements set forth by the federal Asbestos National Emissions Standard for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and the state Department of Health.
The final report was recently submitted to the county, which confirms that asbestos is
present in certain areas of the flooring within the hall. Information received by both the consultant
and the state Department of Health (DOH) indicate that there is no imminent risk to the users of
this facility and an immediate shutdown of the Convention Hall is not necessary.
“The convention hall is safe to use,” confirms Tom Lileikis, acting supervisor of the DOH
Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Program.
The DOH Asbestos Program also conducted an inspection of the facility and has worked
closely with the county. DOH provided recommendations on the proper maintenance of the floor
tiles, which the county has implemented.
“We are taking the results of this report very seriously and continue to work with our
partners at the state and federal level to follow all required protocols,” stated Mayor Bernard P.
Carvalho. “We are committed to implementing all necessary precautions to protect the health and
safety of our employees and our patrons.”
The Department of Parks of Recreation has scheduled an Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) Asbestos Awareness training for its employees. Further, all maintenance
and cleaning activities for the hall will be conducted in accordance with OSHA regulations.
While not required by DOH, the county has hired Owen Environmental to develop an
Asbestos Management Plan, which will include a project design for repair and/or replacement of
any damaged asbestos-containing flooring materials, in accordance with state and federal
guidelines.
“We realize that despite these precautionary measures, the patrons of the Convention Hall
may still have concerns,” stated Mayor Carvalho. “Therefore, we are offering a full refund to any
person or organization that wishes to cancel an existing reservation for the use of this property.”
To request a refund for a reservation or to receive a copy of the Asbestos Inspection
Report, please contact the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall at 241-6623 or call the Parks
and Recreation Office, 241-4460.
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