Hawaii's Cleanup Efforts After Wildfires

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has removed approximately 14,000 tons of ash suspected of arsenic contamination from canec, a drywall-like material produced by the Hawaiian Cane Products company from the 1930s to the mid-1960s. Canec, made from bagasse, was marketed as an ideal building material but was treated with arsenic to prevent termite damage. While the material is generally safe if intact, damage can release toxic inorganic arsenic particles, raising public health concerns, especially following the recent wildfire in West Maui. The wildfire has exacerbated fears regarding canec, as it can be pulverized into dust, posing a risk to residents. A representative from the USACE noted that canec was widely used in the Lahaina area, which was heavily impacted by the fire. The Corps is tasked with debris removal and ensuring that excavated sites meet health standards for rebuilding. Despite previous cleanup efforts around the canec plant in 2018, concerns remain about the potential for arsenic contamination, particularly at surface levels. Experts suggest that canec should be treated similarly to asbestos during disposal to prevent further contamination. However, community members are increasingly focused on housing issues, as the Lahaina tragedy has intensified an existing housing crisis. With rising sea levels and dwindling water resources, residents are prioritizing future housing developments over concerns about toxic waste.