Who cares about the water quality of our near shore ocean? Doesn’t everyone? You might expect that anyone who enters: snorkelers, divers, swimmers, surfers, fishers, paddlers (SUP, outrigger & kayak), wind surfers, boaters, kiters and waders lead
the list, followed by the recreation businesses who foster these activities. Moreover anyone who profits from this interest, so all the hotels, vacation condos, and in fact any business which serves the visitor industry.
OK, maybe it is easier to answer who does not care? Anyone? So just about everyone cares, because of the concern for the environment, health and the economy. But what and how are they (YOU?) willing to protect it from pollution
Basic individual or ohana actions: you don’t trash the beach- whatever you bring you remove when you leave. You don’t put pollutants in or near storm drains to wash unabated into the kai. But does it not take more than individual effort? Does it not take the actions of the government to insure control for what is beyond individuals’ control? We need county government to control sewage, be it from wastewater systems or cesspools and septic systems. We need laws in place, with appropriate penalties, to insure those who are unconcerned with the common good are persuaded to participate. We need progressive officials who are aware of changes, and not content with the “way we used to do it.” Maybe we have learned and now know better. Maybe look way back at how the “pre-contact” kanaka were part of the natural environment? We need construction BMP’s to be effective and improved when they are not effective. (KCA BMP’s are much stronger than current county ones- see https://gokihei.org/wp-content/uploads/BestManagementPractices_12-14.pdf )
We need adequate testing done on water quality, & results publicized reasonably, so the community is aware, and can make informed choices. Hiding poor water quality from visitors is counterproductive. When they become aware- and they will- trust will be gone and so will the visitors. The visitor industry should be leading this charge. But all of us who care need to participate.
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You need your County to step up to the plate and put in proper storm drains on streets next to the ocean!!
Mahalo for you input, guys. KCA strongly agrees that this is one of numerous actions which should be taken to protect the kai. Stenciling next to one that it feeds directly into the ocean, whether it is close and way uphill does not protect. What is needed is many voices telling elected officials this need and so many others.
It is my understanding the Kihei waste water treatment plant uses injection wells to get rid of semi treated water. This water seeps into the ocean at Cove Park and drifts north with the current. That is why you seldom see any one swimming in the ocean north of Cove Park. Additionally, the water is rich in nitrogen and causes algae bloom which suffocates the coral.
A better solution would be to take this semi treated water and build pipes to take it to our city parks and golf courses to use for irrigation.