Community input sought on Waimanalo watershed
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Bureau
WAIMANALO — The future of one of the state's most impaired waterways and millions of dollars in federal money are at stake, but a scarcity of residents at a Waimanalo watershed summit may leave the issues largely in the hands of federal, state and city agencies.
Waimanalo Stream is one of the prime targets as representatives from various government agencies and a handful of residents try to define the watershed, identify problems and set goals.
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Public meeting
What: Waimanalo watershed summit
When: 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow
Where: Waimanalo School cafeteria
But summit members said they want more community input to establish a watershed plan.
"The best solutions come from the community," said Wendy Wiltse of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Greig Gaspar, with the Waimanalo Health Center, said only one community group and about five Waimanalo residents have attended the summit meetings, which attracted as many as 60 people from federal, state and city agencies.
"Once you create a watershed plan and it's accepted, the federal government pours millions of dollars into the communities for that watershed," Gaspar said. "So all these agencies want to be the conduit for where the money flows."
The Waimanalo Health Center has a Watershed Council and has spearheaded stream studies, cleanups and restorations since 1997, he said. As a community-based entity the center should be the conduit for financing, Gaspar said.
He will ask the neighborhood board to support a center-run watershed program.
Wiltse said the health center would be a good choice to take the lead.
"I love the connection they made between community health and the environment," Wiltse said.
She said the EPA has set aside money for improvements, and "is interested in seeing the community take an interest in improving Waimanalo Stream." A study has found that the stream is dying because of nutrient runoff and oxygen depletion. Undersized culverts, erosion and runoff from roads contribute to the pollution.
The summit has been under way for two weeks, and members will meet two more times. The summit was organized by Rep. Joe Gomes, R-51st (Waimanalo-Keolu Hills-Lanikai-Kailua-Enchanted Lake).
"It will be the group itself that determines what we do, how we do it and when we do it," Gomes said, adding that he was pleased with the turnout of city, state and federal agencies.
Barry Usagawa, with the Board of Water Supply, has expressed concern about runoff and suggested that pollutants and flow need to be controlled.
James Tayon, environmental manager for the Air Force, offered its expertise in finding a solution to problems related to the stream, which runs through Bellows Air Force Station.
"The summit is great," Tayon said. "It gives people from all walks of life a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder and talk about how we can improve the environmental quality of life for the community."
Reach Eloise Aguiar at 234-5266 or eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com
