Water Pollution In Hawaii: Is The Paradise Lost?

Hawaii's water quality is under threat from various sources of pollution. The islands' proximity to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, ageing infrastructure, sewage, industrial pollution, and agricultural runoff all contribute to the state's water quality issues. The Hawaiian Kingdom, recognised in 1843 as the first truly Indigenous-run, independent sovereign state, had a sustainable way of life with regenerative agriculture and aquaculture systems. However, the overthrow of the kingdom in 1893 led to deforestation and the removal of an essential upland system, impacting the water cycle and causing drought and intense rainfall. Today, Hawaii faces challenges such as plastic pollution, sewage contamination, and the impact of invasive species on its water quality.

Plastic pollution

Hawaii's water quality is impacted by a range of contaminants, including pesticides, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals, and plastic pollution. While offshore waters remain remarkably clean, nearshore areas near populated areas suffer from localized concentrations of pollutants.

Hawaii's plastic pollution is a significant issue, with the islands' proximity to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and high levels of plastic consumption contributing to the problem. The once-pristine beaches are now covered in plastic waste and debris, threatening the natural ecosystem and wildlife. Kamilo Beach, on the Big Island's southeastern tip, is one of the most plastic-polluted places globally, with recent clean-up efforts removing over 47 tons of plastic waste in 24 days. Plastic debris, particularly discarded commercial fishing nets, entangle marine animals and are often ingested, leading to starvation and toxic contamination in the food web.

The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond aesthetics and immediate wildlife threats. Plastic waste accumulates toxic contaminants, which, when ingested by marine life, enter the food web and eventually reach humans. A 2019 study found that fish in Hawaiian waters consume plastic particles within days of birth, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The plastic pollution crisis in Hawaii is driven by global plastic consumption and the islands' location within the North Pacific Gyre, specifically near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast collection of marine plastic debris in the North Pacific Ocean, estimated at 1.6 million square kilometers. The garbage patch is formed by rotating ocean currents, or gyres, that act like giant whirlpools, drawing plastic waste from across the globe into their center. As a result, plastic debris from distant locations ends up on Hawaii's shores, contributing to the state's plastic pollution crisis.

To address plastic pollution, Hawaii has implemented initiatives such as the Surfrider Foundation's Blue Water Task Force (BWTF), which tests for fecal indicator bacteria at beaches. Additionally, youth groups like Oʻahu Rise Above Plastics are advocating for real change from the government and businesses to tackle plastic pollution.

Cesspool and septic systems

Hawaii's water quality is impacted by the presence of contaminants, including those from cesspools and septic systems.

Cesspools are a substandard waste disposal method, where household wastewater is discharged into a hole in the ground with no treatment. There are approximately 88,000 cesspools in Hawaii, with nearly 50,000 on the Big Island alone. These cesspools release over 53 million gallons of sewage into the ground every day, contaminating groundwater, streams, and the coastal ocean. This pollution spreads pathogens and other harmful substances, such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and algae-causing nutrients, which can make swimmers sick and harm the environment, including coral reefs.

The Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) recognizes the problems cesspools cause and has set a deadline of January 1, 2050, for all cesspools to be upgraded, converted, or closed. This aligns with Act 125, passed in 2017, which mandates the replacement of all cesspools by 2050. The HDOH Wastewater Branch provides guidance on replacing large-capacity cesspools with state-approved wastewater systems, and property owners must comply with federal and state requirements.

Septic systems are a traditional upgrade from cesspools, but they still contribute to nutrient pollution via nutrient-rich effluent in the leach field. This excess nutrient load can cause invasive algae to overgrow coral reefs, and high nitrate levels in drinking water have been linked to higher rates of certain cancers. Advanced treatment units (ATUs) are considered the gold standard for residential properties as they use aerobic biological processes to destroy pathogens and reduce nutrient loads. However, ATUs require regular maintenance and energy to power blower motors, making them cost-prohibitive for many homeowners.

The challenges of wastewater management in Hawaii are exacerbated by the high number of rural communities unable to connect to sewer lines and the local geology, which limits traditional upgrade options. Financial constraints also play a role, as installing and maintaining septic systems or ATUs is expensive compared to the low-maintenance cesspools.

Industrial activities

The tourism industry, which accounts for about a quarter of Hawaii's economy, has also been a significant contributor to water pollution. Tourism has led to increased water consumption, with the industry accounting for about 44.7% of water use on the Big Island. The construction of pools, waterfalls, and golf courses for tourists has put a strain on Hawaii's water resources. Additionally, the tourism industry's plastic consumption has contributed to the state's plastic pollution problem, with plastic waste covering once-pristine beaches and threatening the natural ecosystem and wildlife.

