Project Name: |
Ala Wai Watershed Mauka Restoration |
Start/End Date: |
March 2003 to August 2005 |
Contractor: |
Koolau Mountains Watershed Partnership
c/o Department of Land and Natural Resources
Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
2135 Makiki Heights Drive
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph: (808) 973-9787, Fax: (808) 973-9781
Jason Y. Sumiye, KMWP Coordinator |
Background/
Overview: |
The Ala Wai Watershed and Canal is an area designated as a Water
Quality Limited Segment, where pollutants are attributed to natural
sources. The Ala Wai TMDL report for nutrients determined that
approximately 60% of the nitrogen and phosphorous affecting the
Ala Wai is coming from decaying biomass located on conservation
district lands mauka of the canal. This is thought to be the result
of pig damage and alien vegetation modifying the forest and causing
soil erosion. |
Objectives/Goals: |
• Mitigate forest threats and reduce current level of ungulate
activity and bare soil coverage within the upper portions of the
watershed
• Establish a baseline for forested watershed loading, and monitor the
impacts of these management activities on the water quality
• Raise awareness of watershed values and management by involving the communities
in the management and protection efforts. |
Methods Employed: |
• Expand Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s controlled
hunting program
• Establish invasive weed removal
• Broadcast seeding and outplanting of native plant species for understory
restoration and soil stabilization
• Implement public awareness and education activities |
Pollutants of Concern: |
Nutrients and phosphorous |
Watershed: |
The KMWP boundary within the Ala Wai Watershed.
Within portions of the Manoa-Palolo and Makiki subwatersheds, island
of Oahu |
Affected Water Bodies: |
Four stream systems, three aquifers, and the
waters of Ala Wai canal |
Deliverables: |
• Final report of hunting program
• Final report of forest restoration program
• Final report of project monitoring (correlating project management activities,
forest health, and water quality)
• Poster/display of project for educational activities |