Hawaii Environmental
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Environmental questions on the Hawaii exam cover both federal environmental laws and Hawaii-specific disclosure requirements. Federal topics include lead-based paint (pre-1978 housing), asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks, and CERCLA liability. Hawaii has additional state-level environmental disclosure requirements enforced by the Hawaii Real Estate Branch — including Hawaii-specific environmental conditions that affect property use and disclosure. Environmental questions trip up candidates who studied only federal law without reviewing the HI-specific overlay.
Hawaii Exam Study Resources
Everything you need to pass — in one place.
Hawaii Environmental — Practice Questions & Answers
136 questions on Environmental from the Hawaii real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 136.
Q1. Hawaii is divided into lava flow hazard zones numbered 1 through 9. Which zone has the highest lava flow risk?
Explanation
Hawaii's lava flow hazard zones are numbered 1 through 9, with Zone 1 being the highest risk (active rift zones and summits) and Zone 9 the lowest. Sellers must disclose lava zone classifications.
Q2. In Hawaii, sellers of residential property must disclose the property's tsunami inundation zone status because:
Explanation
Tsunami inundation zone status is a material fact under Hawaii law. Sellers must disclose whether the property is located in a designated tsunami inundation zone, as this affects risk and insurance costs.
Q3. Which federal environmental law requires disclosure of lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978?
Explanation
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act requires sellers and landlords of pre-1978 housing to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide buyers/tenants with an EPA pamphlet.
Q4. CERCLA (Superfund) is relevant to Hawaii real estate because it:
Explanation
CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) imposes strict, joint, and several liability on potentially responsible parties—including current and former owners—for cleanup costs of hazardous substance contamination.
Q5. A Hawaii property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Under federal law, buyers with federally backed mortgages are required to:
Explanation
Properties in SFHAs (100-year floodplain) with federally backed mortgages are required by federal law to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Q6. Underground storage tanks (USTs) on a Hawaii property are a concern primarily because of the risk of:
Explanation
Leaking USTs can contaminate soil and groundwater with petroleum products or other hazardous substances, creating significant environmental liability and remediation costs for property owners.
Q7. Vog (volcanic smog) in Hawaii is caused by:
Explanation
Vog is volcanic smog produced when sulfur dioxide and other gases emitted by active volcanoes react with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight to form sulfate particles. It is a significant air quality concern in some Hawaii communities.
Q8. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a Hawaii property built before 1980 are most dangerous when:
Explanation
Asbestos is most hazardous when it is friable—crumbling or deteriorating—because it can release microscopic fibers into the air that, when inhaled, can cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma.
Q9. Which of the following best describes a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
Explanation
A Phase I ESA involves reviewing historical records, regulatory databases, and conducting a site visit to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs). It does not involve sampling (that is Phase II).
Q10. Hawaii's real estate disclosure form (DROA) requires sellers to disclose which of the following environmental hazards?
Explanation
Hawaii's Disclosure of Real Property Condition (DROA addendum) requires sellers to disclose all known material defects, including environmental hazards such as mold, hazardous substances, lava zone classification, and other conditions that could affect value or safety.
Q11. In Hawaii, which government body manages the Conservation District and issues Conservation District Use Permits (CDUPs)?
126 more Environmental questions
Create a free account to unlock all 136 Hawaii Environmental questions with full explanations.
Free account · No credit card · Instant access to 25 questions
Ready to take the full exam? Start free.
25 free questions · No signup · Instant access to all Hawaii topics