WRRCTR No.95 Water Problems and Research Needs for Hawaii: 1975

Abstract

Because of their insular subtropic and volcanic environment Hawaii and similar regions have special water problems and study needs not duplicated in the temperate continental region. Hawaii's water problems have also changed over the past two decades as the economic base has progressed from a primarily agricultural existence to a mixture of urban-recreation-tourism, plantation agricultural, commercial-industrial, and military and governmental activities. Existing and emerging water problems and study needs have been identified for Hawaii in a 1974-1975 joint study by the Hawaii Water Resources Regional Study and the University of Hawaii's Water Resources Research Center. Among the nine water problem areas in water quantity, water quality, environmental impact, and water planning and management, over 20 specific study needs have been identified. The historical and recent water study association and cooperation between Hawaii and other Pacific islands, including Guam, is described.