On April 14, the Navy held their annual Navy Earth Day at the Ward Field on the Naval Station at Pearl Harbor.  The City’s Storm Water Quality Branch encouraged participants to be everyday environmental heroes who can be a part of the solution by performing simple, preventive acts every day, with the ultimate goal of minimizing polluted runoff and improving the environment of our coastal and inland communities.

The City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch believes every person and every action counts.  Many factors contribute to pollution:  lack of knowledge about the problem they are creating, cost and convenience, and attitudes.  For example, some people don’t feel a sense of ownership, some people believe someone else - City roads or State highway crews - will pick up after them, some people see others in the community adopting polluting behavior and figure their actions won’t make a difference.

As an example of how one’s individual action can contribute to a much larger problem, one need only to look at urban and rural runoff containing pollutants such sediment from erosion and the improper disposal of auto parts, tires, batteries, and used motor oil.  And the consequences, water pollution and alien plant invasion.  These groups are taking action to make a difference at Kapakahi Stream and Pouhala Marsh.

CLEANUP

Every fall, Waipahu High School gets involved in water sampling at Kapakahi Stream, an important component in Waipahu High School interdisciplianary curriculum for 10th graders.  The activity gives students practical experience and involves them in the stewardship of Kapakahi Stream.  Students work with water quality specialists using multi-parameter probes and simple test kits to assure proper quality assurance procedures are followed; data collected is for educational purposes only to determine the effect of the pollutant on the stream.  Certified labs collect and analyze samples for regulatory purposes. 

PARTNERSHIPS WITH ADDED VALUE

State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR/DOFAW):  According to Christina McGuire, Wetlands Coordinator, DLNR/DOFAW, many people are unaware that Pouhala Marsh is the largest intact coastal wetland remaining in the Pearl Harbor Basin of Oahu.  The wetlands of Pearl Harbor have been degraded through filling and urban development.  The once extensive system of wetlands in the area have declined to a few remaining basins and mud flats.  Pouhala Marsh is a 70 acre wildlife sanctuary located in Waipahu.  Most of the land is owned by the City and County of Honolulu, but managed by DLNR/DOFAW to provide habitate for four endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, including the Hawaiian Stilt or ae‘o, above, (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), Hawaiian Coot or ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Fulica alai), Hawaiian Moorhen or ‘alae ‘ula (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis), and the Hawaiian Duck or koloa maoli (Anas wyvilliana). In addition the Recovery Plan for Hawaiian Waterbirds (US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2005) identifies Pouhala Marsh as a core wetland of critical importance for the recovery of Hawai‘i’s endangered water birds.

Lex Brodie’s Tire Company:  City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch and Lex Brodie’s Tire Company coordinated the Car Care Month Campaign during Earth Month (April).  Scott William, General Manger, has over 20 years experience at Lex Brodie’s Tire Company.  The campaign focused on ways that each of us can protect our local waters:  repair those leaks, use commerical car washes, recycle your oil, recycle antifreeze/coolant, return used batteries, check tire pressures, and drive less.  Being an Environmental Hero is not difficult.  We just need to realize that All of us have an impact on our environment.  A little extra effort by everyone can make a huge difference in the end.  Developing a storm water pollution prevention partnership with Lex Brodie’s Tire Company included radio ads on car care tips and the distribution of keychain quik-check gage and oil change box with the article in the Earth Month/Be An Every Day Environmental Hero tabloid distributed by Honolulu Advertiser and Mid Week. 

Need more information on Auto BMPs or Best Management Practices, please go to http://www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com/storm/learning_center/businesses.html.

On March 19, 2007, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services kicked off Earth Month at Kapolei Hale with the Earth Month Proclamation presented by Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Volunteers in the City’s Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Block Program, Earth Month partners and businesses were recognized for partnering with the City and County of Honolulu to provide invaluble education and outreach in their communities and defining themselves as everyday environmental heroes who are environmentally responsible, taking individual action everyday to minimize pollutants and protect our local waters … for life. 

