HPU Facilities

Indoor Air Quality & Mold Prevention

Indoor Air Quality: Managing Expectations in a Tropical Climate

Living and working in Hawaii's tropical environment presents unique challenges for indoor air quality. High ambient humidity and frequent rainfall make mold a natural and persistent presence in the islands. At Hawaii Pacific University, we strive to manage these conditions through rigorous building maintenance and proactive air quality programs. However, maintaining a healthy indoor environment is a shared responsibility between the University and its occupants.

Environmental Factors in a Tropical Climate

  • Humidity Management: Hawaii's high ambient humidity is the primary driver of indoor moisture issues. We prioritize constant monitoring of HVAC dehumidification to keep indoor levels within a healthy range.
  • Tropical Storms: Heavy rainfall events increase the risk of water intrusion; we prioritize the inspection of building seals and roofs immediately following these events.

A Shared Responsibility: Prevention & Care

The University's Role (HPU's Commitment)

  • Structural Integrity: We maintain building envelopes, roofs, and window seals to prevent moisture from entering the structure.
  • HVAC Maintenance: Island Wide A/C Service, LLC regularly services air conditioning and ventilation systems to ensure they provide proper dehumidification and filtration.
  • Rapid Response: We prioritize the drying of any water intrusion events, such as plumbing failures or storm leaks, within 24–48 hours to prevent mold development.
  • Professional Oversight: The EHS Manager and Maintenance Staff conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential environmental health concerns across all campuses.
  • Community Sanitization: Our custodial staff performs rigorous, routine cleaning and disinfection of all shared community restrooms, showers, lounges, and common areas, utilizing specialization antimicrobial solutions to manage humidity and prevent mold accumulation in public areas. 

The Occupant's Role (Resident Responsibilities)

  • Maintain Airflow: Do not block A/C supply or return vents with furniture, posters, cardboard, tape, clothing, etc.
  • Condensation Control: Keep exterior windows and doors closed when the A/C is running to prevent moisture droplets from forming on surfaces, which can lead to mold growth.
  • Moisture Management: Immediately wipe up spills and report any leaks, drips, or sagging ceiling (or tiles) to the Facilities Department. Faculty and Staff submit your requests here. Harbor Lofts residents submit your request here.
  • Housekeeping: Occupants are collectively responsible for the regular cleaning, sanitization, and dusting of everything inside their individual unit, including shared living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. Dust, food crumbs, and soap scum can act as a primary food source for mold spores; maintaining a clean, dry indoor environment is a shared obligation for all residents within the unit.
  • Dry Items: Wet items take longer to dry in a cool room. Squeeze out excess moisture from personal items as much as possible and hang items in a single layer to dry. After showering, fully extend the shower curtain and leave the bathroom door open to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the folds of the curtain. 

Reporting and Remediation Protocols

  • Visible Growth: If you observe fuzzy growth or discoloration on walls, ceilings, or furniture.
  • Musty Odors: If you notice persistent, damp, or earthy smells that do not dissipate with normal cleaning.
  • Water Intrusion: If you see active leaks, water stains, or "bubbling" paint on surfaces.

  • Non-Emergency Maintenance: For minor moisture concerns or cleaning requests, Faculty and Staff must submit a Facilities Maintenance Request. Residents at Aloha Tower Marketplace must submit a Harbor Lofts Maintenance Request.
  • Urgent Water Issues: For active flooding or significant plumbing failures, call Campus Security at (808) 544-1400 immediately.