Division of Forestry and Wildlife

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

For Immediate News Release May 28, 2015      

TRANSFER EXPERIMENT AT KAWAI NUI MARSH TO MONITOR WATER QUALITY
Part of DLNR Planning Study

KAILUA – An experiment utilizing a siphon to transfer water from one side of the levee at Kawai Nui Marsh on Windward Oahu, to the other and gather data on the environmental impacts of this action is part of the planning study being conducted by DLNR and their consultant, Oceanit.

The experiment started on May 18, 2015 to coincide with the City & County of Honolulu’s planned opening of the Kaelepulu System/Kawai Nui stream mouth. The project will continue throughout the summer in coordination with additional stream mouth openings to determine the effects of the additional water flow.

Water quality and flow in Kawai Nui Marsh and Kaelepulu System/Kawai Nui stream will be measured throughout the project timeline in multiple locations.  The aim of the experiment is to measure and stimulate water flow to improve:

1. Wetland habitat for Native waterbird species in Kawai Nui Marsh
2. Water quality, hydrologic conditions and water movement
3. Tidal exchange with the ocean at the stream mouth 

The planning study will determine the best feasible method to restore water flow from Kawai Nui Marsh to the Kawai Nui stream without adversely impacting the existing flood control structure.

Anyone with questions about the experiment may call Robert Bourke at Oceanit at (808) 531-3017 or Jason Misaki at the Oahu Division of Forestry at 808-973-9786.  

# # #

Dan Dennison                                
Senior Communications Manager                
Office of the Chair
Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 130
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Tel    808-587-0407
Cell   808-295-8749
Fax   808-587-0390
[email protected]