Introduction

Equity and Waiwai—Water, Rights and Relationships in a Changing ClimateDate: March 5, 2021

Equity and Waiwai—Water, Rights and Relationships in a Changing ClimateDate: March 5, 2021

Speaker: Ms. Laurien Nuss

Abstract:

By law, the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency of the City and County of Honolulu is required to coordinate actions and policies to advance procedural, distributional, structural, intergenerational, and cultural equity. This presentation will focus on how the Climate Resilience and Equity Program is expanding the access, agency, and advocacy for communities’ (e.g., indigenous communities, women, and immigrants) experiencing social inequities dealing with climate changes. Discussion is encouraged on leadership, participation, and representation of the City’s climate adaptation and mitigation efforts addressing the needs and experiences of the affected communities that threaten public health, employment, and economic stability.

Additional Resources

❖  A Short Course in Water Rights

❖  O‘ahu Water Keepers

❖  A 2007 CENTRAL O‘AHU WATERSHED STUDY provided recommendations and concerns specific to this region on O‘ahu. One significant recommendation was the development an overall Pearl Harbor Management Plan and associated activities, protecting existing wetlands at Pouhala and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, restoration of Hawaiian fishponds within Pearl Harbor for cultural and watershed education purposes, and erosion mitigation of the ‘Ewa Shoreline.

Flooding continues to be a problem in low-lying parts of ‘Ewa, Waipahu, and the lower reaches of Waiawa Stream, and will only increase from the pressures of proposed housing developments. Flood management is necessary and will require a hydrologic analysis, drainage improvements at chronic flooding sites, and restriction of development within floodways and gulches.

Growing populations and a mix of land uses in Central O‘ahu pose threats to groundwater quality and ultimately, municipal water supply for approximately 40% of O‘ahu’s population.

To remediate many of these issues, effective watershed management is necessary, requiring cooperation and information sharing of City, State, and Federal government; communities; landowners; and businesses.

  1. SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM
  2. DESALINATION PROJECT
  3. RECYCLED WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
  4. WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
  5. WATERSHED INFILTRATION ENHANCEMENT
  6. AQUIFER RECHARGE PROTECTION
  7. WATER USE INVENTORY
  8. LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT
  9. INACTIVE LANDFILL MITIGATION