The practice of agricultural burning is widely used in Hawaii as well as other states such as California, Florida and Louisiana. Sugar cane and pineapple fields have been burned in the past on all Hawaiian Islands for many years. Sugar cane fields are burnt prior to harvesting to remove excess leaves and to reduce the volume of material to be transported and processed by the mill. However, cane burning causes smoke, ash, and gaseous air pollutants. Residents have complained about the large plumes of smoke and ash on their properties. Residents may also be concerned that exposure to sugar cane smoke could cause health effects. Some advocate that agricultural burning be banned in Hawaii.