Agricultural practices have also contributed to water pollution in Hawaii. The use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can lead to polluted runoff, as these chemicals are washed into streams and coastal waters. Soil erosion from farms can also contribute to water pollution, as it can increase the amount of sediment in the water and degrade the quality of coral reef ecosystems.

Another source of water pollution in Hawaii is cesspools, which discharge untreated human waste directly into the ground. This can contaminate groundwater and release nutrients and disease-causing bacteria and viruses into the ocean, streams, and groundwater.

To address these issues, various programs and initiatives have been implemented. The Clean Water Branch's Polluted Runoff Control Program aims to protect and improve the quality of Hawaii's water resources by preventing and reducing nonpoint source pollution. The state's Commission on Wastewater Resource Management has been responsible for managing water resources since 1987. Additionally, activists have been organizing to shut down military operations and reduce the impact of the tourism industry on the environment and local communities.

Military presence

Hawaii's water supply is under threat from a variety of sources, one of the most notable being the US military. The US military has a long history of polluting Hawaii's water, dating back to the early 20th century. The presence of military bases and facilities in Hawaii has led to water contamination and posed significant risks to the health and well-being of the local population, particularly Native Hawaiians.

One of the most well-known incidents of military-related water pollution in Hawaii is the Red Hill fuel leak. The Red Hill facility, located on Oʻahu island, is an underground collection of 20 steel and concrete canisters constructed in 1947 to store jet fuel for the US Navy. In 2022, it was discovered that the Red Hill facility had leaked approximately 14,000 gallons of fuel into a nearby aquifer, which supplies water to Honolulu, the state capital. This contamination affected the drinking water of over 93,000 people, causing illnesses with symptoms such as rashes, headaches, vomiting, and chemical burns. Despite the Navy's initial denial of any immediate health risks, tests revealed that the water contamination was 350 times above safe drinking levels.

The Red Hill leak is not an isolated incident. The US military has a history of dumping toxic waste and ordnance into the ocean waters surrounding Hawaii. From 1944 to 1978, tens of thousands of bombs, some filled with deadly chemicals, were discarded off the coast of Oahu. Even today, these bombs pose a threat as they could potentially be accidentally dredged up. Additionally, the island of Kahoolawe was subjected to extensive bombing from 1941 to 1990, with the US military firing a vast quantity of artillery, bombs, missiles, and torpedoes onto the island. Despite clean-up efforts, Kahoolawe remains contaminated with unexploded ordnance, both on land and in nearshore waters.

The military's presence in Hawaii has also contributed to the pollution of nearshore waters and coral reef ecosystems. The high volume of effluent discharge from military bases can contain pollutants such as sewage, oil, and chemicals, which can have detrimental effects on marine life and the health of the coral reefs. The constant influx of these contaminants can lead to the degradation of water quality and the destruction of delicate marine ecosystems.

The impact of the military's water pollution in Hawaii has prompted a re-examination of the state's history of colonialism and the dominant military presence on the islands. Native Hawaiians, who once modelled their society around sustainable resource management and valued water as a source of wealth, are now facing the consequences of decisions made by outside interests. The US military's negligence and lack of transparency in addressing water contamination have further exacerbated the issue, leading to a loss of trust among the local communities.

Climate change

Hawaii's water quality is impacted by a range of factors, including sewage, industrial pollution, and agricultural runoff. However, the effects of climate change on Hawaii's water supply are particularly noteworthy.

The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 led to the deforestation of native forests to make way for the lucrative sugar industry. This resulted in the loss of an essential upland system that captured fog drift in the mountains and fed freshwater into the islands' aquifers. Without these native forests, the climate of the islands is becoming drier, and freshwater takes longer to reach the aquifers. This has led to periods of drought and intense rainfall, deviating from the historically consistent rainfall that facilitated the continuous recharge of the aquifer.

The impact of climate change on Hawaii's water supply is exacerbated by the islands' unique geography and tropical climate. The high precipitation levels associated with Hawaii's tropical climate contribute to erosion, sedimentation, and overflowing sewage systems. The porous volcanic rock in certain areas, such as Puakō, allows sewage to seep directly into the ocean with minimal retention in soils.

To address the challenges posed by climate change and other factors, Hawaii has implemented various measures. These include the use of water filtration technologies to remove impurities, such as heavy metals and microbial contaminants. The state has also allocated funding for planning and design to improve water management. Additionally, Hawaii has taken steps to reduce plastic pollution, becoming the first state in the US to ban plastic bags in grocery stores in 2015.

While these efforts are commendable, there is still much to be done to secure Hawaii's water future. For Native Hawaiian communities, this future may lie in returning to their past, embracing regenerative systems, circular economies, and valuing water as a source of wealth.

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