Since the launch of their Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) program in 2007, the Kaua`i Chapter has been providing valuable water quality information to inform safe recreation on their island every month. The chapter tests nearly 20 surf breaks and stream mouths at recreational beaches to extend the coverage of the beach program run by the Hawai`i Department of Health (HDOH) that focuses on popular, life-guarded beaches. Typically, the surf breaks test clean unless the chapter samples during or soon after a large rain event, but many of the streams they sample show high bacteria levels that exceed health standards nearly every time they are sampled. This is concerning because small children can often be found wading and playing in this warm, shallow mix of fresh and ocean water with their parents completely unaware of the polluted conditions. The local newspaper, The Garden Island, runs the chapter’s test results every month to help build awareness of the chapter's program and local water quality conditions. To better provide warning to people on the beach before they get into the water, however, the Kaua`i Chapter has long advocated for permanent signage to warn families that many of the streams on the island are often polluted and to advise against any contact.
Nāwiliwili Stream at Kalapakī Bay is one of the worst offenders tested by the Kaua`i BWTF. Fecal indicator bacteria levels measured at the mouth of this stream have exceeded health standards every single time it has been tested since 2016, earning it a dubious placement on the national polluted beaches list in the Surfrider Foundation’s Clean Water Report the last three years running. When Surfrider first asked the State and County for permission to post a warning sign at Nāwiliwili Stream almost 10 years ago when our volunteer-generated data showed pollution concerns, we realized that the State was not posting warning signs when their own water quality data exceeded state health standards. This eventually led to a win for clean water and healthy beaches when the Environmental Protection Agency directed HDOH to post signs as per their obligation to receive their federal BEACH Act grant and to properly notify the public of potential health threats at the beach.
Since then, Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force in Hawai`i has grown to cover 65 sampling sites across the islands of Kaua`i, Maui, and O`ahu. The BWTF is helping to provide really valuable water quality information to inform safe recreation where people enjoy swimming, paddling, surfing and just playing in the water. These BWTF programs are especially critical in more rural communities where the state is unable to provide much or any public health coverage. As our water testing programs have grown, Surfrider has also continued to advocate for improvements in the state’s beach program by submitting public comments when revisions to their program are considered and by advocating for policy changes through state legislation. The Kaua`i Chapter even performed a study that was published in a scientific journal on 24 streams on Kaua`i that correlated high fecal indicator bacteria levels with the human wastewater marker sucralose. Their findings show that sewage from cesspools in coastal watersheds are leaching into streams and are posing a significant public health risk to people who are exposed to these waters. Learn more about that study here.
Fortunately, this past year has been marked by more cooperation between the State Department of Health and the Blue Water Task Force programs in Hawai`i. By incorporating guidance from HDOH and a network of public health and water quality specialists, the Maui Chapter’s Post Fires Water Quality Monitoring Program was able to generate critical data that was used by the State to reassure people that it was safe to get back into the water at many locations along the West Side of Maui. Also, the HDOH agreed to meet the intent of a state bill submitted by Senator Shimabukuru by continuing to test popular Tier 1 beaches when Brown Water Advisories (BWAs) are in effect. They have just posted a revised beach program document on their website that reflects this positive change. Surfrider Foundation Maui also received approval to provide BWA signage to lifeguards on their island to use at their discretion to warn people at the beach of brown water conditions. BWAs were previously only issued online and announced on the radio/TV. Surfrider is currently working on a similar initiative on Kaua`i.
And now, coming full circle, the Kaua`i chapter has finally received permission to hang a sign at Nāwiliwili Stream at Kalapakī Bay that warns of high bacteria levels and directs people to view the chapter’s BWTF water quality data so they can make informed decisions on where it is safe to get into the water and where pollution could put them at risk of getting sick.
If you live in or plan to visit Hawai`i, check water quality conditions on the Blue Water Task Force website before you get into the water and heed any Brown Water or swim advisories. A day at the beach should be enjoyable and fun and not cause you or your family to get sick. A big Mahalo to all our Surfrider Foundation volunteers in Hawai`i and across the country who dedicate countless hours every year to providing critical water quality information to protect clean water and healthy beaches for all people!
A warning sign posted prominently next to the parking lot warns people of polluted water in Nāwiliwili Stream. From left to right - Christina Comfort (O`ahu BWTF), Dr. Carl Berg and Rob Brower (Kaua`i BWTF), and Hanna Lilley (Hawai`i Regional Manager)