2018 Maunalua Bay Case Study

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    Social Campaigns for Community Participation in Environmental Management
    ( 2018-05-11) Iwane, Mia ; Quiocho, Vernon Jr. ; Saarinen, Ardena ; Crow, Susan ; Oleson, Kirsten
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    Modeling Cost Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure at Stormwater Runoff Critical Points in Maunalua Bay Watershed, Oʻahu
    ( 2018-05-11) McGrath, Casey ; Ruisi-Besares, Pia ; Farrant, Nicholas ; Piena, Wesley ; Kirsten Oleson, Susan Crow
    Like many urbanized areas, the watersheds surrounding Maunalua Bay are highly developed with impervious surfaces and channelized waterways. This can cause issues with stormwater. Stormwater is water that flows over impermeable surfaces (roads, roofs, etc.) after heavy rain events. Stormwater can pick up pollutants as is flows down slope, negatively impacting the health of water bodies. It can also cause flood events impacting infrastructure and lives Green Infrastructure (G.I.) techniques can be implemented to improve conventional infrastructure and stormwater management. Green infrastructure is an approach to stormwater management that tries to mimic the natural water cycle. Most green infrastructure traps and treats water from a storm event and then slowly releases it back into the environment allowing for more control on the quantity of water being released. We created a map that identifies areas in Maunalua that have the highest potential for stormwater mitigation via G.I. Using existing maps on land cover, slope , soil permeability and storm drain density, we created a model that ranks each map attribute in terms of stormwater risk. This map can assist regional stakeholders in prioritizing and evaluating the costs and benefits of adopting G.I. techniques.Our model identified two stormwater "hotspots" within the Kamilo Iki watershed. One "hotspot" validated the model with existing green infrastructure already present. The other "hotspot" lacked green infrastructure. Using the EPA stormwater calculator we identified the most cost effective green infrastructure for a residential neighborhood.
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    Sediment Transport Modeling in Maunalua Bay
    ( 2018-05-10) Braum, Evelyn ; Torres, Tanya ; Rivero-Castro, Rodrigo ; Suan, Aviv ; Yogi, Darcy ; Crow, Susan ; Oleson, Kirsten
    Increased sedimentation is one of the largest environmental issues stressing the health of Maunalua Bay today. When sedimentation occurs, it can decrease biodiversity, coral cover, and water quality within the Bay. In order to improve sedimentation within the Bay, our project will simulate a digital representation that predicts how different rain events can affect the movement of sediment within Maunalua Watershed. With the results of our project, stakeholders can take appropriate steps forward to help mitigate these areas identified as priority sedimentation sites.
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    From Lawn to Reef: Formalizing Fertilizer Best Practices in Hawaii
    ( 2018-05-09) Hubanks, Hannah ; Fisk, Jonathan ; Chikasuye, Katia ; Crow, Susan ; Oleson, Kirsten
    Fertilizer nitrates pose a significant threat to marine life decline and human health. This project delivers the resources created for the continued development of a bill drafted to regulate fertilizer use in Hawaii. Included is a draft of the fertilizer bill, a literature review of materials utilized to determine fertilizer impact on marine ecosystems as well as on human health, a vocabulary guide to the Clean Water Act, and a summary of Hawaii fertilizer best management practices. In addition, this project also includes an educational brochure and a sticker design to be available for fertilizer distributors to supplement our draft and act as a more immediate option for fertilizer awareness. These resources are intended to be available to assist in introducing the bill into the next legislative session by individuals who are familiarized with the development of this bill and who will be dedicated to supporting the life cycle of this bill.
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    Engineering Coastal Habitat: past, present and future of water and seabird habitat in Maunalua Bay
    ( 2018-05-03) Friswold, Brooke ; Enzweiler, Margaret ; Tom, Rachelle ; Oleson, Kirsten ; Crow, Susan
    Maunalua bay is home to many native water- and sea-birds despite global population declines and heavy urbanization in the area. However, if climate change trends continue with the NOAA projected sea-level rise of 1.1 feet by 2050, most of their nesting habitat will be underwater; therefore human-engineered habitat is required to allow these populations to persist in Maunalua Bay. Water- and sea-birds are crucial to the health of Maunalua Bay. They are apex predators, important bio-indicators of the health, contribute essential nutrients through guano, control invasive species, and have spiritual and cultural importance. In order for native bird populations to persist in Maunalua Bay in the face of climate change, the areas they inhabit will likely need human assistance in the form of human-engineered habitat. One area in Maunalua Bay has already been successful at providing beneficial human-engineered habitat for native seabirds: the Freeman Seabird Preserve at Black Point. Using Black Point as a model we will explore the past and present of these areas and the human-engineered habitat required at 5 areas of interest in Maunalua Bay to support native bird populations into the future. The 5 key areas are China Walls, Paikō Lagoon, Koko Marina/Kuapā Pond, Keawāwa Wetland and Maunalua Bay Beach Park.