Southwest Maui Watershed

Management Plan
Maui County, HI
Final Report 2019

Prepared For:
Hawaii Department of Health
Clean Water Branch and
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Prepared By:
Michael Reyes
Maui Environmental Consulting, LLC
PO Box 790568 Paia, HI
96779
808-866-6919

Central Maui Soil & Water Conservation District

77 Hoʻokele St., Suite 202
Kahului, HI 96732
808-871-5500, ext. 101

Funding Provided By: Department of Health Clean Water Branch and County of Maui
Office of Economic Development
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Richard Sylva Central Maui SWCD Project Manager

Michael Reyes Central Maui SWCD Watershed Coordinator

Maggie Kramp Maui SWCDs Administration

Doug MacCluer Past Central Maui SWCD Chairman Project Oversight

Dan Clegg Past Central Maui SWCD Chairman Project Oversight

Mike Silva Central Maui SWCD Chairman Project Oversight

Jason Hew Maui SWCDs Conservation Specialist Data Collection

Pamela Kantarova Volunteer Data Collection

Michael Burke Department of Health Clean Water Branch Project Oversight

Darcey Iwashita Department of Health Clean Water Branch Project Oversight

Office of Economic Development County of Maui

West Maui SWCD Fiscal Sponsor 2018

Tri-Isle RC&D Fiscal Sponsor 2017

This project has been funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319(h)
of the Clean Water Act, the Hawaii State Department of Health Clean Water Branch, and the
County of Maui, Office of Economic Development.

Individuals:
Robert Aldrich Karen Bennett Julie-Ann Cachola Frannie
Lee Altenberg Shanti Berg Patricia Cadiz Coopersmith
Michelle Anderson Joe Bertram III Luisa Castro Joyclynn Costa
Tui Anderson Ann Blyde Rhiannon Chandler Rowena Dagdag-
Roland Asakura Dale Bonar Jennifer Chirico Andaya
John Astilla Amy Bowman Athline Clark Meghan Dailer
Noelle Aviles Michael Brady Jennifer Clarke Lucienne deNaie
Flo Bahr Monroe Bryce Dan Clegg Alex Deroode
Jeanice Barcelo Dustyn Buchanan Walter Clur Lance DeSilva
Cindy Barger August John Buck Alison Cohan Sumner Erdman
Keith Barone Andrea Buckman Tia Ferguson
Norma Lynn Barton Marti Buckner Emily Fielding

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Yarrow Flower Michael Lambert George Rixey

Liz Foote Doylene (Dee) Larson Eileen Robb
Rory Frampton Teri Leonard Scott Rollins
Alex Franco Tom Lewicke Cole Santos
Jacob Freeman Hanna Lilley Janet Schoenhaus
Kristen Freeman Rick Long Mike Silva
Grace Fung Doug MacCluer Hudson Slay
Stuart Funke-d’Egnuff Dave Mackwell Dana Lynn Smith
Ranae Ganske-Cerizo Pam Madan Russell Sparks
Mercedes Garcia Sasha Madan Hugh Starr
Far Garcia Robles Joe Maestre Julia Staley
Charlene Griffin Tom Mann Darren Strand
Brett Gobar Edna Manzano John Seebart
John Gorman Iris Matsumoto Gerritt Steenbergen
Mary Groode Rose Matsumoto Jason Stein
Netra Halperin Dick Mayer Cheryl Sterling
Hans Harder Scott Meidell Larry Stevens
Ruby Hastings Iokepa Meno Jennifer Stites
Skippy Hau Patty Miller David Stoltzfus
Adele Haywood Mike Miyamoto Greg Stratton
Harry Hecht Mike Moran Drew Sulock
Iuri Herzfeld Ron Montgomery Richard Sylva
Amy Hodges Randall Moore Roxie Sylva
Michael Howden Mike Murakami Dave Taylor
Pat Hoskin Ricky Murray Forrest Taylor
Charles Hunt Mae Nakahata Joie Taylor
Mark Hyde Glynnis Nakai Mohammad Tufail
Brock Johnson Cody Nemet Rene Umberger
Victoria Johnson Robin Newbold Myia Wannemiller
Kevin Jones Kira Nims Pat Ware
Ashley Jung Mia Nykoluk Bill Watts
Daniel Kanahele Charleston Megan Webster
Pamela Kantarova Sean O'Keefe Maggie Welker
Kimokeo Kapahulehua Cheryl Okuma Rob Wheeler
Ke`eaumoku Kapu Basil Oshiro Darla White
Keone Paul Otani Alex Wilkins
William Kealy Steve Parabicoli Gene Zarro
Billy King Kachina Palencia Theresa Zipf
Cheryl King Rob Parsons
Maury King Wendy Peterson
Robin Knox Ryan Pfost
Paul Koehler Pam Pogue
Ellen Kraftsow Deborah Pozin
Maggie Kramp Dennis Reep
Vernon Kulanikau Richard Renn
Denise Laitinen Michael Reyes

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Entities
Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Haleakala Ranch
Ka’ono’ulu Ranch
Kihei Community Association
Kula Community Association
Maui Environmental Consulting, LLC
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council
Maui Surfrider Foundation
Thompson Ranch
Ulupalakua Ranch
ʻAha Moku O Kula Makai
Honua'ula Moku
Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership
Whole Foods

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CONTENTS:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................XIII
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE ...................................................................................1
Building Partnerships...............................................................................................1
Community Outreach...................................................................................1
Partnerships with other Federal Agencies, Non-Government
Organizations, Local Government, and Local Land Owners and
Businesses ....................................................................................................2
Key Stakeholders .........................................................................................2
Education and Outreach ...............................................................................6
Setting Goals and Identifying Stakeholder Concerns ..................................6
Identify Possible Management Strategies ....................................................6
WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION ...........................................................................7
Geology....................................................................................................................8
Topography ..............................................................................................................8
Soils........................................................................................................................10
Climate...................................................................................................................10
Precipitation ...........................................................................................................10
Annual Precipitation ..................................................................................13
Hydrology ..............................................................................................................13
Groundwater ..............................................................................................15
Surface Water.............................................................................................15
Habitat....................................................................................................................17
Terrestrial Habitat ......................................................................................17
Benthic Habitat ..........................................................................................17
Aquatic Life and Wildlife ..........................................................................19
LAND USE AND POPULATION ....................................................................................19
State Land Use Districts.........................................................................................19
Hapapa Land Use Districts ........................................................................19
Wailea Land Use Districts .........................................................................19
Moʻoloa Land Use Districts.......................................................................19
Land Cover Types..................................................................................................22
Wetland Losses ..........................................................................................25
Fire Risks ...................................................................................................27
Government and Large Land Ownership...................................................28
Impervious vs. Pervious Surface................................................................28
Planned Development ................................................................................31
Historic Population Trends ........................................................................33

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WATERBODY CONDITIONS.........................................................................................34
Applicable Water Quality Standards .....................................................................34
Waterbody Types and Classes ...................................................................34
Designation of Water Class and Beneficial Uses in Hawaii......................34
Water Quality Criteria................................................................................36
Numeric Criteria for Water Column Chemistry ........................................37
Criteria for Marine Bottom Ecosystems ....................................................38
Clean Water Act Sections 303(d) and 305(b) ........................................................39
2018 State of Hawaii Integrated Water Quality Report - Clean Water Act
§305(b) Assessments and §303 (d) List of Impairments ...........................39
Impaired Waterbodies within the SMWP Area .........................................40
ELEMENT A – SOURCES AND CAUSES OF POLLUTANTS ....................................52
Point Sources .........................................................................................................53
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ....................................53
Injection Wells ...........................................................................................56
Estimating Nonpoint Source Pollutant Loads........................................................58
NSPECT Modeling ....................................................................................58
STEPL........................................................................................................65
Nonpoint Sources...................................................................................................66
Cesspools ...................................................................................................66
Agricultural Lands .....................................................................................67
Landscaped Golf Courses, Resorts and Residential Communities ............67
GOALS AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................69
Improve Water Quality by Reducing Existing Sediment, Nutrient, and Pathogen
Loads......................................................................................................................69
Promote Aquifer Recharge ....................................................................................69
Manage Rural and Agricultural Lands...................................................................70
Manage Urban Areas .............................................................................................71
Protect and Manage Existing Wetlands .....................................................71
Promote and Manage Stormwater Runoff Programs for Existing
Development - LID ....................................................................................71
Protect and Manage Riparian Corridors (Mauka to Makai Connections) .............71
Resiliency – Fire and Flooding Control Measures and Water Quality ..................71
Work with Maui County to meet Goals of the Kihei Drainage Master Plan
....................................................................................................................71
Fire Prevention and Mitigation ..................................................................72
Watershed Coordination and Public Education on Watershed management.........72
Watershed Coordinator ..............................................................................72
Public Education and Outreach..................................................................72

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ELEMENTS B AND C – ESTIMATED LOAD REDUCTIONS FROM NON-POINT

SOURCE POLLUTION IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS ...........................................73
Excavated Basins / Excavated Basins in Series.....................................................73
Pi’ilani Basin Utilization Strategy .........................................................................77
Stream Diversions to Contoured Terrace Ditches .................................................79
High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites........................................................................81
Grazing Management.............................................................................................85
Riparian Protection and Rehabilitation..................................................................86
Unpaved Roads ......................................................................................................92
Illegal Dumping Controls ......................................................................................94
Stream Restorations ...............................................................................................95
Low Impact Design (LID) .....................................................................................96
LID Stormwater Treatment in Parking Lots ..............................................96
Stormwater Wells.......................................................................................97
Stormwater Infiltration (Dry) Wells ..........................................................97
Infiltration Trench or French Drain ...........................................................98
Nutrient Curtain .........................................................................................98
Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW) ..........................................................99
Expansion of R-1 Reuse Area..............................................................................103
Cesspool Upgrade or Closure ..............................................................................105
Oyster Seeding .....................................................................................................106
Existing Management Practices ...........................................................................107
ELEMENT D – TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED TO MEET
GOALS AND CONDUCT IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS .....................................110
Technical Assistance and Permits........................................................................110
Implementation Project Cost Estimates ...............................................................114
Excavated Detention Basins: ...................................................................114
Piʻilani Basin Utilization via Stream Diversion Strategy ........................115
High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites..........................................................115
Grazing Management...............................................................................115
Riparian Protection and Rehabilitation....................................................116
Illegal Dumping Controls ........................................................................117
Stream Restorations .................................................................................117
Low Impact Design..................................................................................118
Expansion of R-1 Reuse Area..................................................................119
Unpaved Roads ........................................................................................119
ELEMENT E – INFORMATION AND EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM......120
Education and Outreach Program Goals..............................................................120
Education and Outreach Objectives.....................................................................120

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Build Public Awareness and Support ......................................................120

Focused Outreach to Engage Businesses and Decision Makers ..............120
Advertise Implementation Projects..........................................................121
Participation with Government Agencies, Community Groups, Small
Group Meetings, and Trainings ...............................................................121
Education and Outreach Structure and Support...................................................121
ELEMENT F - IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE.......................................................125
ELEMENT G – INTERIM MILESTONES ....................................................................129
Excavated Detention Basins ................................................................................129
Piʻilani Basin Utilization......................................................................................129
Stream Diversions to Contoured Terraces ...........................................................129
High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites......................................................................129
Grazing Management...........................................................................................130
Riparian Protection ..............................................................................................130
Illegal Dumping Controls ....................................................................................130
Stream Restorations .............................................................................................130
Low Impact Design Projects................................................................................130
Expansion of R-1 Reuse Area..............................................................................130
Unpaved Roads ....................................................................................................131
Cesspool Upgrade or Closure ..............................................................................131
Promotion of Existing Management Practices.....................................................131
Water Quality Monitoring....................................................................131
Watershed Coordinator ........................................................................131
Education and Outreach .......................................................................131
ELEMENT H - INTERIM NUMERIC CRITERIA ........................................................135
Interim Numeric Criteria......................................................................................135
Expected Dates of Achievement ..........................................................................135
Review Process ....................................................................................................135
Criteria for Plan revision......................................................................................135
Revisions Strategy ...............................................................................................136
Agency Responsible for Evaluating Progress......................................................136
ELEMENT I – MONITORING PROGRAM FOR EVALUATING IMPLENTATION
PROJECT SUCCESS ......................................................................................................141
Water Quality Monitoring and Data Gaps ...........................................................141
Meeting Interim Criteria ......................................................................................142
Water Quality Monitoring to Evaluate Implementation - Baseline, Project
Specific, and Post Project Monitoring .................................................................143
Responsible Parties ..............................................................................................143
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................144

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TABLES:
TABLE 1. STAKEHOLDER CAPACITY IN THE SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN
..............................................................................................................................................3
TABLE 2. SMWP STREAMS BY WATERSHED ......................................................................16
TABLE 3. STATE LAND USE DISTRICTS BY SUB-WATERSHED ......................................20
TABLE 4. LAND COVER FOR THE HAPAPA, WAILEA, AND MOʻOLOA WATERSHEDS
............................................................................................................................................22
TABLE 5. COMMUNITY PLAN AREA POPULATION PROJECTIONS................................33
TABLE 6. WATERBODY CLASSES AND DESIGNATED USES ...........................................34
TABLE 7. INLAND WATERS - SPECIFIC WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR STREAMS
............................................................................................................................................37
TABLE 8. SPECIFIC WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR ESTUARIES (EXCEPT PEARL
HARBOR)..........................................................................................................................37
TABLE 9. SPECIFIC MARINE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR OPEN COASTAL
WATERS ...........................................................................................................................37
TABLE 10. MARINE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR OCEANIC WATERS .................38
TABLE 11. RECREATIONAL CRITERIA FOR ALL SATE WATERS....................................38
TABLE 12. 2018 IR ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HAPAPA, WAILEA, AND MOʻOLOA
WATERSHEDS IN THE SMWP......................................................................................42
TABLE 13. SEDIMENT LOAD DURING APRIL 30TH 2017, OCTOBER 23RD 2017, AND
FEBRUARY 15TH 2018 RAINFALL EVENTS................................................................49
TABLE 14. NPDES PERMITS WITHIN THE SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN...53
TABLE 15. UIC WELLS WITHIN THE SMWP BOUNDARY..................................................56
TABLE 16. NSPECT LOCALIZED POLLUTION VALUES .....................................................61
TABLE 17. STEPL POLLUTANT LOADS BY LAND USE WITHIN THE SMWP.................66
TABLE 18. LOAD REDUCTION ESTIMATES FOR THE 14 PROPOSED KDMP
DETENTION BASINS......................................................................................................75
TABLE 19. STEPL GENERATED POLLUTANT LOAD REDUCTION ESTIMATED FROM
DIVERSION OF STORM WATER FROM WAIPU’ILANI GULCH TO PIʻILANI
BASIN................................................................................................................................77
TABLE 20. CONTOURED TERRACE LOAD REDUCTION PER ACRE*..............................79
TABLE 21. STEPL ESTIMATED LOAD REDUCTIONS FROM HIZM IMPLEMENTATION
............................................................................................................................................82
TABLE 22. STEPL ESTIMATED LOAD REDUCTION FROM GRAZING MANAGEMENT
............................................................................................................................................86
TABLE 23. STEPL ESTIMATED LOAD REDUCTION FROM RIPARIAN PROTECTION
AND REHABILITATION ................................................................................................87

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TABLE 24. LIST OF NATIVE PLANTS POTENTIALLY USED TO RESTORE RIPARIAN

BUFFERS ..........................................................................................................................89
TABLE 25. LIST OF NATIVE PLANTS POTENTIALLY USED TO RESTORE RIPARIAN
BUFFERS CONTINUED..................................................................................................90
TABLE 26. STEPL ESTIMATES OF SEDIMENT LOAD REDUCTION FROM
UNIMPROVED ROAD REPAIR .....................................................................................94
TABLE 27. STEPL POLLUTANT LOAD REDUCTION ESTIMATES FOR STREAM
RESTORATIONS IN NORTH KIHEI..............................................................................95
TABLE 28. STEPL POLLUTANT LOAD REDUCTIONS FOR FLOATING TREATMENT
WETLANDS ON GOLF COURSES WITHIN THE SOUTHWEST MAUI WATER
PLAN ...............................................................................................................................100
TABLE 29. STEPL GENERATED POLLUTANT LOAD REDUCTIONS FOR LID
PROJECTS PER ONE ACRE OF DRAINAGE .............................................................103
TABLE 30. POLLUTANT LOAD REDUCTION ESTIMATES FOR SMWP CESSPOOL
MITIGATION..................................................................................................................106
TABLE 31. POTENTIAL PERMITS NEEDED FOR EXCAVATED BASINS IN SERIES AND
STREAM DIVERSIONS ................................................................................................110
TABLE 32. KDMP ESTIMATED FINANCIAL COSTS FOR PROPOSED DETENTION
BASINS ...........................................................................................................................114
TABLE 33. HIGH IMPACT MITIGATION SITE COSTS........................................................115
TABLE 34. COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH RIPARIAN PROTECTION AND
REHABILITATION ........................................................................................................117
TABLE 35. PRICES FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING CONTROLS................................................117
TABLE 36. ESTIMATED STREAM RESTORATION COSTS MAKAI OF PIʻILANI
HIGHWAY ......................................................................................................................118
TABLE 37. PARKING LOT LOW IMPACT DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION COST
ESTIMATES....................................................................................................................118
TABLE 38. SAMPLE BUDGET FOR NUTRIENT CURTAIN INSTALLATION ..................118
TABLE 39. SAMPLE BUDGET FOR DECOMMISSIONING DIRT ROADS USING
VEGETATION ................................................................................................................119
TABLE 40. SMWP EDUCATION AND OUTREACH WITH COSTS ....................................122
TABLE 41. IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT PRIORITY STATUS AND APPROXIMATE
TIMELINE.......................................................................................................................125
TABLE 42. INTERIM MILESTONES .......................................................................................132
TABLE 43. INTERIM NUMERIC CRITERIA ..........................................................................136
TABLE 44. WATER QUALITY STATIONS AND DATA GAPS ...........................................141

