Hawaii First Water

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We are concerned about the diminishing supplies of fresh water in the Hawaiian islands and the impact it will have on our future generations, particularly our keiki. With our analysis and research we are driving for solutions today.

Learn what we are doing and why it matters

Rainfall & Drought

 Climate change has brought about a change in rainfall patterns which is generally decreasing rain in formerly dry areas and increasing rainfall in the wet areas. We need to find ways to take advantage of these new patterns by capturing more of the rainfall and diverting it to the dryer areas.

Rainfall Issues

The Aquifers

 Much of Hawaii's pristine fresh water comes from its volcanic stone aquifers. The increasing demands for water from Hawaii's increased population and tourist industry, combined with rising ocean levels have shrunk the supply of fresh water in the aquifers, particularly on Oahu.

Groundwater Issues

Rivers & Streams

 The flow of fresh water streams and rivers in Hawaii have also significantly declined. At the same time, shrinking government funding has curtailed stream level tests and sampling so the decline is uncharted.

Rivers & Streams Issues

Water Conservation

 Water conservation is the key to preserving Hawaii's dwindling freshwater supply. Many mainland cities have successfully used new methods of conservation as part of their future water plans. Water rates need to be utilized which encourage users that are conserving water at the same time as punishing water wasters.

Conservation Issues

News & Research

Ag tech and resource management offer opportunities for Hawaii-Israel collaboration

Filed Under: Groundwater

14 Dec, West Hawaii Today. When it comes to agricultural technology and resource management, Hawaii is finding a partner in collaboration nearly halfway around the world. “There’s so much good that can come out of a collaboration between Israel and Hawaii,” said Eitan Weiss, deputy chief of mission at the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. Weiss was on Hawaii Island for the Western … Read More...

Clouds and rain over Oahu Hawaii

Pearl Harbor Study: Integration of aerial infrared thermography and in situ radon‐222 to investigate submarine groundwater discharge to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA

Filed Under: Groundwater, Streams and Rivers, Water Technologies

Abstract Jacque L. Kelly Henrietta Dulai Craig R. Glenn Paul G. Lucey October: The largest freshwater spring complex in the Hawaiian Islands discharges groundwater into Pearl Harbor, Oahu, which is the largest estuary in the islands. This discharge occurs as subaerial and submarine springs, as non‐point‐source (diffuse) seepage, and as baseflow to streams. We conducted airborne thermal … Read More...

Pacific Water Conference; Conference Date: 2/20/2019 – 2/21/2019; Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu, United States

Filed Under: Groundwater

October: The Hawai'i Section of the American Water Works Association and the Hawai'i Water Environment Association are proud to announce the annual joint conference now known as the Pacific Water Conference at the Hawai'i Convention Center. The conference typically consists of a single pre-conference day with focused trains of technical presentations, followed by multiple days of conference … Read More...

Water Terrorism On the Increase…

Filed Under: Groundwater

August, Circle of Blue, Using the Global Terrorism Database, a team of researchers from Florida International University discovered that water-related terrorism has risen by 263 percent from 1970 to 2016. The researchers identified 675 water-related incidents in 71 countries, and found that water infrastructure was the most common target of water-related terrorism. New Security Beat … Read More...