Posted on: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Fumes sicken workers at car lot

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writer

Seven workers at a Waikiki car rental lot suffered minor injuries last night when they were overcome by mysterious fumes.

The workers were gathered in a car return area of the Dollar Rent a Car lot at Kalakaua Avenue and Keoniana Street when they noticed the fumes.

Five workers were taken to The Queen's Medical Center for treatment. Two complained of respiratory problems and three felt a burning in their eyes, said James Arciero, Honolulu Fire Department battalion chief. Two other workers had their eyes flushed at the scene.

The source of the fumes was not determined.

HFD hazardous materials Capt. Carter Davis said investigators focused on two nearby trash cans and a returned vehicle that was being vacuumed when the fumes were first noticed, but were unable to pinpoint the source.

"It was a transient event," Davis said. "There was a lot of conjecture, but we weren't able to identify what it was or where it came from."

The 7:40 p.m. incident forced police to close the sidewalks and one lane of townbound traffic for two blocks along Kalakaua Avenue for several hours.