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FIGURES:
FIGURE 1. SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN .............................................................1
FIGURE 2. SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN TOPOGRAPHIC MAP ......................9
FIGURE 3. SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN SOILS MAP .....................................11
FIGURE 4. SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN ANNUAL RAINFALL MAP...........12
FIGURE 5. SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN HYDROLOGIC MAP ......................14
FIGURE 6. SOUTHWEST MAUI WATERSHED PLAN BENTHIC HABITAT MAP.............18
FIGURE 7. STATE LAND USE DISTRICTS FOR THE HAPAPA, WAILEA, AND
MOʻOLOA WATERSHEDS.............................................................................................21
FIGURE 8. LAND COVER FOR THE HAPAPA, WAILEA, AND MOʻOLOA WATERSHEDS
............................................................................................................................................24
FIGURE 9. KIHEI WETLANDS 1991-2000 (ERICKSON, 2004) ..............................................25
FIGURE 10. KIHEI WETLANDS 1965 (ERICKSON, 2004)......................................................26
FIGURE 11. WETLAND LOSSES IN KIHEI 1991-2000 WITH MITIGATION (ERICKSON,
2004) ..................................................................................................................................27
FIGURE 12. LARGE LAND OWNERSHIP ................................................................................29
FIGURE 13. IMPERVIOUS SURFACE MAP .............................................................................30
FIGURE 14. PLANNED OR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN THE SMWP ..........................32
FIGURE 15. MARINE WATERBODY DEMARCATIONS FOR MAUI COUNTY.................35
FIGURE 16. HAPAPA WATERSHED DOH CWB WATER QUALITY SAMPLING
LOCATIONS WITH IMPAIRMENTS.............................................................................44
FIGURE 17. WAILEA WATERSHED DOH CWB WQ SAMPLING STATIONS WITH
IMPAIRMENTS (MAP 1 OF 2)........................................................................................45
FIGURE 18. WAILEA WATERSHED DOH CWB WQ SAMPLING STATIONS WITH
IMPAIRMENTS (MAP 2 OF 2)........................................................................................46
FIGURE 19. MOʻOLOA WATERSHED DOH CWB WATER QUALITY SAMPLING
STATIONS ........................................................................................................................47
FIGURE 20. HAPAPA INTERMITTENT STREAM TSS SAMPLING LOCATIONS .............50
FIGURE 21. UPCOUNTRY INTERMITTENT STREAM TSS SAMPLING LOCATIONS .....51
FIGURE 22. SMWP COASTAL CHANGE ANALYSIS PROGRAM (CCAP) LAND USE
MAP...................................................................................................................................60
FIGURE 23. LOCALIZED SEDIMENT IN THE SMWP BASED ON NSPECT MODELING 62
FIGURE 24. LOCALIZED NITROGEN IN THE SMWP BASED ON NSPECT MODELING 63
FIGURE 25. LOCALIZED PHOSPHORUS IN THE SMWP BASED ON NSPECT
MODELING ......................................................................................................................64
FIGURE 26. CESSPOOLS WITHIN THE SMWP AREA...........................................................68
FIGURE 27. EXCAVATED DETENTION BASINS IN SERIES ...............................................76
FIGURE 28. PI’ILANI BASIN .....................................................................................................78

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FIGURE 29. EXAMPLES OF SHALLOW, FLATTER SECTIONS OF GULCHES SUITABLE

FOR DETENTION BASINS IN SERIES .........................................................................80
FIGURE 30. EXAMPLES OF STREAM DIVERSIONS.............................................................80
FIGURE 31. WATERING TROUGH DEPICTING INTENSIVE LAND USE PROMOTING
EROSION ..........................................................................................................................82
FIGURE 32. HIGH IMPACT MITIGATION SITE DEPICTING VARIOUS MITIGATION
MEASURES ......................................................................................................................83
FIGURE 33. PROPOSED HIZM IMPLEMENTATION SITE LOCATIONS.............................84
FIGURE 34. TACO POKE RIPARIAN BUFFER WITH EXCLUSIONARY FENCE IN 2005 88
FIGURE 35. PROPOSED LOCATIONS FOR RIPARIAN PROTECTION IN THE SMWP.....91
FIGURE 36. UNIMPROVED ROADS WITHIN THE SMWP....................................................93
FIGURE 37. EXAMPLE OF A RESTORED STREAM REACH................................................95
FIGURE 38. EXAMPLE OF A STREAM CHANNEL RESTORATION ...................................96
FIGURE 39. EXAMPLES OF LOW IMPACT DESIGN STORMWATER TREATMENT IN
PARKING LOTS...............................................................................................................97
FIGURE 40. STORMWATER INFILTRATION WELL .............................................................98
FIGURE 41. NUTRIENT CURTAIN (PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER) EXAMPLE.....99
FIGURE 42. FLOATING TREATMENT WETLAND EXAMPLES ........................................100
FIGURE 43. SMWP GOLF COURSE AND GOLF POND LOCATIONS ...............................102
FIGURE 44. CURRENT RECLAIMED WATER INFRASTRUCTURE .................................104
FIGURE 45. PROPOSED RECLAIMED WATER INFRASTRUCTURE................................104
FIGURE 46. SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA WITHIN THE SMWP.................................109
FIGURE 47. CURRENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS .........................142

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A watershed is the area of land that contributes water to a lake, river, stream, wetland, estuary,
bay, or ocean. The types of activities, management measures, and practices that are conducted on
the land in a watershed can impact the quality of the receiving waterbodies. Watershed
management plans protect water quality by characterizing watersheds, identifying pollutant
sources and impacted natural resources, engaging stakeholders, quantifying pollutant loads, and
identifying and implementing management measures and best management practices to reduce
nonpoint source pollution.

The Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) development of the Southwest
Maui Watershed Plan (SMWP) (herein also referred to as the Plan) began in 2010. Since that time,
the SWCD has brought stakeholders together to determine how to best manage the watershed in
ways that satisfy environmental, human health, and economic interests. This watershed plan has
been developed by the SWCD representing diverse interests including local, state, and federal
agencies; private landowners and other residents; and nonprofit organizations.

The Plan was originally composed of two volumes submitted in 2013: Volume I: Watershed
Characterization, and Volume II: Implementation and Management Strategies. While these reports
contained valuable information about the watershed, major deficiencies were identified in those
first two documents. In 2016 the SWCD began rewriting the Plan, addressing these deficiencies
and additional comments made during the development process. While this document has aimed
to retain much of the information produced by the 2013 documents, this Plan has been largely
rewritten and should not be confused with the two volumes associated with the 2013 effort.

The SMWP focuses on the 49,688-acre area designated by the State of Hawaii as the Hapapa,
Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds. The planning area extends from near the summit of Haleakala
down to coastal areas, with 11 major drainage basins discharging to the Kihei-Wailea-Makena
coastline. The entire coastline of the planning area is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback
Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The upcountry areas are primarily forests, farms, and ranch
lands, and the coastal areas are developed resort, urban, and residential areas. Long-term rainfall
averages range from 10 inches per year near the Kihei coastline to over 40 inches per year at 9,400
feet elevation near the summit of Haleakala. The three watersheds of the planning area encompass
diverse habitat types utilized by a significant number of threatened and endangered species,
including alpine, dryland forest, scrub and shrub, grasslands, coastal and elevated wetlands,
ephemeral streams, estuaries, dune systems, tidal pools, rocky shorelines, and coral reefs.

The three watersheds include some of the nation’s fastest growing population areas, increasing an
average of 3.3% per year upcountry and 10% per year in the coastal areas. There is a trend of
increased impervious surface and habitat loss due to development. The County of Maui Planning
Department reported that there is a total of ~11,610 acres of planned development projects within
the Southwest Maui planning area, which more than doubles the existing impervious surface area
(existing development area totals ~4,194 acres). Some of these projects are already completed or
are currently being completed; these projects total 196 acres. Planned/Committed projects total
8,445 acres, Planned/Designated projects total 961 acres, and Planned/Proposed projects total
2,010 acres. Most of the potable water for this area is imported to the coastal areas from the wet

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Kahalawai, Iao Watershed, in which water allocations are currently being regulated, and to the
upcountry areas from the upper Kula water system at Waikamoi.

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Final 2018 and Final 2016 Integrated Water Quality
Reports (IR) submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Congress pursuant to
Clean Water Act Section 303(d) indicate that 20 of the 29 coastal waterbodies sampled are
impaired and not meeting state and federal water quality standards for at least one parameter. Of
the 29 waterbodies assessed, more than 25 lack adequate data for assessment of at least one water
quality standard.

The primary source of water pollutants identified by this Plan is sediment contaminated stormwater
runoff. Turbidity measurements in exceedance of State of Hawaii water quality standards were
observed at each of the sampled sites within the SMWP. High turbidity conditions can be caused
by sediment laden water discharging from freshwater streams and/or from the resuspension of
sediment cause by tidal or wave action within coastal waters. Increased sedimentation and nutrient
loading on the extensive offshore reef complex threaten the health of the reef ecosystem.
Sediments deposited by one storm event can be subsequently re-suspended. Recent studies have
demonstrated that increases in sediment discharges from watersheds associated with poor land-use
practices can impact reefs over 100 km from shore, and that ecosystem-based management efforts
that integrate sustainable activities on land, while maintaining the quality of coastal waters and
benthic habitat conditions, are critically needed if coral reefs are to persist (Richmond, et al., 2007).

The goals of the pollution control strategy and various implementation plans are to focus on
sediment reduction measures, while also addressing nutrient pollution and other pollutant sources
causing impairments to coastal waters as observed through DOH CWB sampling efforts and as
reported in the biannual IR reports. Whenever possible, these projects were designed with an
emphasis on ecosystem restoration and to reduce flooding and runoff. It should be noted that
bacteria levels attained water quality standards in the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds
during both the Final 2016 and Final 2018 Integrated Water Quality Reports. Therefore, this Plan
does not consider bacteria a major parameter of concern.

Southwest Maui’s economic engine depends upon water-environment related commercial,

recreational, and cultural/traditional gathering opportunities to residents and visitors such as
boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and many other outdoor related activities.
The goal of this Watershed Plan is to show the ways to improve water quality to enhance all of
these uses, and to establish management practices on the land which will support these uses into
the future. All urban/rural, agricultural, and conservation land uses can benefit from improved
management measures which reduce nutrient runoff and soil loss caused by erosion during heavy
rainfall.

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INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The Southwest Maui Watershed Plan (SMWP) was developed to include the 49,688-acre planning
area designated by the State of Hawaii as the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds. The
planning area extends from near the summit of Haleakala down to coastal areas, with 11 major
drainage basins discharging to the Kihei, Wailea, and Makena coastlines (Figure 1). This Plan is a
community-based watershed plan to protect and restore water quality. Pollutants such as nutrients,
toxic chemicals, pathogens, and sediments originate from a variety of sources within the watershed
and potentially threaten both human and environmental health. These pollutants are transported
via surface or groundwater throughout the watershed, reducing the quality of water in groundwater,
streams, wetlands, estuaries, coastal, and oceanic waters. Nonpoint source pollution originates
from diffuse sources associated with a variety of land uses including urban, agricultural,
residential, and conservation. The combined effects of point and nonpoint source pollution can be
seen with the decreased water clarity, presence of harmful or nuisance algae blooms, increased
nutrients, presence of toxic pollutants and pathogens, and the resulting decline in the health of
native ecosystems and aquatic organisms that are subjected to multiple stressors.

In order to meet water quality standards and protect water resources within the planning area, the
SWCD employed the EPA planning guidelines for the creation and implementation of watershed-
based plans. The development of the SMWP involves stakeholders to determine how to manage
the watershed in ways that satisfy environmental, human health, and economic interests. This Plan
has been developed by the SWCD to focus on the watershed planning area designated by the State
of Hawaii as the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds.

Building Partnerships

Community Outreach
In keeping with the EPA nonpoint source pollutant control (Section 319) grant requirements, the
SWCD held a series of meetings (40 in total) during 2010 and 2011 to identify key stakeholders
in the community. In addition, four public meetings were held. Since 2016, the SWCD has created
a website to disseminate information to the public and to provide a means for the public to ask
questions. We have met with and presented at the Kihei Community Association, the Hawaiian
Islands Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary, met with representatives from the ʻAha Moku O Kula
Makai, as well as various other stakeholders in the community.

Driving forces for the watershed planning include the impaired water status of the near shore
waters within the planning area, drainage and development issues, Maui County Kihei Drainage
Master Plan, the Maui County Kihei Drainage Master Plan Alternatives Analysis, Coastal Zone
Management, CWA water management, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) flood control
planning, water conservation/reuse, ecosystem restoration, and recreational and aesthetic issues.
A diverse group of stakeholders was invited to participate both at the beginning and throughout
the process.

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Partnerships with other Federal Agencies, Non-Government Organizations, Local

Government, and Local Land Owners and Businesses
In addition, a non-profit called the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is interested in
supporting watershed management work in North Kihei due to the significant tracks of coral reefs
that exist offshore. As a first step, NFWF has funded a rapid watershed assessment with the United
States Geological Survey (USGS), Maui Environmental Consulting, LLC, and the West Maui
Ridge 2 Reef Initiative in order to best understand the sediment hot-spots found on the landscape
and how they may be addressed. As with all watershed management work, the study could only
be undertaken with the community and landowners as partners. Major landowners associated with
this proposed study include the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Kaonoulu, and Haleakala
Ranches.

Working together with local partners, NFWF and the USGS propose to answer these questions:
1. What is the major source of fine sediment pollution to Kihei’s nearshore?
2. What rainfalls trigger widespread erosion?
3. How often do they happen?
4. How much sediment could come down each year and how could we improve that estimate
if needed?
5. What is the ungulate impact and where are the priority areas to mitigate?
6. What are the mitigation projects that can address ungulate impact?
7. What does the data say about reef health and likely impacts from sediment?
8. What is the coastal water quality at stream outlets in this area?
9. What additional monitoring is needed to understand the current dynamics and
improvements at the reef over time?

Components of work to complete in the field:

1. Monitoring erosion pins- periodic recording of lowering rates at pins installed along
transects
2. Storm sampling: turbidity and nutrient monitoring during and after rain fall events
3. Sediment pods in nearshore waters: deploy, service and evaluation of sediment quantity
and origination through time
4. Synthesis of coral reef monitoring: synthesis of information gathered by the State of Hawaii
Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) regular transect monitoring and 2018 TNC reef
resilience assessment

As a result of these studies in West Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island, the NFWF partnered with
and funded large projects to address sediment issues affecting the reef. These included the
installation of fencing, the planting of vegetation, and other projects to help landowners. This
project would be focused on the lands associated with Kulanihakoi and Waipuilani stretching from
Kula to Kihei as these streams discharge onto large portions of significant coral reef.

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Figure 1. Southwest Maui Watershed Plan

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Key Stakeholders
Key stakeholders in the SMWP include but are not limited to Maui County, Central Maui Soil and
Water Conservation District, Olinda-Kula Soil and Water Conservation District, Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of
Forestry and Wildlife, DLNR – Division of Aquatic Resources, DLNR – Division of Boating and
Ocean Recreation, Haleakala Ranch, Ka’ono’ulu Ranch, Kihei Community Association, Maui Nui
Marine Resource Council, Kula Community Association, Maui Environmental Consulting, LLC,
Maui Surfrider Foundation, Thompson Ranch, Ulupalakua Ranch, Aha Moku O Kula Makai,
Honua'ula Moku, Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership, United States Coast
Guard, USACE, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui County Fire
Department, Hawaii Department of Transportation, Maui Visitor’s Bureau, Maui Tourism
Authority, Boat/Tour Companies, Coral Reef Alliance, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Maui Cultural
Lands, Maui Electric Company, Pacific Whale Foundation, Monsanto, various golf courses and
resorts, and the residents and businesses of the Kula, Keokea, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena
communities.

While the Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District is primarily responsible for
implementing the Plan, the entire community falling within the watershed boundary is potentially
affected by the implementation projects being proposed. Public health, water quality and clarity,
flooding of public roads and private property, habitat for listed species and overall ecological
health, the fishing and tourist industries, hotels, resorts, small businesses and the community as a
whole will be positively affected by implementation of the Plan.

