Building on Maui almost off sick list

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — After more than a year in exile from their mold-infested offices, Maui County's planning and land-use employees are preparing to return in the coming weeks.

Workers are nearing the completion of a project to rid the Kalana Paku'i building of mold, upgrade the air-conditioning and electrical systems and renovate the building's interior.

The Land Use and Codes Administration will be moving back into the building early next week and will be open for business April 17. The Planning Department is scheduled to return during the week of April 22.

The building, a former police station listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was evacuated in February 2001 after employees complained of headaches, eye irritation and respiratory illness.

The initial odors were believed to be linked to maintenance work on the air conditioning, but subsequent remedial work found an active, fertile colony of fungus known to cause respiratory problems.

The building was closed in March 2001, and temporary offices were found for more than 80 employees.

Because of a lower-than-expected bid from cleanup contractor David P. Ting & Sons, the costs associated with the mold infestation will not exceed the $1 million earmarked by the Maui County Council for the project, said Lance Taguchi, an executive assistant to Mayor James "Kimo'' Apana.

Costs so far are estimated at $724,000, Taguchi said, and that includes $30,000 in estimated moving expenses and $244,000 in rent for nearby offices.

The cleanup included removing mold from the building's original ceiling.

Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions.