A refrigerant leak caused a brief evacuation at Costco Iwilei Saturday.

The refrigerant, Freon 22, began leaking while technicians were doing regular refrigerator maintenance work at about 2:50 p.m., said Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Kendall Ching.

Technicians were able to shut off some valves, but store officials called firefighters to test the air quality and the building was evacuated.

A fire hazmat unit determined the air quality was normal and the evacuation was lifted about 3:25 p.m.