Through meetings with individual entities and organizations, the SWCD has reached out to
stakeholders in an effort to provide and receive information on issues and concerns in the
watershed. Stakeholders were identified that have knowledge of existing programs and resources
that address concerns in the watershed. From forest restoration work being done mauka by the
Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership to water quality testing in the coastal
waters by the Hui O Ka Wai Ola, to small business owners who rely on healthy and clean coastal
waters for their business, the SWCD has identified stakeholders that can provide information on
key issues and concerns in the watershed. In addition, stakeholders such as the Hawaii Department
of Land and Natural Resources and the Kihei Community association can provide vital resources
needed to implement the Plan. Some of these resources include, grants, monetary donations,
volunteer work, fundraising, public outreach, educational opportunities, etc. In addition,
stakeholders such as the Department of Health Clean Water Branch and Maui County were
identified who are able to provide technical and financial assistance with the Plan implementation.
The following table was created to note key stakeholders and their role in the SMWP:

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Table 1. Stakeholder Capacity in the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan

Stakeholder Capacity

Stakeholders Stakeholders who

Stakeholders who Stakeholder who can
Stakeholders responsible Stakeholders can provide
have knowledge of provide technical and
for affected by Plan information on
existing programs financial assistance in
implementing implementation issues and concerns
and resources implementing the Plan
the Plan in the watershed

Central Maui
Soil and
Water X
Conservation
District
Maui County X X X X
Hawaii
Department of
X X X
Health Clean
Water Branch
Hawaii
Department of
Land and X X X
Natural
Resources
U.S.
Environmental
X X X
Protection
Agency
Kihei
Community X X X X
Association

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Stakeholder Capacity

Stakeholders Stakeholders who

Stakeholders who Stakeholder who can
Stakeholders responsible Stakeholders can provide
have knowledge of provide technical and
for affected by Plan information on
existing programs financial assistance in
implementing implementation issues and concerns
and resources implementing the Plan
the Plan in the watershed

Kula
Community X X X X
Association
Maui Nui
Marine
X X X X
Resource
Council
Aha Moku O
X X X X
Kula Makai
Honua'ula
X X X X
Moku
Rural Land
X X X
Owners
Urban Land
X X X
Owners
Hotels,
Resorts, and X X X X
Golf Courses
Leeward
Haleakala
Watershed X X X X
Restoration
Partnership

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Stakeholder Capacity

Stakeholders Stakeholders who

Stakeholders who Stakeholder who can
Stakeholders responsible Stakeholders can provide
have knowledge of provide technical and
for affected by Plan information on
existing programs financial assistance in
implementing implementation issues and concerns
and resources implementing the Plan
the Plan in the watershed

Department of
Hawaiian X X X
Homelands
Small
X X X
Businesses
Hawaii
Tourism X X X X
Authority

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Education and Outreach

Stakeholders representing diverse interests including local, state, and federal agencies; private
landowners, nonprofit organizations, and community residences were invited to participate in the
watershed planning effort. Several public meetings were held to discuss the process and gather
input. Early on in the planning process the Southwest Maui Watershed website was developed at
www.mauiwatershed.org. Stakeholders were tasked with determining how to best manage the
watershed in ways that satisfy environmental, human health, and economic interests.

Setting Goals and Identifying Stakeholder Concerns

As a result of reviewing DOH CWB data, it has been determined that the primary source and most
problematic pollutant is sediment carried by storm water runoff. Therefore, the major goal of the
Plan is to reduce sediment loading throughout the watershed. The Hapapa watershed has been
identified as the most troublesome for sediment loading. Specific gulches in the Hapapa watershed,
including Kulanihakoi Gulch, Waipuilani Gulch and Keokea Gulch flood and discharge into
coastal waters with the most frequency. Storm waters overload coastal wetlands causing flooding
in the urban area near the shore. While these three gulches are of major concern, state standards
for various water quality parameters are not being met for many sites along the southwest Maui
coastline.

Additional water quality parameters such as Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Nitrogen (TN = organic
and inorganic nitrogen and ammonia), and Chlorophyll a are also of concern. According to DOH
CWB data, bacteria is not a concern within the watershed as this parameter has attained water
quality standards at every water quality monitoring station where data was collected. Currently,
funding does exist allowing for the additional sampling of multiple parameters and their associated
laboratory processing costs by SWCD at additional sites not currently being sampled by either
DOH CWB staff or by the Hui O Ka Wai Ola citizen scientists.

Identify Possible Management Strategies

The Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District divided the watersheds by land use types
and developed possible management strategies based on these distinct areas. The majority of the
land in the watershed is rural, with agriculture as the main land use type. For this reason, it was
determined that management of sediment in agricultural areas would be most beneficial to the
overall watershed and to coastal waters. In addition, management strategies were discussed for the
urban and conservation sections of the watershed. Within conservation lands, efforts should focus
on ungulate fencing and native forest rehabilitation. Within the urban lands, efforts should focus
on nutrients, flooding, and irrigation.

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WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION
At approximately 48 miles long and 26 miles wide, Maui is the second largest of the main
Hawaiian Islands with a total land area of about 725 square miles. The island of Maui was built by
two volcanoes, Haleakala (East Maui) (10,025 ft high) and Kahalawai (West Maui) (5,788 ft high).
The flat isthmus in between was built by lava flows from Haleakala banking against Kahalawai
(Stearns & MacDonald, 1942).

The total area of the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds is approximately 49,688 acres,
extending from near the summit of Haleakala down to coastal areas of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena
with major drainage to the Kihei coastline. The upcountry areas are primarily forests, farms, and
ranch lands, and the coastal areas are developed resort, urban, and residential areas. Long term
rainfall averages range from 10 inches per year near the Kihei coastline to 40 inches per year at
9,400 feet elevation near the summit of Haleakala. Draining these watersheds are numerous large
gulch systems that flow seasonally after major rainfall events. Improved drainage systems operated
by the County of Maui, Wailea Resort, and Makena Resort also discharge directly to the ocean in
the planning area.

The history of this watershed over the last 300 years reflects a decline in native forest cover in
favor of farming, ranching, and residential/urban uses, the introduction of grazing animals, and
introduction of alien plant and animal species. Since the 1960’s, residential and commercial
development in Kihei has contributed to a reduction in the wetland and sand dune acreage along
the shoreline. The resulting altered local climate and land use patterns have changed watershed
hydrology and the characteristics of stormwater runoff. Excess stormwater causes flooding
damage and pollution that are difficult and costly to clean up. This is especially evident in the
Hapapa watershed. In Kihei, the Kulanihakoi, Waipuilani, and Keokea gulches are prone to surface
water flooding. Both public infrastructure such as roads and bridges and private property are
damaged during storm events by sediment laden stormwater.

Currently, Southwest Maui offers a myriad of commercial and recreational opportunities to

residents and visitors such as boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and many
other outdoor related activities. Southwest Maui coastal waters have also traditionally been used
by Native Hawaiians for canoeing, fishing, limu (seaweed) gathering, and other traditional
practices. The people of Maui realize the economic, social, and cultural value of a healthy
environment. Many who live, work, recreate, or conduct cultural traditional practices in the area
are concerned about the impairment of water quality.

The following sections provide a detailed description of the physical and natural features as they
exist within the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan project area. For the purpose of this study we
focused on geology, soils, topography, streams, rainfall, climate, terrestrial and benthic habitats,
land use, land cover, and population to accurately characterize the watershed.

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Geology
The volcanic rocks of Maui are considered diverse and include basalts, gabbros, picritic basalts,
nepheline basanites, basaltic andesites, andesites, and soda trachytes. Haleakala is a broad shield-
shaped dome, consisting of thin-bedded lava flows dipping away from vents and rift zones. An
east rift, southwest rift, and north rift, ranging in length from 15 to 17 miles, radiate from the
location of the former summit at elevation of 10,500 – 11,000 feet above present-day sea level,
forming a rounded pyramidal cone. The present-day mountain is 10,025 feet high and 33 miles
across. The Haleakala Crater is not believed to be a caldera, but rather the heads of two valleys in
which volcanic activity has subsequently occurred, often burying streambeds and erosional
features. Craters (defined as orifices at the top of cinder, lava, and spatter cones) on Maui can
range from a few feet to one half mile across (Stearns & MacDonald, 1942). The lavas of the
Haleakala volcano that are found within the planning area include Hana Volcanics, Kula
Volcanics, and Honomanu Basalt (Mink & Lau, 2006) (Stearns & MacDonald, 1942).

The higher elevations of the planning area and the entire Moʻoloa watershed are Hana Volcanic.
In the Hapapa watershed, Kula volcanics are also found at upper and lower elevations, and Hana
volcanics are found along the coastline of the Hapapa and Wailea watersheds ((Mink & Lau, 2006),
reprinted from Clague 1998). Lava types are Pahoehoe (smooth) flows that can form lava tubes,
and A’a (rough), dense basalt that can form beds of clinkers. A major geologic feature of Haleakala
Volcano is the southwest rift zone. The ridge that defines the southwest rift zone has a major
influence on the hydrology of the area’s watersheds.

Topography
The topography of the project area ranges in elevation from sea level along the coastal boundaries
of the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds to approximately 9,400 ft. at the top boundary of
the Hapapa watershed along Haleakala’s southwest rift zone.

A spatial analysis of the USGS, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) shows that slope ranges from 0
to 85 percent within the planning area (Figure 2). Steeper slopes are associated with higher
elevations that border Haleakala’s southwest rift zone on the south side of the project area, along
the steep ridges and sides of drainage gulches, and on the side slopes of geologic formations such
as Pu`u o Kali, Pu`u Io, and Pu`u Olai cinder cones. The average slope of the project’s watersheds
is 14 percent.

The Kihei District is located along the leeward coast of East Maui and the southwest slope of
Haleakala. The flat coastal areas are heavily developed with urbanized residential and commercial
landscapes. Between South Kihei Road and Pi’ilani Highway, the elevation rises up to 200 feet
above mean sea level (msl) at the south part of the district. Mauka (upslope) of the Pi’ilani
Highway, the slope becomes steeper and well-defined gulches are seen in the landscape (R.M.
Towill, 2009).

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Figure 2. Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Topographic Map

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Soils
A diverse group of soils are found in the Hapapa, Wailea, and Mo`oloa watersheds (Soils Map).
The project area is comprised mostly of andisols: soils derived from volcanic ash. At elevations
higher than 3,000 feet, these andisols have a fairly deep profile in the northeast parts of the
watersheds but become shallower towards the southwest. Small areas of histosols (organic soils)
are also present at these high elevations. On the lower elevations of Haleakala there are mollisols
and aridisols, which are generally fertile soils with higher organic matter in the surface horizons
that developed from older ash deposits (Sawdey, 2009). These soils are shallow to moderately
deep and contain significant amounts of rocks both on the surface as well as in the soil profile.

There are approximately 40 different soil types within the project watersheds which differ in clay,
sand, and silt content and also in texture, slope, and aggregate size. The dominant soils series
within the watersheds is Waiakoa extremely stony silty clay (WID2). WID2 soil has a depth of 20
to 40 inches and is well drained. The water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately
high, available water to a depth of 60 inches is low, shrink-swell potential is low, there is no zone
of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches, the organic matter content in the surface horizon
is about 2 percent, it does not meet hydric criteria, and it can be found on slopes that range from 3
to 25 percent (Soil Conservation Service, 2001).

Climate
The climate on the island of Maui is influenced by geographic location, creating microclimates.
Generally speaking, there is a wet winter season (October to April) and a dry summer season (May
to September). On the windward side of Haleakala, northeasterly trade winds generate heavy
rainfall while the leeward side remains dry. Orographic rainfall occurs on the windward side as
the moisture from the ocean is uplifted and cools to form rain at upper elevations of the mountain,
where the highest rainfall occurs. Rainfall decreases gradually toward the coastline as elevations
descend. One portion of the watershed area, the traditional ahupua’a of Ka’eo in the Moʻoloa
drainage basin, has consistently recorded the highest rainfall data of any of the coastal regions.
Cyclonic storms can distribute rainfall across the planning area several times per year (R.M.
Towill, 2016).

Precipitation
Precipitation in Hawaii is highly variable due to the interaction of three controls: the Hadley cell
(a thermal cell formed by warm air rising near the equator, forming the northeasterly trade winds),
the oceanic position of the Hawaiian Islands, and the high volcanic mountains. Atmospheric
disturbances and precipitation can occur in Hawaii on both a synoptic scale (a few thousand meters
and days to a week of time) or mesoscale (a few hundred kilometers and hours to days in time).
Mechanistically, precipitation can be defined as cyclonic, orographic, or convective. Cyclonic
precipitation is the result of low air pressure systems on a synoptic scale. Orographic precipitation
results from the blocking action of a mountain range that lifts air flow up the windward slope.
Temperature inversion can limit the height of this airflow and alter its path. When the mountain is
higher than the inversion, the rain is deposited on the windward slopes. High mountains also
provide surface roughness discontinuity that can anchor or enhance cyclonic and convective
precipitation. Convective precipitation typically results from cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds

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Figure 3. Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Soils Map

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Figure 4. Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Annual Rainfall Map

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produced from strong surface heating. Convective rain cells can organize into mesoscale
convective systems creating clusters or lines of squalls. Interaction with topography can “lock in”
these systems making them nearly stationary for a relatively long duration resulting in heavy
downpours and flash flooding. On the island of Maui, during the dry summer season, trade winds
predominate, resulting in orographic rain events on the windward side. In the winter, synoptic
events, such as Kona and cold-front storms, predominate and bring rain events to the dry leeward
side of the island (Mink & Lau, 2006).

El Nino (EN) and the Southern Oscillation (SO) are closely associated atmospheric-oceanographic
events with global consequences. The hydrology of the Hawaiian Islands is profoundly affected
by ENSO events. EN is a large scale, 1 to 4 degree Celsius, warming of surface water in the
equatorial eastern Pacific. Every December a warm water current moves eastward and displaces
the usually northward currents off Peru and the upwelling of cold water. Every 2-10 years the
effects become more extensive and severe, causing profound atmospheric disturbance and
hydrologic extremes. The SO is the reversal of usual sea level atmospheric pressure gradient.
Normally the gradient goes from low in Indonesia and Northern Australia to high in the eastern
South Pacific (Tahiti). During non-ENSO years, the trade winds push ocean surface water
westward and offshore from South America causing upwelling of cold water and sea level rise in
the South Pacific. During ENSO years, the warm pool of ocean water drifts eastward due to
weakened trade winds, shifting the large-scale thermal cell of air circulation (Hadley cell),
displacing Kona and cold-front storms that normally bring winter rains to the islands, resulting in
dry conditions. (Mink & Lau, 2006)

Annual Precipitation
Mean annual precipitation on Maui ranges from 275.6 inches (7,000 mm) at the higher elevations
of the windward sides of Haleakala and Kahalawai to 15.8 inches (400 mm) or less on the dry
leeward coastlines (Mink & Lau, 2006 adapted from Giambelluca et al. 1986). Rainfall on the
western (leeward) slopes of Haleakala increases with elevation, reaching average annual values of
50 inches near the summit (PRISM Group, 2006)(See Figure 4). Rainfall patterns in these
watersheds are seasonal in nature. The wettest month typically occurs in January. The months of
June through September tend to be the driest months. Dry months generally receive less than one-
quarter of the wettest month value (PRISM Group 2006).

This data set contains spatially gridded average monthly and annual precipitation for the
climatological period 1971-2000. Distribution of the point measurements to a spatial grid was
accomplished using the PRISM model developed by Chris Daly of the PRISM Group, OSU.
Display and/or analyses requiring spatially distributed monthly or annual precipitation for the
climatological period 1971-2000. Annual grids were created by summing monthly grids for
precipitation.

Hydrology
Maui is considered a high volcanic island. Precipitation varies with altitude, topography, season,
and changes with time from wet years to drought years. Precipitation occurs as rainfall, fog, and
occasionally as snow or hail at the summit of Haleakala (10,000 feet). Rainfall is greater at upper

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Figure 5. Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Hydrologic Map

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elevations (greater than 6,000 feet) and falls primarily on the windward side. There is a rain shadow
at higher elevation on the leeward side. More rain may fall on the leeward side from one Kona
storm than during the rest of the year.

The Kihei District is located along the leeward coast of East Maui and the southwest slope of
Haleakala. The flat coastal areas are heavily developed with urbanized residential and commercial
landscapes. Between South Kihei Road and Pi’ilani Highway, the elevation rises up to 200 feet
above mean sea level (msl) at the south part of the district. Mauka (upslope) of the Pi’ilani
Highway, the slope becomes steeper and well-defined gulches are seen in the landscape (R.M.
Towill, 2016).

Groundwater
Dike complexes in the center of the island are saturated with fresh water and leak into surrounding
dry rock. Salt and brackish water underlie a floating freshwater lens (basal water table) that is
thicker in the center of the island and thins as it reaches the coastal areas and seeps into the ocean.
Rainfall, evaporation and transpiration, runoff, and recharge are significant hydrologic processes
on the leeward side. The planning area is underlain by basal water in lavas (Stearns & MacDonald,
1942). The Kamaʻole Aquifer, which lies under most of the project area, has a sustainable yield of
11 MGD. Some brackish water from the aquifer is used for irrigation, and some of the water is
treated for private potable use (Waimea Water Services, Inc., June 2004). The aquifer is not used
for public potable water supply. According to the Hawaii State Water Use and Development Plan
(2008), the sustainable yield of the Kamaʻole aquifer has not been verified through any
independent peer reviewed testing. The estimated sustainable yield of 11 MGD is based upon
estimates derived from Oahu resources. The WUDP text makes clear that due to the large
uncertainty associated with the estimate, it should not be assumed that this amount of water is
available or will be of sufficient quality for potable use or will be practical to access.

