UPDATE 1/5/14 After this latest rainfall, we examine the runoff in the gulch between Kaonoulu and Kulanihakoi (running water), compared to next one (going south) between Kulanihakoi and Waipuilani (almost dry) We first looked along the N-S Collector Rd corridor, and then makai at SKR. While the State Department of Health issued a “Brown Water Alert” at D. T Fleming Beach area on the West Side, we haerd none in South Maui, in spite of the obvious muddy kai off Kihei.
People’s path “washed out”
Looking mauka from SKR just So. of Kaonoulu
Muddy brown Kai just No. of Whale Sanctuary
Looking No at gulch No of Kulanihakoi
Gulch just No of Waipuilani show no water
Completely dry
Drainage ditch on north edge, Makai of SKR
SKR looking mauka
aUPDATE 11/10/13 As we examine this area after any rain, we continue to see the same results. Is this insanity expecting that sometime the County Administration will take some positive action to mitigate this flooding? How many years has Kaonoulu & SKR at the Maui Lu Resort flooded out?
This weekend (3/9/13) we see the effect an overnight rain shower can have on our gulches, and the resulting effect on near shore ocean waters. The Whale Sanctuary (HIHWNMS) was immediately trying to take samples of this run off to determine its effect.
Proceeding mauka up the gulch, we see the effects on the “people’s path” along the North South Collector Road corridor between Kaonoulu and Kulanihakoi Sts in No. Kihei.
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What might be the concerns regarding this runoff? What effect would it have on the whale sanctuary? It would be nice to have some captions on the picture so we know specifically what you are pointing out with the images.
Mahalo for the inquiry, Keith. Muddy runoff containing “who knows what” is certainly detrimental to the coral reef system, and the general water quaility of the Sanctuary. We are alsways looking for more help to improve not only this website, but our community as well. Perhaps you would considering joining with us to facilitate these objectives?
I still cant understand why the County allows the “dune restoration” project to continue in the Kaonoulu & SKR area as it builds up the sand at the mouth of the wetland,stream and clearly blocks the outlet of water to the ocean.
We expect the logic is to control pollution flowing into out near shore waters, caused by a myriad of factors such as allowing overwhelming development in areas that were wetlands, which naturally performed this function. You can’t stop a waterfall at the bottom of the falls, but need to mitigate upcountry
Kind of off-subject, but “standing water” for more than 3 days breeds mosquitos. There are lots of streets in Kihei where water pools remain for much longer than 3 days. County Vector Control recommends spraying soapy (dish-soap) water over these pools before the rain if possible (you know which if your area pools water). It will smother the mosquito larve instead of allowing them to breathe. There are also “mosquito fish” (they eat larve) in the pool under the Kalama Park bridge – grab a net and catch a few to throw into your standing water.