Public Comment Sought on West Maui Watersheds Planning Report

Honolua / File Image: Chris Archer

By Maui Now Staff

Public comment is being sought on the Draft West Maui Watershed Plan for Kahana, Honokahua and Honolua.

A Watershed Characterization Report was intended to evaluate watershed processes and determine land uses and activities that may generate non-point source pollutants or alter hydrolic and ecological processes within the three watersheds.

This report is the first of two being filed for the Kahana, Honokahua and Honolua watersheds. A second report will propose management measures to assist in mitigating land-based sources of pollutants that adversely affect water quality and the health of the coral reef ecosystem.

Together the two reports for the Kahana, Honokahua, and Honolua watersheds and the previously published Wahikuli-Honokōwai Watershed Management Plan are part of the larger West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative focusing management efforts across all five watersheds.

The plans identify short-term solutions to address land-based sources of pollution, and will be included in a US Army Corps of Engineers and state Department of Land and Natural Resources plan.

The report is posted on the West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative website.  Comments are requested by Monday, April 13, 2015 and can be submitted via email to [email protected] or via mail to Group 70 International, Attn: West Maui, 925 Bethel Street, 5th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813.