Approximately 5 MGD of brackish water is pumped from the Kamaʻole aquifer to irrigate golf
courses and other landscaping (Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) water
reporting database). The state has drilled several test wells in this aquifer, which have both proven
to produce water with chlorides near the upper limit of acceptable potable water standards. Four
wells drilled for a private water system for a proposed development have similar chloride levels
of 200 parts per million (ppm) or more. Due to the slope of the land mass from summit to the coast,
the predominant direction of groundwater movement is toward the ocean. The groundwater in
coastal areas is also subject to tidal influences that can be detected in water wells miles inland.

Surface Water
Surface runoff in the planning area collects into a number of major drainage features (gulches) that
are considered intermittent streams. There are currently no streams classified as perennial in the
planning area. According to the EPA, ephemeral and intermittent streams provide the same
ecological and hydrological functions as perennial streams by moving water, nutrients, and
sediment throughout the watershed. When functioning properly, these streams provide landscape
hydrologic connections; stream energy dissipation during high-water flows to reduce erosion and
improve water quality; surface and subsurface water storage and exchange; ground-water recharge
and discharge; sediment transport, storage, and deposition to aid in floodplain maintenance and
development; nutrient storage and cycling; wildlife habitat and migration corridors; support for

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vegetation communities to help stabilize stream banks and provide wildlife services; and water
supply and water-quality filtering. They provide a wide array of ecological functions including
forage, cover, nesting, and movement corridors for wildlife. Because of the relatively higher
moisture content in arid and semi-arid region streams, vegetation and wildlife abundance and
diversity in and near them is proportionally higher than in the surrounding uplands (USEPA,
November 2008).

In the rapidly developing areas, land management decisions must employ a watershed-scale
approach that addresses overall watershed function and water quality. Ephemeral and intermittent
stream systems comprise a large portion of leeward watersheds and contribute to the hydrological,
biogeochemical, and ecological health of the watershed. Given their importance and extent, it is
concluded that an individual ephemeral or intermittent stream segment should not be examined in
isolation. Consideration of the cumulative impacts from anthropogenic uses on these streams is
critical in watershed-based assessments and land management decisions to maintain overall
watershed health and water quality (USEPA, November 2006).

As noted above, there are three major watersheds contained within the SMWP watershed-based
planning effort. They are (from north to south) the Hapapa (26,493 acres), Wailea (21,985 acres),
and Moʻoloa (1,213 acres) watersheds. Generally speaking, in the Moʻoloa watershed the distances
from the coastline to the summit are shorter and drainage areas are smaller. The length of the
drainages, distance from shore to summit, and elevation of the summit increase moving north, and
drainage areas of the watersheds increase (Figure 5). Streams in the Hapapa and Wailea watersheds
have steep reaches with deep V-shaped channels, primarily in the upper elevations. In the lower
elevations, stream slope decreases and there are wide, shallow stream channels. Prior to
development of the coastal zone there were wetland and dune systems along the south Maui coast.

Table 2. SMWP Streams by Watershed

Southwest Maui Watershed Plan
Watershed Streams/Gulches
Kulanihakoi
Waipuilani
Hapapa
Keokea
Waimahaihai
Liilioholo
Keawakapu
Wailea
Wai Lea
Kapuaikea
Moʻoloa None

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Habitat
The three watersheds of the planning area encompass a large number of habitat types; including
alpine, dryland forest, scrub and shrub, grasslands, coastal and elevated wetlands, ephemeral
(intermittent) streams, estuaries, dune systems, tidal pools, rocky shorelines, and coral reefs.

Terrestrial Habitat
The watershed terrestrial habitats include critical and rare species habitat as defined by the Hawaii
Natural Heritage Program and US Fish and Wildlife Botanical resources in the project area include
a candidate endangered species ‘awikiwiki (Canavalia pubescens) (PBR & Associates, Inc.
Hawaii, March 2010).

Benthic Habitat
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published benthic
habitat data for the planning area (See Figure 6). Vector boundaries of habitat areas were delineated
by photo interpreting georeferenced color aerial photography, AURORA hyperspectral, and
IKONOS satellite imagery. Overall accuracy of the major habitat classifications in these data is
greater than 90%. Habitat boundaries are based on photo-interpretation of imagery of ground
condition at the time the imagery was collected. Shore lines are subject to change over time due to
natural erosion and vegetation growth processes. Habitat boundaries are subject to change over
time due to population dynamics of the dominant biological communities.

The benthic habitat along the shoreline of the Hapapa Watershed is predominately macro algal
cover ranging from 10-50%, with areas in the northern most shoreline having algal cover ranging
from 50-90% and 90-100%. The areas of high macro algal growth are in the vicinity of both the
largest gulch outfalls on the leeward side (Kulanihako’i, Waipu’ilani, and Keokea). Reef habitats,
including aggregate coral, scattered coral-rock, colonized pavement, and uncolonized pavement
habitat types, are also present, although to a much lesser extent.

The benthic habitat in the Wailea watershed is characterized by large areas of sand bottom,
interspersed with reef aggregate coral, colonized volcanic rock and boulder, and colonized
pavement. At the northern most boundaries, shared with the Hapapa watershed, there is a small
area of macro algal cover near the shore. There is a large area of reef aggregate coral further
offshore in the coastal waters off the northern Wailea watershed shoreline.

The Moʻoloa watershed benthic habitat is characterized by bottom habitats including sand,
hardbottom uncolonized pavement, and uncolonized volcanic rock and boulder. Colonized and
uncolonized volcanic rock and boulder begin to dominate the shoreline habitat just south of the
Moʻoloa basin.

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Figure 6. Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Benthic Habitat Map

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Aquatic Life and Wildlife

Aquatic life is abundant in the coastal ecosystems that receive inputs from the watershed lands,
streams, and groundwater. Hawaiian traditional and customary gathering rights, subsistence
fishing, commercial and recreational fishing, and commercial recreational activities, such as
snorkeling, diving, and whale-watching, depend on balanced aquatic ecosystems. These systems
support aquatic life and wildlife, such as coral, Hawaiian stilts, Hawaiian monk seals, hawksbill
turtles, green sea turtles (honu), humpback whales, etc. Monk seals are also known to frequent the
coastal waters of the watershed planning areas, especially at Makena. The entire coastline of the
planning area is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Evidence was found of the endangered Blackburn’s Sphinx Moth (Manduca blackburni), and an
endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was sighted within the Wailea
Watershed (Wailea 670 or Honua’ula Project area) (PBR & Associates, Inc. Hawaii, March 2010).
The watershed lands in Hapapa and Wailea watersheds include the sites of Rare Species
Observation, Forest Bird Recovery Area, and areas of Blackburn Sphinx Moth Sightings.

LAND USE AND POPULATION

State Land Use Districts
State Land Use District categories include agriculture, conservation, rural and urban areas. Figure
7 depicts the boundaries of these four districts for the Hapapa, Wailea and Moʻoloa watersheds
within the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan.

This data was obtained from the March 2014 State Land Use District Boundaries for the 8 main
Hawaiian Islands, State Land Use Commission 1:24,000 mylar maps. These District Boundaries
were compiled by the State Land Use Commission using the State of Hawaii's Geographic
Information System (GIS).

Hapapa Land Use Districts

Agricultural lands make up the majority of the Hapapa watershed This district is used for grazing
and some crop production. Conservation lands exist near the summit of Haleakala and are
primarily forested. An Urban corridor exists along the coastline and is associated with
development in north Kihei. Rural districts and small urban areas are located upcountry associated
with the town of Kula.

Wailea Land Use Districts

Similar to Hapapa, Agriculture is the dominate land use district in the Wailea watershed.
Conservation lands in this watershed are associated with the summit of Haleakala and Makena
State Park along the coast. Urban and small sections of Rural land exist near the coastline and are
associated with the Kihei, Wailea, and Makena communities.

Moʻoloa Land Use Districts

Agriculture is also the dominant land used district in this watershed. Conservation lands associate
with Makena State Park also exist along the coastline. The Urban area is primarily a golf course
while the Rural area is also associated with Makena State Park.

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Table 3 offers a breakdown of the various State Land Use Districts in each watershed.

Table 3. State Land Use Districts by Sub-Watershed

State Land Use District
Watershed Agriculture Conservation Rural Urban Total
Acres Percent Acres Percent Acres Percent Acres Percent Acres
Hapapa 19374 74.76 4232.74 16.33 454.52 1.75 1852.14 7.15 25913.4
Wailea 18328.2 80.9 711.45 3.14 462.61 2.04 3068.92 13.55 22655.2
Moʻoloa 956.71 79.46 31.23 2.59 68.81 5.72 147.23 12.23 1203.98

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Figure 7. State Land Use Districts for the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa Watersheds

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Land Cover Types

There are nine land cover types that exist within the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds.
These include Residential, Commercial and Services, Cropland and Pasture Lands, Herbaceous
Rangeland, Shrub and Brush Rangeland, Mixed Rangeland, Evergreen Forest Land, Transitional
Areas, and Other Urban or Built-up Land. Of these cover types, the majority of the land in all three
watersheds is Shrub and Brush Rangeland. Table 4 below breaks down the land cover types by
watershed within the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan.

Table 4. Land Cover for the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa Watersheds
Landcover Land Use Description Acreage
Hapapa
11 Residential 819.67
12 Commercial and Services 227.45
21 Cropland and Pasture 2925.4
31 Herbaceous Rangeland 90.68
32 Shrub and Brush Rangeland 14718.96
33 Mixed Rangeland 1654.32
42 Evergreen Forest Land 5390.81
76 Transitional Areas 67
Total 25894.28
Wailea
11 Residential 835.08
12 Commercial and Services 336.85
17 Other Urban or Built-up Land 355.48
21 Cropland and Pasture 7212.75
31 Herbaceous Rangeland 17.94
32 Shrub and Brush Rangeland 11613.16
33 Mixed Rangeland 827.57
42 Evergreen Forest Land 1148.03
76 Transitional Areas 248
Total 22594.86
Moʻoloa
11 Residential 0.41
21 Cropland and Pasture 157.52
32 Shrub and Brush Rangeland 1041
Total 1198.93

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Presently, most of the forested lands in the watershed are used for recreational (hiking, hunting,
etc.) and some limited silvicultural (timber production) purposes. The forest reserves in the higher
elevations and most of the private forests consist of planted and invasive non-native species.
Historically, these forested lands were used for gathering and cultural practices. The land cover
was predominantly a native koa/dryland forest complex.

Currently, the Cropland and Pasturelands in the watershed are used for grazing cattle, homesteads,
and growing food crops. A large seed corn farm, using R-1 reclaimed water, is located at 300’
elevation near Keokea Gulch above Pi’ilani Highway. These farmlands were traditionally used for
food crops and foraging, with the protective cover of a native dryland forest.

The Kula Stormwater Reclamation Study Existing Conditions report (Mink, & Yuen, 2010)
reviewed estimates of cropland acreage in the Kula area. The Upcountry Maui Watershed Plan
(NRCS, 1997) estimated that there were nearly 400 acres of cleared cropland irrigated with water
supplied by the Upper Kula Water System. Of the 400 acres, about 175 are in cultivation and
irrigation at any one time. In 2003, the Maui County Farm Bureau found more than 600 acres of
cropland in the Upper Kula area, with reported increases in protea and fruit orchards.

The open grazing lands in the watershed are now mainly used by livestock (cattle, sheep, and
goats) and wild game (deer and pigs) and are covered with non-native grasses, trees, shrubs, kiawe,
and some native trees and shrubs. In the past, this area was covered with a multi-species native
dryland forest (wiliwili, awikiwiki, ilima, etc.).

Residential, Commercial and Other Urban Built-up Land uses in the Kihei, Wailea, and Makena
urban/resort areas of the watershed consist of residential, commercial, resort, and public areas.
The land cover is mostly irrigated, non-native landscaping, and impervious surfaces. Long ago,
native fishing and farming settlements along the shoreline included food gathering on the reef,
beach, inland ponds, and coastal fish ponds. There are remnants of fishponds along the south Maui
coast and an active fishpond restoration near the outlet of Kulanihako’i Gulch. The land cover in
these coastal areas consisted of native dryland forest, dune complexes, and wetlands. Remnants
of the dryland forest, dunes, and wetlands remain, despite the existing development.

The Land Cover map (Figure 8) was produced from the Office of Planning, State of Hawaii GIS
layer. This data consists of historical land use and land cover classification data that was based
primarily on the manual interpretation of 1970's and 1980's aerial photography. Secondary sources
included land use maps and surveys. There are 21 possible categories of cover type.

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Figure 8. Land Cover for the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa Watersheds

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Wetland Losses
According to data presented by Terrell Erickson (Erickson, NRCS 2002), Hawaii has lost tens of
thousands of acres of wetlands. USFWS estimated 31% of the coastal wetlands were lost during
the 1970’s to 1990’s. Wetlands in Kihei were determined to have decreased from 199 acres in
1965 to 83 acres in 2001 (including 7.3 acres of mitigation). These wetland losses occur due to
development and from aquifer drawdown.

Figure 9. Kihei Wetlands 1991-2000 (Erickson, 2004)

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Figure 10. Kihei Wetlands 1965 (Erickson, 2004)

Note: Areas outlined do not represent surveyed lines or wetland USACE regulatory delineation.

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Figure 11. Wetland Losses in Kihei 1991-2000 with mitigation (Erickson, 2004)
Note: Areas outlined do not represent surveyed lines or wetland USACE regulatory delineation.

These wetland losses negatively affect the watershed twofold. First, wetlands act as natural flood
retention basins during stormwater events. As streams discharge into the wetlands that exist along
the coastline, stormwater fans out and is distributed throughout these wetlands before continuing
on to the ocean. As stormwater enters these wetlands, it slows allowing for sediment to drop out
of suspension. In addition, wetland vegetation absorbs nutrients and traps sediment in the water.

Wetlands also have a direct subsurface connection to the aquifer. As wetlands receive stormwater,
they are able to recharge aquifer levels as this water slowly percolates downwards. A 2004 review
of the Kamaʻole Aquifer Unit reported that approximately 4.5 million gallons of groundwater are
pumped out of the aquifer every day through various wells serving golf courses and resorts.
Additional smaller wells are located throughout the urban corridor (Waimea Water Services, Inc.,
June 2004).

Fire Risks
Extremely windy conditions and aging infrastructure make powerline corridors vulnerable ignition
sources for wildfires. While a wildfire prevention and mitigation strategy is not included in this
document, the loss of vegetation and subsequent erosion resulting from wildfires is well
documented in this area, and every effort should be made to prevent their occurrence in
collaboration with Maui Electric Company.

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The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working in

Hawaii to protect the environment from wildfire damage. Its goals are to prevent wildfires,
mitigate for their impacts, aid in post-fire recovery, and to provide for a collaborative environment.
In 2016, HWMO made the following movie discussing the recent Maʻalaea wildfires and their
effects on water quality in the watershed:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=18&v=ZtsG5fP-Z9Y)

After fires are extinguished, restoration activities should be coordinated and targeted to quickly
stabilize newly burned areas with appropriate planting. Techniques such as hydro mulching with
native plants, which have been piloted in West Maui by the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve
(https://www.puukukui.org/) have potential application in this regard, but further refining of the
methods is needed within dry land contexts as well as further study of the overall ecological
response of plant communities and vegetation regrowth following fires in this particular area.

Government and Large Land Ownership

This dataset was created using the TMK Parcel shapefiles from the counties of Honolulu, Kauai,
Maui, and Hawaii. The "MajorOwner" field was queried for all private landowners owning a
cumulative land area of at least 1,000 acres per island, as well as those parcels owned by
government agencies (public lands). All land owners with "MajorOwner" = "other" were
excluded. The largest landowners in the planning area are ‘Ulupalakua Ranch, Haleakala Ranch,
Ka’ono’ulu Ranch, the State of Hawaii, and Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) (See
Figure 12. Large Land Ownership).

Impervious vs. Pervious Surface

This is a final impervious surface layer ready for distribution through NOAA CSC. The data set
is an inventory of impervious surfaces for the island of Maui for the year 2007. Impervious
surfaces prevent infiltration of precipitation into the soil, disrupting the water cycle, and affecting
both the quantity and quality of water resources. Impervious surfaces include manmade features
such as building rooftops, parking lots, and roads consisting of asphalt, concrete, and/or compacted
dirt. This data set utilized 52 full or partial Quickbird multispectral scenes, which were processed
to detect impervious features on the island of Maui (Impervious Surfaces Map).

Impervious surfaces, such as those listed above, convey more runoff than pervious surfaces such
as lawns, fields, shrub lands, or woods. Areas that become developed and are converted from
pervious to impervious surfaces increase surface runoff. Correspondingly, increased impervious
surfaces and the channelization of streams due to development convey runoff without infiltration
and frequently at high speeds. The transport of water in this manner allows pollutants to be carried
and deposited quickly, in large pulses, into receiving water bodies with no opportunity for
filtration. The amount of infiltration into groundwater resources is reduced as impervious surfaces
are increased.