The City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch announced the winners of its 1st Annual Earth Month Teen Video and Photo Contest.  Judges were Iwalani Sato, Storm Water Public Education and Outreach Coordinator; Gerald Takayesu, Storm Water Quality Branch Head; Jeff Coelho, Director of Customer Service; and Wendy Suite, KHON2 Creative Director.  Waianae Intermediate School and Campbell High School, were presented certificates for I-MAC computers from Scott Williams, General Manager of Lex Brodie’s Tire and Service Center and Troy Ogasawara, President of GeoTech Solutions, Inc.  The winning videos aired on KHON2, KITV, KGMB and at City satellites during Earth Month.  Photos were on display at Kapolei Hale.

All participants received the “Earth Month - Be An Everyday Environmental Hero” tabloid so that they can further help spread the word about polluted runoff to family and friends.  The Honolulu Advertiser and Mid-Week also distributed the tabloid to educate the general public about ways to be everyday environmental heroes.  Free copies, while supplies last, are available by calling 692-5208.

Moi - The Fish of King

A popular event for all ages!  The moi release, sponsored by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Anuenue Fisheries Research Center, in coordination with the Waikiki Aquarium and the City and County of Honolulu, consists of 100 hatchery reared moi released into the ocean.  Educational displays were hosted by the City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Branch, State Department of Land and Natural Resources Anuenue Fisheries, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), University of Hawaii Sea Grant and more.

The moi is an ideal candidate for a fish stocking program.  In Hawaii, moi is highly depleted, and in response, there are regulations setting limits on the daily catch, minimum size, and a closed season. Moi spawn spontaneously in captivity, produce large numbers of healthy fry, and can be grown to a size appropriate for tagging within 60-90 days after hatch.

The juvenile moi for this event inhabit defined nursery habitats.  Volunteers carried the moi beyond the reef.  Last year, a poacher wiped out most of the fish that were inside the reef.  He later turned himself in to law enforcement authorities after the local coconut wireless kicked in to high gear.

On April 14, 2007, volunteers gathered at the Palolo Recreation Center to help stencil storm drains with the message, “Dump No Waste”, remove litter from City streets, and distribute information to remind residents that whatever is discharged into the street or on the ground flows to a storm drain, stream and eventually makes it ways to the ocean. 

The City and County of Honolulu encourages all residents to take ownership of their neighborhood and help minimize polluted runoff.  We are all responsible for protecting our water and there are many opportunities to become involved.  Some simple pollution prevention actions include throwing trash in the garbage can, recycling, keeping a litter bag in the car, picking up after the dog every time, properly disposing of used automotive fluids and fixing leaking vehicles, practicing safe gardening and home improvement activities, and joining the next Adopt-A-Block cleanup in Palolo in November 2007 at Palolo Recreation Center.  These cleanups work to bring volunteers from all parts of the community together to help protect our water … for life.  For more information, call 692-5208.

REMEMBER, DO NOT put anything but water into a gutter, open drainage channel or down a storm drain.  Trash and debris close to home, school and work eventually will find its way to the stream and ultimately to the ocean through our storm drain system, with no water quality treatment along the way.

The City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch sponsored the 1st Annual Keiki Water Festival on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at the Hawaii’s Plantation Village.  The event engaged participants in hands-on educational stations on clean water and a clean environment, moving forward the great beginnings by University of Hawaii NREM staff Maryknoll Spotkaeff and Jody Smith in 2003.

SAVE THE OOPU!

Apoha the oopu (above), is the mascot of the State Department of Health Clean Water Branch and City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch.  Hawaii’s streams are home to these unique fish.  There are five species of native stream fish (four gobies and an eleotrid).  Four are endemic (found nowhere else on earth) and one is indigenous (native to Hawaii and other locations).  Their distribution along the stream is believed to be influenced by their climbing ability.  The origin of oopu and link to the ocean are evident in their mainly diadromous life cycle, which means “two run”, one to the ocean as newly hatched larvae and subsequent return from the ocean to freshwater as juveniles.  This completes their life cycle and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the “mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean)” connection.  Oopu are recommended for use as a biological indicator of stream water quality.  For example, an increase in numbers of the oopu would indicate improved water quality.  The reason for this is that oopu require fresh, cool, flowing water of good quality.  More information at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/streams/stream_natives.htm.

