The connectivity of Kona’s groundwater systems and possible impacts projected area growth could have on water quality and quantity will soon be studied. The connectivity of Kona’s groundwater systems and possible impacts projected area growth could have on water quality
The connectivity of Kona’s groundwater systems and possible impacts projected area growth could have on water quality and quantity will soon be studied.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Commission on Water Resource Management on Wednesday approved DLNR Chairman William Aila’s request for a multi-agency study on Kona’s groundwater systems, as well as to provide $95,000 in funding, said Lenore Ohye, the commission’s Hydrologic Planning Program manager. The study is scheduled to begin in May.
“Kona has been designated as a growth area and that will put significant demand on both potable and nonpotable water sources,” Ohye said. “This study will help to better ascertain what the impacts of pumping to support the growth will be and how development will affect those sources.”
Evaluating the degree of connections between the high-level and coastal groundwater systems will provide greater insight to planners and the public into the potential impacts of development on water resources in the area, according to the proposed study — an effort between the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service and DLNR Commission on Water Resource Management.
The 2 1/2-year study is expected to cost $306,000, Ohye said. In addition to the state’s share, USGS will contribute $40,000.
The USGS-National Park Service Water-Quality Partnership Program will provide the remainder under a separate agreement, she said. Ohye also noted that portion of the funding has yet to be appropriated. Calls to the program’s USGS and NPS representatives for an update on funding were not returned as of press time Wednesday.
The state water resource management commission is required by law to carry out such research and investigations into all aspects of water use and quality, according to Hawaii Revised Statutes. State and county planning officials often rely on the information in making decisions related to development.
The study “findings will help to reduce the uncertainty associated with potential impacts from upslope development on coastal groundwater quality and quantity and refine our current understanding of the hydrologic flow system,” reads Aila’s request. He also noted it will help establish a better idea of the sustainable yield of the Keauhou aquifer system, which feeds most of Kona.
It will also help identify specific wells in the area that may have the least overall impact on groundwater sources and whether one site might be preferable to use over another, Ohye said. That information, she explained, could help planners reduce the chance of a drop in water quantity or quality, such as high salinity or salt levels.
Researches will also study whether taking water from high-level groundwater sources has an impact on cultural and environmental resources along the coast, such as the anchialine pools found at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Ohye said.
“This will help us be ahead of the curve, rather than trying to fix the problem later,” Ohye said about the need for a study on area water resources.
Study results will be published in fall 2014 in the USGS Scientific Investigations Report series and will be available online.