The historic and recent urbanization of Southwest Maui watersheds has had an impact on the runoff
and pollutant loads of the area. Prior to urbanization the coastal lowlands were covered by coastal
vegetation, wetlands, sand dunes, and varying low impact agriculture lands, and were able to act
as flood plain filters. Now, most of the coastal zone is urbanized and its surfaces are highly

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impervious and the amount of surface water runoff generated under storm events has increased
when compared to historic land cover.

Figure 12. Large Land Ownership

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Figure 13. Impervious Surface Map

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Planned Development
Future land use projects for the project area are notable because development increases the
amounts of impervious surfaces within the watersheds. As stated earlier, these planned
developments may affect the hydrology of the planning area and will likely increase the amount
and velocity of surface runoff. It is recommended that all of these planned developments employ
Low Impact Design (LID) technologies.

The County of Maui Planning Department (COM planning) reported that there are at total of
11,161 acres of planned development projects within the Southwest Maui planning area alone.
This accounts for roughly 22% of the entire planning area. Some of these projects are already
completed or are currently being completed, these projects total 196 acres. Projects identified as
“Planned/Committed” total 8,445 acres and have the appropriate conforming Community Plan and
zoning entitlements, are approved agricultural subdivisions, are approved 201G/H projects, or are
Department of Hawaiian Homeland projects (6138 ac.). Projects identified as
“Planned/Designated” total 961 acres and have urban or rural Community Plan designations but
not the conforming zoning entitlements to proceed. Projects identified as “Planned/Proposed”
total 2,010 acres and are currently lacking urban or rural Community Plan designations.

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Figure 14. Planned or Proposed Development in the SMWP

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Historic Population Trends

Maui Island has experienced steep population increases since 1970. In 2000, Maui Island had a
population of 117,644, the third-most populous of the Hawaiian Islands, after Oahu and Hawaii
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maui). By 2010 Maui’s population had risen to 144,444. The
Southwest Maui watersheds have two distinct population centers: upcountry rural and coastal
urban/resort. The population of residents and visitors on Maui, on any given day (defacto
population), is projected to increase from 159,462 in 2000 to 235,582 in 2030, a gain of more than
47%. The island’s resident population is expected to grow at nearly an identical rate as the de
facto population, with the resident population of Maui reaching 176,687 by 2030. (Draft Maui
Island Plan; Volume II- Recommendations, 2009).

In the rural uplands, most of the ranchers, farmers, and other residents live between 2,000 and
4,000 ft. elevation along the Kula Highway corridor, where water and utilities are available. The
population of the Kula-Keokea area has grown from about 4,000 in 1980, to about 8,013 in 2010
(Mayer, 2010). This is a 100% increase in 30 years, or an average of 3.3% per year.

In the urban/resort areas along the ocean in Kihei, growth has been much more rapid. Kihei-
Wailea-Makena had a population of 6,755 in 1980, and 26,918 in 2010. This represents close to a
300% increase in 30 years, or an average of 10% per year (Mayer, 2010). Most of the water for
this area is imported from the wet Kahalawai, Iao Aquifer. This water is supplemented by a few
fresh water wells, some wastewater reclamation and reuse, and many brackish irrigation wells
within the watershed boundaries.

Maui Island is divided into six community plan districts. The Kihei-Makena Community Plan
area has one of the fastest growing populations. Population projections from 2000-2030 for
community plan areas within the watershed planning area are given in
Table 5. Community Plan Area Population Projections. It should be noted that not all of the
Makawao-Pukalani-Kula Community plan area is within the watershed planning area.

Table 5. Community Plan Area Population Projections

Area 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Kihei-Makena 22,870 25,609 27,222 29,731 32,208 34,528 36,767

Makawao-Pukalani-Kula 21,571 23,176 23,862 25,360 26,792 28,077 29,294

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WATERBODY CONDITIONS
Applicable Water Quality Standards
Water Quality Standards (WQS) for the State of Hawaii, including designated uses, water quality
criteria, and the anti-degradation policy, are found in the Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR)
Chapter 11-54. In the Hawaii regulations, waters are first classified by waterbody type as inland
waters, marine waters, or marine bottom ecosystem, and are then further categorized into classes
based on ecological characteristics and other criteria. To access (HAR) Chapter 11-54: Water
Quality Standards go to:
http://health.hawaii.gov/cwb/files/2013/04/Clean_Water_Branch_HAR_11-54_20141115.pdf

Waterbody Types and Classes

The three main waterbody types are inland waters, marine waters, and marine bottom ecosystems.
Inland waterbody types found within the planning area include intermittent freshwater flowing
streams, low wetlands, brackish or saline standing waters, coastal wetlands, and estuaries. Marine
waterbody types found within the planning area include embayments, open coastal waters, and
oceanic waters. Marine bottom ecosystems receiving drainage from planning area watersheds
include sand beaches, lava rock shoreline, marine pools, protected coves, reef flats, and soft
bottom.

These waterbody types encompass diverse aquatic ecosystems. The uses of these waters will vary
along with the type of aquatic organisms each supports. These waterbody types are grouped into
classes, and beneficial uses are designated for each waterbody class.

Designation of Water Class and Beneficial Uses in Hawaii

Specific waterbodies are assigned to classes based on both waterbody characteristics (e.g. marine
or saline, standing or flowing) and other considerations described in the state’s anti-degradation
policy, such as outstanding natural resource, or important economic or social development. Class
determinations are made in accordance with provisions of the water quality law, HAR §11-54.
Some waterbodies are specifically named and assigned a class, while for most waterbodies the
determination is made based on the class description.

Table 6. Waterbody Classes and Designated Uses

Marine Bottom
Designated Uses Inland Waters Marine Waters
Ecosystem
Class 1a Class 1b Class 2 Class AA Class A Class I Class II
Natural Waters
Native Aquatic Life
Aquatic Life
Recreation
Aesthetics
Wildlife
Drinking Water
Food Processing
Agricultural Water Source
Industrial Water Source

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Marine Bottom
Designated Uses Inland Waters Marine Waters
Ecosystem
Class 1a Class 1b Class 2 Class AA Class A Class I Class II
Shipping
Legend:
Use is designated for class
Use is not designated for class

Inland Water Classes

Inland waters within the SMWP area include numerous intermittent flowing streams and stream
systems, Ka’ono’ulu Estuary, and coastal wetlands.

Marine Water Classes

The open coastal waters of the Moʻoloa watershed at Makena are included as named Class AA
waters. The receiving waters for drainages from the remainder of the watershed planning area
include open coastal and oceanic marine waters within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine Sanctuary. These waters may be considered Class AA by virtue of being in a
Federal Marine Sanctuary.

Figure 15. Marine Waterbody Demarcations for Maui County

HAR §11-54-3(c) (1) states: “It is the objective of class AA waters that these waters remain in
their natural pristine state as nearly as possible with an absolute minimum of pollution or alteration

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of water quality from any human-caused source or actions. To the extent practicable, the
wilderness character of these areas shall be protected.” The uses to be protected in Class AA
waters are:
 Oceanographic research
 The support and propagation of shellfish and other marine life
 Conservation of coral reefs
 Wilderness areas
 Compatible recreation
 Aesthetic enjoyment

The classification of any water area as Class AA shall not preclude other uses of the waters which
are compatible with these uses, objectives, and in conformance with the criteria applicable to them.

Marine Bottom Ecosystem Classes

HAR §11-54-7 describes the classes of marine bottom types. For sandy beaches, the Northwest
Hawaiian Islands are Class I; all other beaches in the state are Class II.

Water Quality Criteria

Basic criteria are applied to all classes of waters, and specific criteria are assigned to some, but not
all classes. Within a class, the specific criteria may not apply to all waterbody types. The
regulations do not provide specific criteria for uses for all waterbody types. Therefore, the
regulations provide a nexus between waterbody class and use, but not between use and criteria.
An exception is that recreational waters are defined and recreational uses are tied to bacterial
criteria in the water quality standards.

Basic Criteria
The basic criteria apply to all waters (HAR §11-54-4). These criteria include narrative
statements for controlling substances, including materials that settle or float, or that can
have toxic or other undesirable effects. The narrative criteria include that all waters should
be free of “deleterious substances sufficient to be toxic or harmful to human, animal, plant,
or aquatic life, or in amounts to interfere with any beneficial use of the water.” A translator
for these narrative criteria is contained within the regulation in the requirement that waters
be free from pollutants in concentrations exceeding acute and chronic toxicity and human
health standards (expressed as average criteria concentrations at specified durations).
There are also provisions translating the narrative criteria in terms of toxicity testing
(bioassay) results.

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Specific Criteria
For some waterbody types, there are specific narrative or numeric criteria. There are specific
criteria for inland waters (HAR §11-54-5), marine waters (HAR §11-54-6), marine bottom types
(HAR §11-54-7), and recreational areas (HAR §11-54-8).

Numeric Criteria for Water Column Chemistry

Numeric criteria for water column chemistry for marine waters are expressed for wet and dry conditions
and as values not to be exceeded by the geometric mean, more than ten percent of the time and more
than two percent of the time. The Kaonoulu Estuary sampling location is designated as an inland
waterbody and does not have separate wet and dry water quality criteria. Table through 11 provide
the applicable numeric criteria for water column chemistry in inland waters (streams and estuaries)
and marine waters (open coastal and oceanic) within the SMWP area (Source HAR§11-54, 2014)

Table 7. Inland Waters - Specific Water Quality Criteria for Streams

Parameter Hawaii State Water Quality Standards HAR §11-54-5.2(b)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed Not to Exceed
(Not to Exceed) > 10% of time > 2% of time
wet dry wet dry wet dry
Nitrate+Nitrite (as N) (µg/L) 70.0 30.0 180.0 90.0 300.0 170.0
Nitrogen, Total (µg/L) 250.0 180.0 520.0 380.0 800.0 600.0
Phosphorus, Total (µg/L) 50.0 30.0 100.0 60.0 150.0 80.0
Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) 20.0 10.0 50.0 30.0 80.0 55.0
Turbidity (NTU) 5.0 2.0 15.0 5.5 25.0 10.0
Notes: Wet Season = November 1 through April 30; Dry Season = May 1 through October 31;

Table 8. Specific Water Quality Criteria for Estuaries (except Pearl Harbor)
Parameter Hawaii State Water Quality Standards HAR §11-54-5.2(d)(1)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed Not to Exceed
(Not to Exceed) > 10% of time > 2% of time
Nitrogen, Total (µg/L) 200.00 350.00 500.00
Ammonia (as N) (µg/L) 6.00 10.00 20.00
Nitrate+Nitrite (as N) (µg/L) 8.00 25.00 35.00
Phosphorous, Total (µg/L) 25.00 50.00 75.00
Chlorophyll a (µg/L) 2.00 5.00 10.00
Turbidity (NTU) 1.5 3.00 5.00

Table 9. Specific Marine Water Quality Criteria for Open Coastal Waters
Parameter Hawaii State Water Quality Standards HAR §11-54-6(b)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed Not to Exceed
(Not to Exceed) > 10% of time > 2% of time
wet dry wet dry wet dry
Nitrogen, Total (as N) (µg/L) 150.00 110.00 250.00 180.00 350.00 250.00
Ammonia (as N) (µg/L) 3.50 2.00 8.50 5.00 15.00 9.00
Nitrate+Nitrite (as N) (µg/L) 5.00 3.50 14.00 10.00 25.00 20.00
Phosphorus, Total (µg/L) 20.00 16.00 40.00 30.00 60.00 45.00
Chlorophyll a (µg/L) 0.30 0.15 0.90 0.50 1.75 1.00
Light Extinction Coef (k units) 0.20 0.10 0.50 0.30 0.85 0.55

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Parameter Hawaii State Water Quality Standards HAR §11-54-6(b)

Geometric Mean Not to Exceed Not to Exceed
(Not to Exceed) > 10% of time > 2% of time
Turbidity (NTU) 0.50 0.20 1.25 0.50 2.00 1.00
Notes: Wet Season When open coastal waters receive more than three million gallons per day of fresh water discharge per shoreline mile; Dry Season = When open
coastal waters receive less than three million gallons per day of fresh water discharge per shoreline mile

Table 10. Marine Water Quality Criteria for Oceanic Waters

Parameter Hawaii State Water Quality Standards HAR §11-54-6(c)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed Not to Exceed
(Not to Exceed) > 10% of time > 2% of time
Nitrogen, Total (µg/L) 50.00 80.00 100.00
Ammonia (as N) (µg/L) 1.00 1.75 2.50
Nitrate+Nitrite (as N) (µg/L) 1.50 2.50 3.50
Phosphorus, Total (µg/L) 10.00 18.00 25.00
Chlorophyll a (µg/L) 0.06 0.12 0.20
Turbidity (NTU) 0.03 0.10 0.20

Table 11. Recreational Criteria for all Sate Waters

Hawaii State Water Quality Standards HAR §11-54-8

Parameter Statistical Threshold

Geometric Mean
Value Not to Exceed Not to Exceed > 2% of time
(Not to Exceed)
> 10% of time

Enterococcus
35 130 NA
(cfu’s/100ml)
Notes: Enterococcus content shall not exceed a geometric mean of 35 colony forming units (cfu’s) per 100 milliliters over any 30-day interval. A statistical threshold
value (STV) of 130 colony forming units shall be used for enterococcus. The STV value shall not be exceeded by more than ten percent of samples taken within the
same 30-day interval in which the geometric mean is calculated.

Criteria for Marine Bottom Ecosystems

The criteria for Marine Bottom Ecosystems are found at HAR §11-54-7. There are no named
Class I reefs or reef communities, or any named Class II harbors within the SMWP area. The
marine bottoms of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary may be
considered Class I depending on the interpretation of the language, “in preserves, reserves,
sanctuaries, and refuges established by the department of land and natural resources under chapter
195 or chapter 190, HRS, or similar reserves for the protection of marine life established under
chapter 190, HRS, as amended; or in refuges or sanctuaries established by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service.”

It is the objective of Class I Marine Bottom Ecosystems that they remain as nearly as possible in
their natural pristine state, with an absolute minimum of pollution from any human-induced source.
Uses of marine bottom ecosystems in this class are passive human uses, without intervention or
alteration, allowing the perpetuation and preservation of the marine bottom in a most natural state,
such as for non-consumptive scientific research (demonstration, observation, or monitoring only),
non-consumptive education, aesthetic enjoyment, passive activities, and preservation.

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Clean Water Act Sections 303(d) and 305(b)

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is obligated by the Clean Water Act (CWA)
Sections (§) 303(d) and 305(b) to report on the State's water quality on a two-year cycle. The CWA
§305(b) requires states to describe the overall status of water quality statewide, and the extent to
which water quality provides for the protection and propagation of a balanced population of
shellfish, fish, and wildlife, and allows recreational activities in and on the water. The CWA
§303(d) requires states to submit a list of waters that do not attain applicable water quality
standards, plus a priority ranking of impaired waters for Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)
development based on the severity of pollution and the uses of the waters. As noted earlier, on the
island of Maui, the Hui O Ka Wai Ola assists the DOH with the collection of water quality data.

The IR informs the public on the status of marine and inland (streams and estuaries) water bodies
and serves as a planning document to guide other CWA programs. The 2018 IR incorporates data
collected from November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2017 to provide an updated snapshot of water
body conditions throughout the state and carries over the assessment results from previous IRs.
Impaired waters—waters that do not meet the State’s water quality standards (WQS)— in the IR
may be targeted for further monitoring activities to develop TMDLs, to plan and evaluate CWA
§319 nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control projects and set requirements for National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and §401 Water Quality Certifications (WQCs).
The IR not only identifies areas in need of restoration but serves as a baseline to validate the State’s
efforts to improve water quality and eventually delist impaired waters that have been rehabilitated.

2018 State of Hawaii Integrated Water Quality Report - Clean Water Act §305(b)
Assessments and §303 (d) List of Impairments
In the most recent Integrated Water Quality Report (IR) (Hawaii Department of Health, 2018),
assessment results for each waterbody were assigned one of five categories based on water quality
standards attainment decisions, made in accordance with Hawaii’s 2004 Priority Ranking and
Listing/Delisting Criteria and 2006 Rules of Logic:
Category 1 - all designated uses attained.
Category 2 - one or more designated use attainments.
Category 3 - insufficient data for determining designated use attainment and water quality
impairment.
Category 4 - one or more designated use non-attainments or water quality impairments; but no
TMDL needed:
4a = A TMDL to address a specific segment/pollutant combination has been approved or
established by EPA.
4b = A use impairment caused by a pollutant is being addressed by the state through other pollution
control requirements.
4c = A use is impaired, but the impairment is not caused by a pollutant.
Category 5 - one or more designated use non-attainments or water quality impairments.

Chapter 3 of the IR includes the Water Body Assessment Decisions table that contains the
assessment results for all waters, inland and marine (see Table 12 below for the Hapapa, Wailea,
and Moʻoloa watersheds). Waterbodies entered in the table are not necessarily reflective of all
waters of the state; rather, they indicate areas where sampling has taken place, and areas of higher

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incidence of human contact. Areas not shown in the table do not have any sampling data available
and are considered to be in category “3”, more information needed to make a decision. Future
reporting cycles may add waterbodies as necessary. Tools utilized for the assessment in the 2018
reporting cycle included chemical analyses, bacteriological analyses, and Hawaii Stream
Bioassessment Protocol scores (for native aquatic life - Class 1 streams).

