Hawai’i’s Water Resources Management

 “In the case of our forests, we pay no bill for the capture and filtering of rainwater that replenishes our island aquifers, no bill for natural erosion control and clear nearshore waters. We pay no bill for the uptake of carbon dioxide and the supply of oxygen, for the calming influence of green mountains on our psyche, or the shady trails we hike. Contemplate the cost of replicating just one of these essential services through feats of technology or engineering and you begin to appreciate the contribution our forests make to our economy and quality of life.”

From Last Stand: The Vanishing Hawaiian Forest

From India to South America to China to Hawai’i the topic of fresh water is a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed. Hawai’i water management is particularly crucial for several reasons. Hawai’i is a “natural laboratory for the study of evolution.” Each of the islands are at a different ecological age. They all contain endemic species. And they all accomplish these remarkable disparities in a relatively small, contained area. Hawai’i allows scientists to not only measure biodiversity, but also evaluate any threats to it. They would then be able to design new, more efficient methods to protect these areas.

Over the summer I had taken a History of Maui EdVenture class. There were three informative sessions that covered the past, present, and future of Maui. For the third class, the instructor had representatives from the Maui Economic Development Board give a talk on the various watersheds on Maui. They also discussed ways to conserve water and what we could do, as citizens, to help with this important issue. I decided at that time to do a little research into the topic.

Through the class and my own personal reading of Hawaiian history I learned of the importance of water to ancient Hawaiians. The ‘ahupua’a system of land management was established to use the water from the “realm of the gods” through the taro fields to the fishponds along the coast. The ancient Hawaiians were continually mindful of conservation. I remember from the class, Jonelle (the instructor), telling us of how the Hawaiians would put some kind of “sticky stuff” on the branches to catch the birds. They would then pluck a few feathers for decoration and release the bird. This shows me that peoples of the islands were well aware of the importance of all the species, both animals and plants that inhabited their home.

The connection between the land and people of Hawai’i can be seen throughout the culture of the islands. From the little I have learned researching this topic it is apparent that water and all it provides connects all of us to the land. From the water comes the forests which provide trees for shelter, agriculture, fishing, canoes, and weapons. Plants like the ‘ohi’a lehua and maile are considered sacred to hula. This shows a clear connection to Hawaiian culture and it can all be traced back to water.

While researching this topic I read that “Hawaiians are part of nature—not separate from it.” I also read a particularly appropriate quote from Kumu Hula Pua Kanahele reaffirming the Hawaiian connection to the land. “If we cut down the forest, we cut down ourselves.” I think that these quotations are symptomatic of the association between the Hawaiian culture and the land, including the water.

So how does this issue directly affect me? I live in sight of the West Maui Mountains. The Westside of the island runs on tourism. With this comes the building of hotels and other infrastructure directly related to the tourist industry. But with expansion comes problems. It is obvious that the waste water treatment on this part of the island needs an overhaul. At times the smell is over-bearing. More people, more waste. And more people means more water will be needed.

The West Maui Mountains are biologically rich. They are home to thousands of native plants, birds, snails, and insects. These species are the source of unique genetic information. Ninety percent of these species are found nowhere else in the world! Yet, less than 1% of the state budget is allocated to protect all of Hawai’i’s natural and cultural resources. As a member of this community I feel it is my responsibility to “do my part” to protect this vital part of our environment.

Being a teacher allows me the opportunity to discuss this issue with my students. Later this month I will be implementing an assignment that will allow my classes to research, present, and tackle some of the concerns facing Maui. I also plan to become involved by volunteering with the West Maui Mountain Watershed.

From what I have learned regarding this issue thus far, water in Hawai’i is a precious commodity. It is something that needs to be cared for and watched over. Diligence on this subject needs to be continually pressed among our citizens, our representatives, and, most especially, our keiki. Maybe together, as a community, we will all come to see what Leonardo da Vinci said long ago, “Water is the driving force of all nature.”