Soil sampling at Kekaha Sugar Mill property April 21 to May 2

Published on April 16, 2025

KEKAHA – The Office of Economic Development’s contractors will conduct soil sampling at the former Kekaha Sugar Mill, Lot B property, from Monday, April 21, to Friday, May 2. The end date of sampling is tentative and may be extended dependent on need. Sampling will take place within the Lot B property, which is bounded by Kekaha Road to the north, Hale Lio Street to the east, Kopaa Street to the south, and Lot A of the Kekaha Sugar Mill.

This work is funded by a $300,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), awarded to the county to help assess and evaluate potentially contaminated properties, or “brownfields,” in Kekaha. With permission from the property owner, Aloun Farms, the county will carry out soil sampling to determine whether contamination is present and what type of cleanup may be necessary to support safe, future reuse.

“Before we can breathe new life into a portion of the old mill site, we need to understand what’s in the soil,” said Nalani Brun, Director of the County’s Office of Economic Development. “Sampling gives us that clarity—it helps us identify and address any harmful substances early on, ensure the right cleanup methods are used, and plan for a future that is safe for our Kekaha community.”

Sampling will be conducted using a compact direct-push drilling rig and small support vehicles. Nearby residents may notice some activity and minor noise during this brief two-week period.

For more information, visit the project website at kauaiforward.com/kekaha-brownfields-study/ or contact Ana Española at 808-241-1969 or aespanola@kauai.gov.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodation due to a disability, or an interpreter for non-English-speaking persons, please contact Ana Española at 808-241-1969 or aespanola@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made early will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

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