Impaired Waterbodies within the SMWP Area

There are 29 coastal water quality monitoring sites and one estuary site within the SMWP area that
were included in the 2018 IR Report (See Figures 16-19 and Table 12). Of these, only three sites
where prior data had been confirmed were sampled with enough frequency during the two-year
timeframe used to generate the report (11/1/2015 to 10/31/2017) to update the report from 2016
findings. The rest of the sites were either not sampled, or sampled with a frequency less than
required to update the 2018 IR report.

The estuary site is located at the Kaonoulu Estuary and is associated with the outfall of Kulanihakoi
Gulch where it meets coastal waters. This site has been assessed for TN, Nitrate+Nitrite (inorganic
nitrogen as NO³+NO²), and turbidity. During past assessments, this site did not attain water quality
standards for any of these parameters. Insufficient data points for ammonia and Chlorophyll a were
available at this site to adequately assess their attainment status.

Of the 20 coastal water quality sites that have been assessed for enterococcus within the SMWP
boundary, all attained State water quality standards for bacteria. Thirteen of the 29 sites were
sampled for nutrients and of these, all sites failed to attain water quality standards for either TP,
TN, Nitrate+Nitrite, or Ammonia (NH₄). Of the 18 sites sampled for turbidity, none attained State
water quality standards. Of the 18 sites tested for Chlorophyll a, none attained State water quality
standards. Twenty waterbodies and 65 individual water quality parameters require TMDL studies.
In addition, 25 waterbodies lack adequate data for assessment of 115 different parameters. All of
the 20 impaired waterbodies requiring a TMDL for one or more pollutants in the SMWP area are
listed as Low Priority for TMDL development. (Hawaii Department of Health, 2018) (See Figures
16-19 and Table 12).

Recreational health is assessed by measuring enterococci, the recommended EPA fecal indicator
bacteria for coastal recreational waters. It has been proposed that enterococcus makes its way into
the watershed through various means including through the Kihei wastewater treatment plant
injection wells, from ungulate feces, and faulty/overflowing cesspools. Data reviewed from the
Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch IR s from 2018, 2016 and 2014 show that all
sites where enterococcus was measured, the locations attained water quality standards for the fecal
indicator.

Ecosystem health is assessed by comparing nutrients and other parameters to the applicable water
quality criteria. The nutrient parameters assessed in the SMWP include total nitrogen (TN), nitrate
+ nitrite (NO₃+NO₂), ammonium-nitrogen (NH₄), and total phosphorus (TP).

Total nitrogen is equal to the sum of organic nitrogen, ammonia, and inorganic nitrogen. It should
be noted that the term ammonia refers to two chemical species which are in equilibrium in water
(NH3, un-ionized and NH4+, ionized). Ammonia and ammonium forms of N are usually only

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elevated near sources of human or animal waste discharges. Nitrate + nitrite nitrogen is also known
as inorganic nitrogen. Inorganic nitrogen is typically associated with the use of fertilizers for
agricultural operations, golf courses, and residential lawn maintenance. Organic nitrogen can
originate from various sources including organic fertilizers, detritus, human and animal waste, and
algae in the water column (Wall, 2013). When too much nitrogen is present in water, algae blooms
can occur. These blooms reduce dissolved oxygen that fish and other aquatic and marine organism
need to survive. Some types of algae are toxic and can cause respiratory issues, rashes, neurological
impairments, and stomach or liver illness. In addition, high levels of nitrates in drinking water can
cause illnesses such as blue baby syndrome in infants and can even result in death (Beaudet, et al.,
2014).

Total phosphorus is found in agricultural fertilizers, manure, and organic wastes in sewage and
industrial wastewater. An abundance of phosphorus in surface waters can lead to an abundance of
plankton and algae that consume large amounts of dissolved oxygen and may ultimately lead to
eutrophication within the system. Too much phosphorus can also be detrimental to human health,
causing kidney damage and osteoporosis. Phosphorus and orthophosphates are not typically very
mobile in stormwater. Phosphorus fertilizers typically enter streams with sediment transport and
increase as TSS increases (Oram, 2014).

Testing for algal growth in coastal waters is conducted by measuring chlorophyll a concentration
in the water. Chlorophyll a is the most abundant type of chlorophyll within photosynthetic
organisms and gives plants their green color. Higher concentrations generally indicate poor water
quality. Abundance of algal growth is maintained by high nutrient concentrations.

Turbidity is caused by particles suspended or dissolved in water that scatter light making the water
appear cloudy or murky. Particulate matter can include sediment - especially clay and silt, fine
organic and inorganic matter, soluble colored organic compounds, algae, and other microscopic
organisms. High turbidity can negatively affect the aesthetic quality of coastal waters. It can also
disrupt gill function in fish and particulate matter can smother reefs.

A review of data presented in recent IR reports shows that for those sites where data was collected,
turbidity, total nitrogen, inorganic nitrogen, ammonia, total phosphorus, and Chlorophyll a are
major parameters of concern in the Hapapa watershed.

In the Wailea watershed, inorganic nitrogen, turbidity and Chlorophyll a are of equal concern.
While less data exists on total nitrogen, ammonia, and total phosphorus, the data that exists on
Chlorophyll a suggests that these nutrients may be high in this watershed as well.

Similarly, within the Moʻoloa watershed, turbidity and Chlorophyll a are parameters of concern,
suggesting suspended solid runoff from erosion during storm events and high nutrient loading
causing algal blooms in near-shore coastal waters. It should be noted that wherever sampled,
enterococcus levels attained State water quality standards throughout the SMWP boundary.

The locations where water quality sampling has taken place in the Hapapa, Wailea and Moʻoloa
watersheds are depicted in Figures 16-19.

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Table 12. 2018 IR Assessments for the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa Watersheds in the SMWP
Waterbody TMDL
Site Name Enterococcus TN NO³+NO² NH₄ TP Turbidity Chl a Category
Type Priority
HAPAPA WATERSHED 2,3,5 LOW
Kihei Coast - Kaonoulu Estuary Estuary ** N N ** ** N ** 3,5 LOW
Kalama Beach Co. Park (Beach) Coastal A N N N N N N 2,5 LOW
Kalama Beach Co. Park (Cove) Coastal A N N N N N N 2,5 LOW
Kalepolepo Beach Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
Kalepolepo (Waimahaihai) Coastal A A N N N N N 2,5 LOW
Kihei Coast - Kalepolepo Coastal ** N N ** ** N N 3,5 LOW
Kihei Coast - Kulanihakoi Coastal ** N N N ** N N 3,5 LOW
Kihei Coast - Lipoa-South Coastal ** ** ** ** ** N N 3,5 LOW
Kihei Coast - Luana Kai Coastal ** N N N ** N N 3,5 LOW
Mai Poina Oe Iau Beach Co.
Coastal A ** ** ** N N N 2,3,5 LOW
Park (Kihei North Station)
Waipuilani Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
WAILEA WATERSHED 2,3,5 LOW
Kamaole Beach #1 Coastal A A N N A N N 2,5 LOW
Kamaole Beach #2 Coastal A ** ** ** ** N N 2,3,5 LOW
Kamaole Beach #3 Coastal A ** ** ** ** N N 2,3,5 LOW
Keawakapu Beach Coastal A ** ** ** ** N N 2,3,5 LOW
Kihei Coast-Cove Park Coastal ** N N ** ** N N 3,5 LOW
Kihei Boat Ramp Coastal ** N N ** ** N ** 3,5 LOW
Keawakapu (2) Coastal ** ** N ** ** ** N 3,5 LOW
Maui Coast Coastal ** ** N ** ** N N 3,5 LOW
South Kamaole II Coastal ** ** N ** ** N N 3,5 LOW
Makena Landing Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
Maluaka Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
Mokapu Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **

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Waterbody TMDL
Site Name Enterococcus TN NO³+NO² NH₄ TP Turbidity Chl a Category
Type Priority
Palauea Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
Polo Beach Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
Poolenalena Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
Puu Olai (Small Beach) Coastal A ** ** ** ** ** ** 2,3 **
Ulua Beach Coastal A ** ** ** ** N N 2,3,5 **
Wailea Beach Coastal A ** ** ** ** N ** 2,3,5 LOW
MOʻOLOA WATERSHED 3 **
Oneloa Beach (Big Beach-
Coastal A ** ** ** ** N N 2,3,5 LOW
Makena Beach Station)
** Insufficient Data
A=Attained/N=Not Attained
Category 2=Some Use Attained; Category 3= Not Enough Data to Evaluate; Category 5=At Least One Use Not Attained, TMDL Needed

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Figure 16. Hapapa Watershed DOH CWB Water Quality Sampling Locations with
Impairments

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Figure 17. Wailea Watershed DOH CWB WQ Sampling Stations with Impairments (Map 1
of 2)

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Figure 18. Wailea Watershed DOH CWB WQ Sampling Stations with Impairments (Map 2
of 2)

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Figure 19. Moʻoloa Watershed DOH CWB Water Quality Sampling Stations

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In an effort to identify trends in water quality, the 2018 IR data was compared with the 2016 and
2014 IR reports. Relative water quality trends persisted throughout the SMWP boundary.
Enterococcus measurements were within water quality standards while nutrients, turbidity, and
chlorophyll a continue to be a problem.

None of the intermittent streams in the SMWP area were assessed in the 2018 Integrated Water
Quality Report; therefore, status of standards attainment for these streams is unknown.
Opportunistic sampling of gulches within the Hapapa watershed were performed by the SWCD
during flood events to capture flow and TSS concentrations within these systems. Specifically,
Kulanihakoi, Waipu’ilani and Keokea gulches were sampled due to these systems high frequency
of flooding and because they are known to deposit large amounts of sediment into coastal waters
after storm events.

While turbidity values were observed to be high throughout coastal waters in Wailea and Moʻoloa
watersheds as well, streams and gulches discharge with less regularity and were more difficult to
sample in response to storm events. Data compiled from these efforts are meant to supplement data
collected by the DOH CWB on TSS loading and are presented in Table 13. High TSS
concentrations in stormwater runoff directly affects turbidity levels in coastal waters. As discussed
earlier, all sites sampled for sediment had measurements that were well above water quality
standards for TSS with the exception of Laʻie wetland which receives water from Keokea Gulch
through a series of marginal wetlands that retain and filter this water.

The method used to determine sediment load during opportunistic sampling of intermittent streams
was calculated within the watersheds during heavy rain events using the equation outlined by J.R.
Gray and F. Simões in their 2008 USGS contribution entitled: Estimating Sediment Discharge.
The calculation is as follows:

Qs = Qw*Cs*k

where Qs = suspended-sediment discharge, in tons per day; Qw = water discharge, in cubic feet
per second; Cs = mean concentration of suspended sediment in the cross-section in
milligrams/liter; and k = a coefficient based on the unit of measurement of water discharge that
assumes a specific weight of 2.65 for sediment, and equals 0.0027 in inch-pound units, or 0.0864
in SI units (https://water.usgs.gov/osw/techniques/Gray_Simoes.pdf).

Water discharge for each gulch was measured using a Price AA current meter. Relative stream
area was measured assuming a uniform depth and width observed at the time and location where
the flow measurement was recorded.

On April 30th 2017, October 23rd 2017, and February 15th 2018 rainfall was sufficient to cause
flow at major gulches near the shoreline in the SMWP. Sampling was conducted at defined
locations depicted in Figures 20 and 21. In addition, several gulches upcountry were also sampled.
Sediment loads were calculated for these flow events using the method described above. Table 13
depicts sediment load measured at these locations during the two flow events.

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Table 13. Sediment Load During April 30th 2017, October 23rd 2017, and February 15th 2018
Rainfall Events
Qw Cs K Qs
Sample Location TSS in tons per tons per hour
ft³/sec 0.0027
mg/L day
April 30th, 2017
Kulanihakoi at S Kihei 124.33 1215.58 0.0027 408.07 17.00
Kulanihakoi at Piʻilani 102.62 1802.64 0.0027 499.48 20.81
High Intensity Zone Downstream 1.08 45.69 0.0027 0.13 0.01
High Intensity Zone Upstream 6.17 28.21 0.0027 0.47 0.02
Keokea Downstream 2.06 393.90 0.0027 2.19 0.09
Keokea Upstream 2.59 405.79 0.0027 2.84 0.12
Alae 19.29 93.66 0.0027 4.88 0.20
No flow
Ka’ono’ulu 55.91 0.0027 NA NA
data
No flow
Kaipoioi 443.97 0.0027 NA NA
data
Waiohuli A 15.06 75.25 0.0027 3.06 0.13
October 23rd, 2017
Kulanihakoi at S Kihei (Barely
5.83 1966.09 0.0027 30.95 1.29
Flowing)
Kulanihakoi at Piʻilani 38.57 10870.48 0.0027 1132.04 47.17
High Intensity Zone Downstream NA NA 0.0027 NA NA
High Intensity Zone Upstream NA NA 0.0027 NA NA
Keokea Downstream NA NA 0.0027 NA NA
Keokea Upstream NA NA 0.0027 NA NA
Alae 15.32 1324.95 0.0027 54.81 2.28
Ka’ono’ulu 10.14 896.16 0.0027 24.54 1.02
Kaipoioi 12.20 5913.23 0.0027 194.78 8.12
Waiohuli A 17.63 1567.84 0.0027 74.63 3.11
February 15th, 2018
Kulanihakoi at S Kihei 80.17 404.71 0.0027 87.61 3.65
La'ie Wetland at S. Kihei NA 2.67 0.0027 NA NA
Keokea at Piʻilani 3.25 176.97 0.0027 1.55 0.06
Waipuilani at Piʻilani 5.14 536.04 0.0027 7.44 0.31
Kulanihakoi at Piʻilani 32.65 1138.51 0.0027 100.35 4.18
High Intensity Zone Downstream 5.58 280.48 0.0027 4.23 0.18
High Intensity Zone Upstream 0.73 275.09 0.0027 0.54 0.02
Keokea Upstream 2.20 1174.15 0.0027 6.98 0.29
Keokea Downstream 2.94 946.26 0.0027 7.50 0.31

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Figure 20. Hapapa Intermittent Stream TSS Sampling Locations

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Figure 21. Upcountry Intermittent Stream TSS Sampling Locations

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ELEMENT A – SOURCES AND CAUSES OF

POLLUTANTS
The two primary sources of water pollutants in the planning area watersheds are nutrients and
sediment. Nutrients may enter coastal waters through various mechanisms including shallow
waste water injection wells, malfunctioning septic systems, cesspools, and the improper use of
fertilizers on agricultural lands, golf courses, residential lawns and resort landscapes. An injection
well can be considered a point source, whereas discharges from cesspools and septic systems are
usually accounted for as nonpoint sources of pollution. Stormwater runoff from conservation
lands; agricultural or industrial land uses; and urban, resort, and rural development can transport
nonpoint source pollution to the ocean.

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff has many cumulative impacts on humans and the environment
including:
 Flooding - Damage to public and private property
 Eroded Streambanks - Sediment clogs waterways and drainage systems, enters the
ocean, kills fish and other aquatic life, and causes property loss and degradation
 Widened Stream Channels – Damage and loss of valuable property
 Sediment Filled Channels and Basins - Reduces volume for managing stormwater
runoff and increases pollutant loading
 Aesthetics - Dirty water, trash and debris, foul odors, mud deposits, etc.
 Fish and Aquatic Life – Mortality, impaired health and reproduction, and tissue
contamination
 Impaired Recreational Uses - Swimming, fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling,
surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, etc.
 Threats to Public Health – Contamination of drinking water, recreational waters,
and fish/shellfish, and waterborne diseases
 Threats to Public Safety - Drowning or injuries occur in flood waters; debris
increases hazards
 Economic Impacts – Impairments to fisheries, shellfish, ecosystems, real estate
values, tourism, and recreation related businesses
 Increased Cost of Water and Wastewater Treatment - Stormwater pollution
increases raw water treatment costs, reduces the assimilative capacity of water
bodies (requiring greater level of wastewater treatment), and increases wastewater

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treatment costs and pollutant discharge loads due to stormwater inflow and
infiltration into sewage collection systems

Point Sources

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

The discharge of pollutants from point sources is generally regulated through the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The Clean Water Act prohibits discharge of
pollutants to Waters of the US except in compliance with an NPDES permit. The Hawaii
Department of Health, Clean Water Branch is delegated authority for issuance of general and
individual NPDES permits. The NPDES program requires permits for the discharge of
“pollutants” from any “point source” into “waters of the United States.” The terms “pollutant”,
“point source”, and “waters of the US” are found at Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter
40 Part 122.2. Point source means any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including
but not limited to, any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling
stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, landfill leachate collection system, vessel, or other
floating craft from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include return
flows from irrigated agriculture or agricultural storm water runoff (See §122.3).

There are no individual NPDES permits authorizing direct discharges of wastewater or stormwater
to surface waters within the SMWP area. Given the large number of planned developments, there
presumably are, or will be, a large number of construction sites permitted under either the General
Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity, or individually issued NPDES
permits. Although the COM Kihei Wastewater Reclamation facility (WWRF) has been assigned
an NPDES permit number (HIU000102), no NPDES permit has been issued for the facility.

