Stewart, C., Michaud, J., Donoho, M., Smith, O.

Waiulaula Watershed Management Plan. Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District

2011

200

"The Waiulaula Stream watershed encompasses over 18,000 acres in the South Kohala District on Hawaii Island. The streams within this watershed flow more frequently than any other stream system in West Hawaii, creating important habitat for the native aquatic species. The nearshore waters of Kawaihae Bay, into which Waiulaula flows, provide an important nursery ground not only for the native stream fishes but also for species important to the marine recreational, subsistence, and commercial fisheries. The upper reaches of the streams also provide water for both domestic and agricultural uses. The watershed supports a variety of land and water uses, ranging from agriculture to urban to commercial to conservation. The South Kohala District which encompasses this watershed has experienced tremendous population and residential growth over the past 20 years. Much of this growth has occurred within the watershed. In addition, the Hawaii County General Plan projects that this area will experience significant urban and suburban expansion over the next several decades. No studies have been done on the impacts of this cumulative and ongoing development on the riparian, stream, and coral reef habitats, and stream and coastal water quality. It is generally thought that the water quality within the watershed remains good. However, water quality monitoring undertaken by the Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District (MKSWCD) indicates that, in some areas and for some pollutants, State water quality standards are exceeded. Through the Waiulaula watershed management project, the MKSWCD seeks to be proactive in the management of this important watershed, focusing both on addressing existing sources of polluted runoff and threats to watershed health and preventing further degradation of the watershed resources as projected land use changes occur. The overall goal of the Waiulaula watershed management plan is to maintain healthy stream and riparian environments, both in terms of water quality and habitat integrity, that sustain a healthy mauka-makai connection and promote community-based environmental stewardship."

Funded by EPA, Hawaii Department of Health, NOAAs Clean Water Branch, and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources

EPA

Hawaii Department of Health

NOAAs Clean Water Branch

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources