Asbestos removal began Monday at the historic Lihue Sugar Mill on Kauai, and demolition is expected to begin next month.

Permits from Kauai County to proceed with demolition were obtained by PAHIO Development Inc., and the work, scheduled to begin Feb. 20, will take about six months to complete.

Asbestos removal is being done by NCM Contracting Group.

After the Lihue mill has been demolished, contractors start work at Kekaha Sugar Mill.

The two former Amfac sugar mills were shut down in 2000, and are severely deteriorated and ridden with asbestos.

In 1849 Lihue Mill was built in the valley of Nawiliwili Stream. The first harvest at Kekaha Sugar took place in 1880, prompting construction of the Kekaha mill.

Documentation requirements of the state Historic Preservation Division have been met, including a Historic American Engineering Record report, with maps, blueprints and photographs, a news release on the project said.

Work will be done only during the day to minimize residential disruption.

Public meetings have been held about the work at both abandoned mills, and there are plans for more sessions.

Regular updates, including information on upcoming meetings, will be available at www.sterlingsystems.biz/hawaii.html.

For more information, call the project hot line at 635-5861.