Stormwater runoff from construction sites greater than one acre discharging to Class A waters are
regulated point sources under the State’s General NPDES Permit for stormwater associated with
construction activity. Discharges of stormwater associated with industrial activity to Class AA
waters require an individual NPDES permit. Table 14 below lists the NPDES permits that exist
within the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan boundary.

Table 14. NPDES Permits within the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan
Permit
Name Owner Permit Type Issued: Expires:
Number
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Piʻilani water associated Expires
Kaonoulu General Issued on:
HIR10D273 Promenade with on:
Market Place Permit 12/9/2013
South LLC construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Kupono water associated Expires
Maui Bay General Issued on:
HIR10E789 Partners, with on:
Villas Permit 9/28/2015
LLC construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
activities

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Permit
Name Owner Permit Type Issued: Expires:
Number
Kihei Hawaiian Form C: Storm
Notice of
Seventh-day Association water associated Expires
General Issued on:
Adventist HIR10D024 of Seventh- with on:
Permit 12/9/2013
Church and day construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
Pre-school Adventist activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
water associated Expires
Tamura's General Issued on:
HIR10E704 with on:
Plaza Permit 5/6/2015
GKT at construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
Lipoa LLC activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Signature water associated Expires
Hokulani General Issued on:
HIR10B971 Development with on:
Golf Villas Permit 12/9/2013
of Hawaii construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
LLC activities
Maui Form C: Storm
Notice of
Research & water associated Expires
General Issued on:
Technology HIR10D125 with on:
Maui R&T Permit 12/9/2013
Park - Phase construction 12/5/2018
Partners, Coverage
I/Increment I activities
LLC
Form C: Storm
Notice of
water associated Expires
General Issued on:
Nu'u Aina HIR10E554 Nu'u Aina with on:
Permit 11/10/2014
Properties, construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
LLC activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Paradise water associated Expires
Paradise General Issued on:
HIR10C486 Ridge with on:
Ridge Estates Permit 12/9/2013
Limited construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
Partnership activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Andaz Resort water associated Expires
General Issued on:
& HIR10C693 Wailea Hotel with on:
Permit 12/9/2014
Residences and Beach construction 12/5/2019
Coverage
Resort, LLC activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Wailea Sunstone water associated Expires
General Issued on:
Beach HIR10E729 Hawaii 3-0, with on:
Permit 6/24/2015
Marriott LLC construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Armstrong water associated Expires
Keala o General Issued on:
HIR10E638 Development with on:
Wailea Permit 2/27/2015
Ltd. construction 12/5/2019
Coverage
activities

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Permit
Name Owner Permit Type Issued: Expires:
Number
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Makena Golf ATC water associated Expires
General Issued on:
& Beach HIR10E723 Makena with on:
Permit 6/2/2015
Club Hotel LLC construction 12/5/2020
Coverage
activities
Samuel M
Garcia Jr. Form C: Storm
Notice of
Makena Trust, Ellen water associated Expires
General Issued on:
Farm Lots HIR10E685 Frenette with on:
Permit 5/5/2015
Subdivision Garcia, and construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
Jon E. activities
Garcia
Form C: Storm
Makena Notice of
ATC water associated Expires
South Golf General Issued on:
HIR10D187 Makena S with on:
Course (17th Permit 12/9/2013
Golf, LLC construction 12/5/2018
Renovations) Coverage
activities
Makena Form C: Storm
Notice of
South Golf ATC water associated Expires
General Issued on:
Course HIR10D245 Makena S with on:
Permit 12/9/2013
(10th-14th Golf, LLC construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
Renovations) activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Makena ATC water associated Expires
General Issued on:
South Golf HIR10D242 Makena S with on:
Permit 12/9/2013
Course Golf, LLC construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Makena Bay water associated Expires
General Issued on:
Club (Parcel HIR10B787 Keaka, LLC with on:
Permit 12/9/2013
H-1) construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
Yellow water associated Expires
The Hill General Issued on:
HIR10E654 Brick Road, with on:
House Permit 3/13/2015
LLC construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
activities
Form C: Storm
Notice of
water associated Expires
Hoku O Wailea MF-7 General Issued on:
HIR10C980 with on:
Wailea LLC Permit 12/9/2013
construction 12/5/2018
Coverage
activities

As shown in the table above, all of the active NPDES permits associated with the Southwest Maui
Watershed Plan were obtained as required for construction activities. Due to the dry climate and

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few rainfall days in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, sediment runoff from these construction activities
is highly unlikely and is not a major contributor to sediment reaching coastal waters.

Injection Wells
An injection well (IW) is a bored, drilled or driven shaft, or a dug hole, whose depth is greater than
its largest surface dimension; an improved sinkhole; or a subsurface fluid distribution system used
to discharge fluids underground (40 CFR Part 144.3). Injection wells and cesspools are regulated
by the USEPA under the authority of the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program, as
provided by Part C of the Public Law 92-523, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974.
DOH administers a separate UIC permitting program under state authority.

Twenty injection wells with UIC permits exist within the SMWP boundary. Of these, ten are used
for sewage, six are used for stormwater, and four are used for other substances ranging from brine
to condensate. Table 15 below lists these wells and provides information on their permit number,
operator and location within the SMWP boundary.

Table 15. UIC Wells within the SMWP Boundary

Discharge Well
Facility Operator TMK Location
Type Classification
2-3-9-
6- Ilima House Storm Class V,
028- Not Listed
4627.04 lots Runoff Subclass C
039

Lucien
Not Not Class V, Piʻilani Hwy. & Ohukai Rd.,
Charbonnier Other
Listed Listed Subclass E Kihei, Maui
Residence

Kihei 2-3-9-
6- Class V,
Commercial 001- Sewage Not Listed
4627.02 Subclass AB
Center 033
2-3-9-
Hale Kai O
008-
Kihei
Not 003, Class V, 1310 Ulunui Road, Kihei,
Association Sewage
Listed 2-3-9- Subclass AB Maui
of Apartment
008-
Owners
004
Haggai
2-3-9-
6- Institute - Class V,
002- Sewage Not Listed
4527.01 Mid Pacific Subclass AB
084
Center

Kihei
2-2-2-
6- Wastewater Class V, 480 Welakahao Road, Kihei,
002- Sewage
4426.01 Reclamation Subclass AB Makawao, Maui, HI 95753
040
Facility

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Discharge Well
Facility Operator TMK Location
Type Classification
2-3-9-
Ke Alii
020-
Villas
Not 020, Storm Class V,
Drainage Not Listed
Listed 2-3-9- Runoff Subclass C
Injection
020-
Well
027
Ke Alii Kai
II
2-3-9-
Not Subdivision Storm Class V,
019- Not Listed
Listed Drainage Runoff Subclass C
004
Injection
Well
Maui
Not Not Class V,
Oceanfront Other Not Listed
Listed Listed Subclass E
Days Inn

The Palms at Not Class V, 3200 Wailea Alanui Dr.,

6-4226. Sewage
Wailea Listed Subclass AB Kihei, Maui

6- Wailea Not Storm Class V,

Not Listed
4126.03 Beach Villas Listed Runoff Subclass C
Grand 2-2-1-
6- Class V, 3850 Wailea Alanui Rd.,
Wailea 008- Sewage
4126.01 Subclass AB Wailea, Maui
Resort 109
Kea Lani
2-2-1-
6- Hotel Storm Class V, 4100 Wailea Ala Nui Drive,
023-
4126.02 Drainage Runoff Subclass C Kihei, Maui
003
Wells
2-2-1-
6- Wailea Golf Class V, 120 Kaukahi St., Wailea,
008- Sewage
4026.01 Clubhouse Subclass AB Maui
092
Diamond
Resort 2-2-1-
6- Class V, Kalai Waa St. & Kaukahi
Wastewater 008- Sewage
4026.02 Subclass AB St., Wailea, Maui
Treatment 042
Plant

Maui Prince
2-2-1- 5400 Makena Alanui Road,
6- Hotel Storm Class V,
005- Makena, Kihei, Maui, HI
3826.01 (Drainage Runoff Subclass C
086 96753
Wells)

Not Not Class V,

Bak North Other Not Listed
Listed Listed Subclass E

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Discharge Well
Facility Operator TMK Location
Type Classification
Evans
Not Holding Not Class V,
Other Not Listed
Listed Water Listed Subclass E
System
Ulupalakua
Ranch
Not Not Class V,
Restrooms at Sewage Not Listed
Listed Listed Subclass E
Tedeschi
Winery

2-2-2-
6- Kula Class V, 100 Keokea Place, Kula,
004- Sewage
4221.01 Hospital Subclass A Makawao, Maui, HI 967909
077

Currently, all DOH CWB monitoring sites are attaining water quality standards for enterococcus,
meaning sewage from UIC injection wells is not currently a water quality issue. Stormwater wells
may affect turbidity but only four wells exist and stormwater runoff through surface water
conveyances would have a much larger effect on turbidity in coastal waters than the injection
wells.

Estimating Nonpoint Source Pollutant Loads

NSPECT Modeling
NSPECT is an informative spatial tool developed by the National Oceanic Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center (CSC) for watershed managers and planners
(Eslinger, 2012). It is a GIS-based application that models potential water-quality impacts from
non-point source pollution and erosion. The model inputs include soil maps from U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Soil Survey
Geographic Database, 30m Digital Elevation Maps (DEMs) from the United States Geological
Survey (USGS), annual precipitation from the Parameter- elevation Regressions on Independent
Slopes Model (PRISM) group, and Coastal Change Analysis Program (CCAP) land cover. Each
land cover type has an associated impervious surface co-efficient.

The SWCD ran the NSPECT model for sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus delivery throughout
the Southwest Maui Watershed. The model provides estimates of both accumulated sediment and
nutrients in the gullies and gulches making their way towards the ocean and localized sediment
and nutrient contributions based on the model inputs listed above.

It should be noted that NSPECT has known limitations with accuracy and precision when
modeling for erosion in wet, steep slopes like those in the upper reaches of the Southwest Maui
Watershed. This is due, in part, to a lack of available data collection from inaccessible mountainous
areas. Inputs to NSPECT, such as rainfall days and soil erosion factors, are often very different
throughout the landscape being modeled and may not be accurately represented by the input data.

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In addition, general CCAP designations can skew data. As an example, CCAP data used in this
effort designates the golf courses as “Developed Open Space” and does not consider that these
lands may contribute additional nutrients to the watershed. SWCD recognizes that there are other
models available, namely InVEST, and that there are trade-offs between cost-efficiency and higher
accuracy (more robust modeling methods and procedures can be costly and time-intensive).

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Figure 22. SMWP Coastal Change analysis Program (CCAP) Land Use Map

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The CCAP produces a standardized dataset of land cover and land change information for the
coastal regions of the US. Land cover and land change maps provide an inventory of coastal
intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent upland areas. These data are updated every 5 years, which
allows end users to monitor changes in land cover over time.

Table 16 lists the quantitative data resulting from the NSPECT modeling effort. In addition, the
results of the NSPECT modeling exercises for localized sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus are
included as figures (Figures 23-25). These figures are offered as qualitative data serving as visual
representations of the various sediment and nutrient sources as water flows toward coastal waters.
When compared with the CCAP data depicted in Figure 22, the relationship between pollutant
sources and land use become evident.

The Localized Sediment Map (Figure 23) depicts several areas within the watershed where
sediment transport is particularly high. The NSPECT model predicts heavy amounts of localized
sediment for both Bare Land and Pasture/Hay land uses at higher elevations where mountain slopes
are fairly steep. In the lower reaches of the watershed, where the slope of Haleakala changes from
being extremely steep into the various gulches and gullies ultimately leading to the coastline,
localized sediment availability is also relatively high on lands classified as Bare Land. In addition,
the Grassland/Herbaceous land use associated with mid-level agricultural lands are listed as
elevated areas of localized sediment. NSPECT values for sediment ranged from a high of 2, 330
metric tons in areas such as upcountry pasturelands to virtually no localized sediment throughout
the majority of the watershed.

The Localized Nitrogen and Phosphorus Maps (Figures 24 and 25) depict high amounts of these
nutrients (highest amount being 2.68mg/l and 0.48mg/l respectively) in upcountry pasturelands
and cultivated crops associated with agricultural lands mauka of Piʻilani Highway. In addition,
elevated nutrient concentrations were calculated for the highly developed land associated with the
urban corridor of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena.

Table 16. NSPECT Localized Pollution Values

NSPECT Localized Pollution
Non-Point Source Nitrogen Phosphorus Sediment
Pollution (mg/l) (mg/l) (Mg)
Minimum Value 0.96 0.049 0
Maximum Value 2.68 0.48 2,330

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Figure 23. Localized Sediment in the SMWP Based on NSPECT Modeling

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Figure 24. Localized Nitrogen in the SMWP Based on NSPECT Modeling

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Figure 25. Localized Phosphorus in the SMWP Based on NSPECT Modeling

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STEPL
The EPA has developed the Spreadsheet Tool for Estimating Pollutant Load (STEPL) which
employs simple algorithms to calculate nutrient and sediment loads from different land uses and
the load reductions that would result from the implementation of various BMPs. STEPL provides
a user-friendly Visual Basic (VB) interface to create a customized spreadsheet-based model in
Microsoft (MS) Excel. It computes watershed surface runoff; nutrient loads, including nitrogen,
phosphorus, and 5-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5); and sediment delivery based on
various land uses and management practices. For each watershed, the annual nutrient loading is
calculated based on the runoff volume and the pollutant concentrations in the runoff water as
influenced by factors such as the land use distribution and management practices. The annual
sediment load (sheet and rill erosion only) is calculated based on the Universal Soil Loss Equation
(USLE) and the sediment delivery ratio. The sediment and pollutant load reductions that result
from the implementation of BMPs are computed using the known BMP efficiencies
(http://it.tetratech-ffx.com/steplweb/).

Region 5 Model is an Excel workbook that provides a gross estimate of sediment and nutrient load
reductions from the implementation of agricultural and urban BMPs. The algorithms for non-urban
BMPs are based on the "Pollutants controlled: Calculation and documentation for Section 319
watersheds training manual" (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, June 1999). The
algorithms for urban BMPs are based on the data and calculations developed by Illinois EPA.
Region 5 Model does not estimate pollutant load reductions for dissolved constituents.

The SWCD ran STEPL for the SMWP to include the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa sub-
watersheds. The model calculates pollutant loads for the known land uses occurring in the
watershed. These include urban, cropland, pastureland, forest, cesspools, and also considers
groundwater load contributions.

To account for ungulate contributions, approximate cattle, hog, deer and goat populations were
also entered into the model. Cattle herd and domestic goat numbers were acquired from Kaonoulu,
Haleakala, Ulupalakua, and the various other small ranches that occur within the SMWP boundary.
In addition, data from contracted hunter take reports and estimates in the field were used to
estimate feral deer, pig and goat populations.

Cesspool contributions were also accounted for. There are 1655 known cesspools in the SMWP
boundary. The national average of 2.43 persons per household was used as the number of persons
serviced by each cesspool.

Table 17 presents the STEPL total load estimates by land use type for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and
Sediment within the Southwest Maui Watershed Boundary.

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Table 17. STEPL Pollutant Loads by Land Use within the SMWP
Total Load by Land Use
Sources N Load (lb/yr) P Load (lb/yr) Sediment Load (t/yr)

Urban 30798.60 4843.05 723.26

Cropland 5246.89 1398.93 924.37
Pastureland 203956.02 38523.69 23414.30
Forest 1687.73 735.05 295.69
Cesspools 51451.00 20151.64 0.00
Groundwater 300616.58 13260.01 0.00
Total 593756.81 78912.37 25357.62

Nonpoint Sources
Several nonpoint sources of pollution have been identified within the SMWP boundary. While not
as easy to quantify as point sources, the cumulative effect of these diverse, dispersed pollutants
can be substantial. A list of some of the important nonpoint sources of pollutants within the
Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds include:
 Cesspools
 Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides from agricultural lands, resorts, and
residential areas
 Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from commercial, light industrial, and urban runoff
 Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, ranch, crop, and forest
lands, and eroding streambanks
 Salt (nitrates) from irrigation practices
 Bacteria and nutrients from wildlife, feral animals, livestock, pet wastes, cesspools,
and faulty septic systems

Cesspools
Cesspools are of particular concern throughout Maui County. These underground regions are used
for the disposal of human waste, where untreated sewage is discharged directly into the ground,
leakage from which can contaminate oceans, streams, and ground water by releasing disease-
causing pathogens and nitrates.

Maui Meadows, upcountry residential areas, and a few residences in the Makena area are served
by onsite waste disposal systems, including individual residential cesspools or septic tanks. DOH
and USEPA databases indicate that the island of Maui has >12,000 individual small septic or small
cesspool wastewater systems (including those in the areas of Waiehu, Wahikuli, and Maui
Meadows). Figure 26 depicts the locations of cesspools within the SMWP boundary.

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While DOH CWB water sampling has shown no issue with pathogens exists within the coastal
waters of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, leaching from these cesspools may be contributing to the
high levels of nutrients observed in these waters. Once in the water, nutrients such as nitrogen and
phosphorus can cause algae blooms as well. High Chlorophyll a values act as evidence of these
algae blooms.

