December 23rd, 2004

Hawaiian state officials have been criticized by the Hawaii State Teacher Association for their slow response to the discovery of asbestos at one of the state’s schools. When concerns were raised about the asbestos presence at the Windward Oahu School, teachers went on to make complain after complaint, but state that nothing was done for many days.

The discovery of asbestos presence was made at King Intermediate School in Kaneohe. Executive Director of the Hawaii State Teacher’s Union, Joan Husted, stated that teachers had to make numerous complaints over the period of around sic days before state officials took any action and eventually closed classrooms at the school.

Concerns were first raised following exterior work carried out at the school buildings. This was in preparation for painting and redecorating. However, following concerns tests were carried out and asbestos was detected in the dust that had been created in the preparation for painting and redecorating.

After numerous days of teacher complaints, the state officials finally took action and evacuated the classrooms, closing them off until all danger had been professionally cleared and the air retested for safety. In the meantime, Husted has advised other staff members to see their doctors for further advice.