High school students from Waipahu and Moanalua greet residents and provide Keiki Water Festival information.  Partipants enjoyed the educational stations, fun and food.

Participating agencies, businesses, and groups included the City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch, State Department of Health Clean Water Branch, State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources, Honolulu Fire Department HazMat Team at Kapolei, State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Oahu Invasive Species Committee, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Waipahu Community Association, The Limu Project at Campbell High School, and Oahu Research, Conservation and Development (Oahu RCD), Hawaii’s Plantation Village, Ben and Jerrys, 7Eleven stores, KGMB, Oldies 107.9 and KCCN FM-100.

Plans are undeway for the next Keiki Water Fest in Kalihi!

Makiki Stream is impacted by polluted runoff.  The Makiki Stream Stewards lead by Dr. Sharon Miyashiro, a specialist in the urban and regional planning department at the University of Hawaii, in cooperation with Washington Middle School and Laurence Kometani, a parent and sales representative at Exacta Sales, have adopted a portion of Makiki Stream owned by the City and County of Honolulu. 

The Makiki Stream Stewards with the backing of the City and County of Honolulu, Tesoro, Jack-In-The-Box, Ala Wai Watershed Association, Kalakaua Homes (state-owned housing), Boys and Girls Club, Honolulu Police Department, Weed and Seed (U.S. Department of Justice initiative), professional associations, schools, community-based groups, neighborhood boards, government agencies and officials are helping minimize pollutants, including fast food litter, automobile liquids, and yard waste to Makiki Stream.

Working together on activities to assess and clean Makiki Stream that are well-suited to their audience and location have made a huge impact.  Since 2003, volunteers have been active in stenciling storm drains with the message, “Dump No Waste”, litter cleanups, distributing pollution prevention tips and alternate information sources with the City’s Environmental Concern Line and website, sign waving, watching the stream and planting (Ala Wai Watershed Association), and World Water Monitoring Day to raise awareness about protecting our waters.

World Water Monitoring Day partners include the City and County of Honolulu, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Nature Center, Washington Middle School, State Department of Health Clean Water Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Systems , Inc. (phytoremediation and akulikuli plants in the Ala Wai Canal).  

The Manoa Watershed is one of three sub-watersheds extending from the Koolau Range to conservation and urban areas that contribute runoff to the Ala Wai Canal.  

Manoa is also home to Malama O Manoa and the UH Manoa Environmental Law Society, two interested and committed Adopt-A-Stream groups, who have been dedicated to keeping watch and cleaning Manoa Stream four times a year for over 10 years!  On Earth Day, Malama O Manoa and UH-Manoa Environmental Law Society (above) removed litter from portions of Manoa Stream.  A collaboration on the Earth Month campaign was successful in helping attract a wider audience to Manoa Stream, including the Ala Wai Watershed Association, University of Hawaii, professional associations, school and church groups and other government agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Grab samples collected by City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Branch to estimate Manoa Stream storm sediment load.

  Enthusiasm has been running high for service projects in Ewa!  Learning about the City and County of Honolulu’s Storm Water Program Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4).  What is a MS4?  In general, the Separate Storm Sewer System includes sidewalks, curb, gutters, and streets collecting or conveying runoff that DO NOT connect with a wastewater collection system or treatment plant.  The MS4 is owned or operated by a public agency such as the City and County of Honolulu and State of Hawaii Department of Education. 

These volunteers from Holomua Elementary School and Campbell High School, with the City and County of Honolulu behind them are involved in service projects to protect the environment.  They have established an ongoing Adopt-A-Block schedule in their adopted neighborhoods to remove litter, stencil storm drains with the message “Dump No Waste”, and distribute pollution prevention tips, oil change boxes and litter bags to encourage everyone to be an evereyday environmental hero.  

Small, individual action steps at school, home and work to reduce storm water pollution can add up to big changes.  Some of these cleanups coincide with major events such as Earth Month (April), Pollution Prevention Week (September), and Make A Difference Month (October).   The Honolulu Police Department, Ewa Weed and Seed, Ewa Beach Boys and Girls Club, Gentry, and Lions Club are partners on public safety and graffiti eradication efforts.

For more pictures, don’t forget to visit our updated photo gallery!