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

Red Hill Crisis Underscores Water Insecurity In Hawaii

Filed Under: Climate Change, Groundwater, Rainfall, Stormwater, Water Conservation, Water Contamination, Water Pollution, Water Technologies

(LK comment:  Jacob is right on…  In addition to conservation and reuse, Hawaii needs to begin to think about a Desal pilot program just in case.  The price of Desal has significantly decreased and we have seen what one Red Hill situation can cause and we have not seen the end of this crisis.) April 2022, Civil Beat Opinion Jacob Wiencek: Late last year a devastating water crisis hit Hawaii as … Read More...

Navy will comply with state order to remove fuel from Red Hill

Filed Under: Groundwater, Water Contamination, Water Pollution

January, Hawaii Public Radio | By Associated Press, Sophia McCullough The U.S. Navy will comply with Hawaiʻi's order to remove fuel from a massive underground storage tank facility near Pearl Harbor blamed for contaminating drinking water, officials said Tuesday. The Navy is making preparations to defuel the facility, Rear Adm. Blake Converse said during a U.S. House Armed Services … Read More...

How The Red Hill Fuel System Has Threatened Oahu’s Drinking Water For Decades

Filed Under: Water Contamination, Water Pollution, Water Rights

12 December, Civil Beat, Christina Jedra: (Comment: This is a good historical summary of the Red Hill history) As Oahu residents reel from the news that military families’ drinking water was contaminated with petroleum, and that water for the broader community is also at risk, scrutiny of the nearby Navy’s fuel facility is intensifying. But the crisis is not a surprise to many residents, … Read More...