Parks staff: excavated soil from Waikae Uka Park tested positive for arsenic; material sent to landfill

The Hawaii County Parks & Recreation business manager told the Finance Committee on May 4 that hazardous‑materials testing at the Waikae Uka Park expansion found arsenic in excavated soil and required disposal at the West Hawaii Landfill.

Charmaine Felipe, business manager at Parks & Recreation, said the department arranged testing after receiving requests about private reuse of excavated soil. Test results showed the removed material could not be reused and had to be taken to a landfill for proper disposal. Felipe said the department transported the contaminated soil to the West Hawaii Landfill and that remaining soils on site were topped with an appropriate cover to prevent exposure of underlying material.

Councilmember Eustace asked whether the tests identified what contaminants were present and what disposal steps had been taken. Felipe confirmed arsenic was detected and that the department had taken steps to safely transport and dispose of the material. The committee did not record additional follow‑up actions or proposed remediation beyond the transport and capping described in committee.

The committee voted to close file on Communication 24.33 and moved the item from committee business. The Parks & Recreation business manager answered follow‑up questions and indicated staff would coordinate with council members if additional information is requested at council.

The record before the committee did not specify the source of the arsenic or the extent of contamination beyond the excavated material; Parks staff said the remainder of the park area had been capped to prevent exposure.