History of Asbestos in Hawaii
Thanks to the unique geological processes that formed the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii is the only state that does not feature naturally occurring asbestos. However, manufactured asbestos products present in Hawaii buildings and manufacturing processes continue to threaten islanders with potential asbestos exposure.
Hawaii serves as the home to several naval facilities. Naval facilities and vessels are historically some of the most dangerous structures in terms of asbestos exposure. Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos products were used heavily for the purposes of insulation and fire-retardation aboard naval ships. As such, individuals building or manning ships in Hawaiian facilities such as Pearl Harbor may have inhaled harmful asbestos fibers at one point or another.
Hawaii manufacturing industries that incorporate heat processes have also historically used asbestos products. The large number of sugar mills and oil refineries are considered especially dangerous.
Companies with Possible Asbestos Exposure
Over the years, a number of Hawaii companies have been identified as known sites of asbestos exposure. Companies and worksites in Hawaii, that may have posed a risk to workers include but are not limited to:
- Aloha State Sales Company
- C And C, Inc.
- Hawaii Electric
- Hawaiian Commercial Sugar
- Hawaiian Telephone Annex
- Kahe IV Power Plant
- Kauai Electric
- Kohala Sugar
- Lambert Cole & Co.
- Laupahoehoe Sugar
- Matson
- Maui Electric
- Pearl Harbor Navy Base
- Standard Oil
- Vermiculite of Hawaii (W.R. Grace)
- Wailuku Plantation
- Yamada Transfer
Asbestos-related Deaths in Hawaii
From 1979 to 2000, it is estimated that between 79 and 135 people died in Hawaii due to mesothelioma. Additionally, an estimated 59 deaths can be attributed to asbestosis during the same time period. These figures were calculated via a retroactive study that looked at death certificates during the time period.
In 1999, the U.S. government initiated more exact record keeping methods related to mesothelioma deaths. Between the years of 1999 and 2004, 45 deaths in Hawaii were related to mesothelioma.
Where to Get Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma, then you should seek medical treatment from an oncologist who has experience in treating the illness. Additionally, if you do not show symptoms, but have worked at a site with known asbestos exposure, experts recommend you monitor potential asbestos-related illnesses through periodic health check-ups.
Mesothelioma treatment facilities in Hawaii include:
Cancer Research Center of Hawaii
1236 Lauhala Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Patient Information: 808-586-3010
Pacific Cancer Institute
Cancer Institute of Maui
227 Mahalani Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Patient Information: 808-242-2600
Queen's Cancer Center
The Queen's Medical Center
1301 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-545-8770
Hawaii Mesothelioma Attorneys
Dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis is a troubling time – a fact that is often compounded with the financial strains of medical treatment and lost wages. If you would like to seek fair financial compensation from the parties responsible for exposing you to asbestos, then a Hawaii mesothelioma lawyer can help.
Mesothelioma lawyers that are knowledgeable in Hawaii law can help you with every step of the legal process. Whether you know where and when you were exposed to asbestos or not, a mesothelioma lawyer can determine whether or not there is enough evidence to bring your case to trial.