Agricultural Lands
Agricultural lands may provide a nonpoint source for sediment, pathogens, and nutrient pollution.
Agricultural plots within the SMWP are situated on gently sloping ridges at the base of Haleakala
and above Kihei. These plots are flanked on either side by gulches that begin at the upper reaches
of the watershed, near the summit and flow downhill before discharging into coastal waters.
Sediment from agricultural fields, feeding areas, and unimproved roads can make its way into
these gulches during stormwater events, ultimately making its way to the ocean. Nutrients used for
fertilizer such as nitrogen and phosphorus can be transmitted to coastal waters along with sediment.
Likewise, bacteria associated with domestic and feral ungulates can be swept off the landscape by
stormwater sheet flow.

Landscaped Golf Courses, Resorts and Residential Communities

Many landscapes throughout Kihei, Wailea, and Makena are unnatural, requiring irrigation and
fertilizer to exist. Golf courses, resorts, and individual residences with manicured grassed lawns
are examples of these unnatural landscapes. When fertilizers are placed in the soil, they can be
transferred to the ocean by both surface water and ground water. During heavy rainfall, stormwater
can carry these nutrients from their source to the ocean through gullies, gulches, stormwater drains
and other surface water conveyances. In addition, nutrients can be absorbed into the aquifer and
make its way to coastal waters through groundwater flow.

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Figure 26. Cesspools within the SMWP Area

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GOALS AND MANAGEMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS
The main goals of the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan are to ensure fishable and swimmable
waters by promoting watershed health and by taking action to improve water quality throughout
Southwest Maui. By improving water quality and managing the watershed correctly, we will
increase safety and reduce flood related property damage in coastal communities. These goals will
mainly be met by implementing various projects throughout the watershed that will reduce
sediment and nutrient loads in gulches and gullies that discharge into the coastal waters of Kihei,
Wailea, and Makena.

The SWCD intends to serve the community through public outreach to educate stakeholders about
the efforts underway to protect coastal reef environments and reduce sediment and nutrient loads
in the watershed. The following overarching goals will be met by performing individual
implementation projects throughout the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds. Individual
projects designed to meet these goals are listed in Chapter 8.0 with detailed descriptions.

Improve Water Quality by Reducing Existing Sediment, Nutrient, and Pathogen

Loads

The Southwest Maui Watershed Plan is designed to specifically address marine water quality
criteria for open coastal waters. Currently both the DOH CWB and the Hui O Ka Wai Ola test
these coastal waters for various parameters as discussed in Section 5.

Through the SMWP, the SWCD has identified and will implement various land management
efforts to reduce sediment and nutrient loads within the watershed, ultimately ensuring water
quality standards are being met for these and other parameters within the Southwest Maui
Watershed boundary. The goals of the pollution control strategy and various implementation plans
are to focus on sediment reduction measures, while also addressing nutrient pollution and other
pollutant sources causing impairments to coastal waters as observed through DOH CWB sampling
efforts and as reported in the biannual IR reports. Whenever possible, these projects were also
designed with an emphasis on ecosystem restoration and to reduce flooding and runoff. In addition,
implementation projects that are designed to slow water before it reaches the coastline will allow
time for aquifer recharge and can augment surface waters in wetlands that are presently dry most
of the year due to historic land use changes. Individual implementation projects are detailed in
Chapter 8.0 and the technical and financial assistance needed to complete these projects is
explained in Section 9.

Promote Aquifer Recharge

One of the main goals of the watershed plan is to promote aquifer recharge. Water quality in coastal
waters becomes degraded when stormwater is discharged from surface water conveyances directly

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after storm events. By capturing stormwater on the landscape and allowing it to percolate into the
aquifer, pollutants are removed prior to this water entering the ocean.

Due to the flashy nature of the gulches in the Southwest Maui Watershed, surface water flows
mauka to makai and ultimately discharges into coastal waters with little time for aquifer recharge.
Historically, freshwater and brackish wetlands occurring near the coastline would have slowed this
water, functioning as both a filter and as a means for aquifer recharge. Unfortunately, today many
of the wetlands in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena have been impacted by urban development and
aquifer drawdown. Continued protection and restoration of existing wetlands will ensure they
continue to provide these important ecological functions.

Detention basins in series have been proposed to function in much the same way as historic
wetlands, by slowing water before it reaches highly populated areas along the coastline. These
detention basins would assist in flood prevention by retaining water upstream. These detention
basins will also allow flowing water to rest, so that sediment can drop out of suspension. Lastly,
because of the porous nature of soils within the watershed, these detention basins will act as aquifer
recharge locations.

Aquifer recharge can be promoted in several other ways including regulations on well withdrawals,
installing LID into the urban landscape, protecting riparian buffers and conducting stream
restorations.

Manage Rural and Agricultural Lands

As much of the SMWP boundary encompasses rural and agricultural lands, many of the
implementation projects included in Chapter 9 are located mauka of Pi’ilani Highway in these
areas. These are projects designed to control pollutant delivery to the ocean by detaining
stormwater, trapping sediment, and facilitating infiltration. Focus has been placed on well-
established BMPs. Feral ungulate fencing, elevated cattle crossings at gulches and gullies, grade
and slope stabilization with vegetation and geotextiles, High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites
(HIZMS), vegetated riparian buffers, unpaved road stabilization and other methods will be
employed.

As mentioned earlier, a non-profit called the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is
interested in supporting watershed management work in areas such as North Kihei that include
significant tracks of coral reefs. FWF recently funded a rapid watershed assessment with USGS,
Maui Environmental Consulting, LLC and the West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative in order to best
understand the sediment hot-spots that exist on rural lands and how they may be addressed.

While this study is currently on-going, observations made in the field clearly identified feral
ungulates as a major issue in rural lands. As a result of these studies in West Maui, Molokai, and
the Big Island, the NFWF partnered with and funded large projects to address sediment issues
affecting the reef. These included the installation of feral ungulate fencing, the planting of
vegetation, and other projects to help landowners.

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Manage Urban Areas

The urban areas of Kihei Wailea, and Makena can be actively managed to ensure high water quality
in nearshore coastal waters. The Southwest Maui Watershed Plan aims to properly manage these
critical areas by working with stakeholders in the community to address non-point sources of
pollution, install illegal dumping controls and identify homeless encampments, protect the few
remaining wetland areas, and incorporate Low Impact Design into existing infrastructure.

Protect and Manage Existing Wetlands

Existing wetlands along the coast of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena should be delineated, protected
and restored wherever possible. Like the detention basins discussed above, wetlands have the
ability to filter stormwater for sediment, nutrients and pathogens. They are habitat for native flora
and fauna. They serve as flood prevention and aquifer recharge locations. Lastly, wetlands
represent greenspace within urban communities, offering recreational space and improve the
community’s relationship with the natural environment.

Promote and Manage Stormwater Runoff Programs for Existing Development - LID
The development of urban areas within Kihei, Wailea, and Makena have resulted in impervious
structures and surfaces throughout the coastal areas of the watershed. Many of the existing
wetlands have been filled in and paved over to make room for this development. Stormwater is
unable to filter through the soil and instead, flows over these impervious surfaces directly into the
ocean, transporting sediment, oil and hazardous waste, nutrients and pathogens directly into the
ocean. LID techniques can be used for future development as well as being well suited for
retrofitting existing development. These design features account for impervious surfaces
associated with urban development by ensuring stormwater is retained on-site instead of being
directed towards storm drains leading to coastal waters. LID improves aquifer recharge while
minimizing polluted stormwater from reaching the ocean. Examples of design techniques that
promote and support the use of urban LID and BMPs include the use of porous pavement, grassed
swales, rain gardens, retention/infiltration basins, street cleaning, above ground tank spill control,
and illegal dumping controls.

Protect and Manage Riparian Corridors (Mauka to Makai Connections)

Riparian buffers along gulches and gullies prevent sediment laden sheet flow from entering flow
ways and ultimately discharging into coastal waters. They also offer important habitat for native
flora and fauna to inhabit from mauka to makai throughout the watershed. Operation TAKO
POKE, a 319(h), R-1 irrigated riparian buffer project completed in 2005 on Keokea Gulch shows
the viability and effectiveness of riparian buffer projects.

Resiliency – Fire and Flooding Control Measures and Water Quality

Work with Maui County to meet Goals of the Kihei Drainage Master Plan
Maui County recently released the Kihei Drainage Master Plan in November of 2016. This plan
addresses drainage and future development in Kihei, from Waiakoa Gulch to Kilohana Drive.
Many of the proposed actions in this plan are consistent with implementation projects proposed by
the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan. For example, several detention basins are proposed in the

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County plan that lend themselves well to the efforts and goals described in this document and have
therefore been included as proposed implementation projects in Chapter 8.0.

Fire Prevention and Mitigation

While a wildfire prevention and mitigation strategy is not included in this document, the loss of
vegetation and subsequent erosion resulting from wildfires is well documented in this area, and
every effort should be made to prevent their occurrence in collaboration with Maui Electric
Company, Kaonoulu, Haleakala, and Ulupalakua Ranches, Maui County, the Hawaii DLNR, the
Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, and Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.

Watershed Coordination and Public Education on Watershed management

Watershed Coordinator
A permanent watershed coordinator position is needed to oversee implementation projects. In
addition, this individual will act as the liaison between the Environmental Protection Agency,
Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Water Branch, the SWCD, Maui County, land owners, and
other stakeholders in the community.

Public Education and Outreach

As implementation projects are undertaken, the watershed coordinator will disseminate
information to the community on the progress being made. In addition, input from stakeholders
and the community at large will be directed back to the SWCD so that issues and concerns can be
addressed. Information on stormwater programs, best management practices and the state of water
quality in the watershed will also be made available to the community. Both the SWCD website
and mauiwatershed.org will be updated to provide information. Volunteer opportunities related to
implementation projects will assure community involvement in projects designed to improve water
quality in the SMWP. A detailed description of the education and outreach program can be found
in Section 10 of this Plan.

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ELEMENTS B AND C – ESTIMATED LOAD

REDUCTIONS FROM NON-POINT SOURCE
POLLUTION IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS
Due to the ephemeral nature of the streams associated with the Hapapa, Wailea, and Mooloa
watersheds, all water quality data is currently collected along the coastline. Therefore, any
pollutants discharged from the landscape via surface water or groundwater are diluted in the
nearshore coastal waters. This makes quantifying the actual load reduction from any given
implementation project extremely difficult. As an example, STEPL may estimate a certain nitrogen
load reduction for creating a floating treatment wetland in a golf course along Keokea Gulch. Once
implemented, water quality testing in coastal waters may not reflect this reduction due to multiple
cesspools, a condominium’s recent landscaping activity, or some other source of nitrogen in close
proximity to the gulch. Also, due to ocean currents, water quality data may be representative of
pollution entering the ocean some distance away from where it is sampled. For these reasons, we
have designed the Plan to incorporate a wide array of implementation projects across the
landscape, focusing on those pollutants that show impairment at multiple locations along the
coastline.

The implementation projects proposed in this Plan are outlined below. They include excavated
detention basins in series, riparian buffers, terracing, stream diversions, grade and slope
stabilization with vegetation and/or geotextiles, fenced and/or vegetated riparian buffers, unpaved
road stabilization, installation of porous pavement, grassed swales and wetland restorations. In
addition, more generalized projects mentioned under the general goals and management
recommendations listed in Section 7 are also discussed. These include the creation of a full-time
watershed coordinator, implementation of a water quality monitoring plan, and a grazing
management plan as examples. Below we discuss practices that have been deemed the most
appropriate for implementation in the near future. Other implementation projects may also be
incorporated into the Plan in the future as needs and resources dictate.

In addition to modeling for current pollutant loads within the SMWP, STEPL is able to estimate
load reduction values for individual and combined BMPs implemented within each land use type.
The list of BMPs provided in the STEPL model is quite extensive, with over 70 different practices
to reduce pollutant loading. We have included load reduction estimates for each of the proposed
implementation projects listed below as modeled using the STEPL program.

Excavated Basins / Excavated Basins in Series

Excavated basins in series, connected by berms or channels for sedimentation and infiltration
purposes, have been identified as having a high priority as a management measure to improve
water quality in the watersheds. “Excavated basins are often constructed in sequences adjacent to
streams, so that excess stormwater flows, from the stream or stormwater channel, can be diverted
under gravity to the first basin, then overflows from each basin to the next under gravity, and back
to the stream or stormwater channel at the end” (A Handbook for Stormwater Reclamation and
Reuse Best Management Practices in Hawaii, December 2008, Commission on Water Reclamation
Management).

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As mentioned earlier in this document, Maui County released the Pre-Final Report for the Kihei
Drainage Master Plan (KDMP) in November of 2016. Several detention basins are proposed in the
County plan. The locations of these basins and proposed suitable locations for the installation of
these basins in series are depicted in Figure 27. While the locations of the basins proposed in the
KDMP are subject to change, and the depiction of the basins in series in Figure 27 are meant as an
example, appropriate sites can be found in the watershed gulch systems, in locations based on the
following:
 Where sufficient undeveloped land exists on the sides of the gulches for the
infiltration drain fieldAfter the convergence of tributaries to maximize efficiency
 Preferably in shallow segments where earth-moving to extract the water can be
minimized
 In locations where stormwater intakes can be feasibly installed
 On soils which have adequate permeability

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Of the fourteen detention basins proposed in the KDMP, 12 are located within the Hapapa watershed while the other two are located in
the Wailea watershed. Their sizes range from eight to 50 acres in size. Load reduction estimates were calculated for each of these basins
and are presented in Table 18 below.

Table 18. Load Reduction Estimates for the 14 Proposed KDMP Detention Basins
Basin Sub- N Reduction P Reduction BOD Reduction Sediment Reduction
Land Use Acreage
Number Watershed (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
1 Hapapa Residential 15 11.00 1.73 44.99 958.04
2 Hapapa Residential 43 31.52 4.97 128.96 2746.37
3 Hapapa Residential 16 11.73 1.85 47.99 1021.90
4 Hapapa Residential 43 31.52 4.97 128.96 2746.37
5 Hapapa Residential 18 13.20 2.08 53.98 1149.64
6 Hapapa Residential 26 19.06 3.00 77.98 1660.59
7 Hapapa Residential 26 19.06 3.00 77.98 1660.59
8 Hapapa Residential 34 24.93 3.93 101.97 2171.55
9 Hapapa Residential 8 5.86 0.92 23.99 510.95
10 Hapapa Residential 21 15.40 2.43 62.98 1341.25
11 Hapapa Residential 12 8.80 1.39 35.99 766.43
12 Hapapa Residential 50 36.66 5.78 149.95 3193.45
13 Wailea Residential 17 12.46 1.96 50.98 1085.77
14 Wailea Residential 33 24.19 3.81 98.97 2107.68
STEPL BMP = Dry Detention

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Figure 27. Excavated Detention Basins in Series

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In addition, the Piʻilani Detention basin has already been excavated. It is five acres is size. The
connection of this basin to Waipuilani Gulch is offered as a separate implementation project later
in this section.

Pi’ilani Basin Utilization Strategy

The Pi’ilani Mauka Detention Basin No.1, located mauka of Maui Nui Golf Course in central
Kihei, intercepts and captures a portion of the offsite surface runoff from a tributary to Waipu’ilani
Gulch (Figure 28). The spillway from this detention basin continues downstream and enters
Waipu’ilani Gulch just east of Pi’ilani Highway. The detention basin is approximately 50 acre-ft.
in volume occupying approximately 5 acres of surface area. Overflow drains associated with this
detention basin consist of 48” and 60” diameter grated drain inlet risers. The captured stormwater
begins to exit the basin through 60” drain inlet no. 1, when it reaches a depth of approximately 8
feet. All water below that level remains in the basin and infiltrates down into the aquifer. Sediment
remains in the basin to be cleaned out as needed.

This huge unlined detention basin has the potential to capture much more sediment laden
stormwater within the Waipu’ilani drainage basin than is currently being detained. If engineering
studies would accommodate it, a portion of the flow from Waipu’ilani could be diverted through
this basin to allow stormwater sediments to be settled out before continuing downstream. The
design would place the stormwater intake at approximately 200 ft. elevation in Waipu’ilani Gulch,
and channel the water into the basin, which is located 150 to 200 ft. to the south of the gulch. This
project was also proposed in the KDMP as a flood mitigation measure. Using this method, some
of the sediment being carried by the stormwater could fall out of suspension before the water
returns to the gulch and the eight feet of water remaining in the basin would infiltrate into the
aquifer. This would change the nature of the floodwaters in Kihei by reducing their volume and
sediment load. An engineering study is recommended to determine the feasibility of this project.

To estimate the pollutant load reductions that would be achieved by diverting stormwater from
Waipu’ilani Gulch to Piʻilani Basin in this manner, we entered the area of the structure as an
infiltration basin in STEPL. Table 19 below details the pollutant reductions calculated.

Table 19. STEPL Generated Pollutant Load Reduction Estimated from Diversion of Storm Water
from Waipu’ilani Gulch to Piʻilani Basin
Sediment
Basin Sub- N Reduction P Reduction
Land Use Acreage Reduction
Number Watershed (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr)
(tons/yr)
Piʻilani
Hapapa Pastureland 50 37.26 4.04 2173.57
Basin
STEPL BMP = Dry Detention Basin

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Figure 28. Pi’ilani Basin

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Stream Diversions to Contoured Terrace Ditches

Contoured terrace ditches will be used to capture, store, and divert water from gulches to detention
basins. Diversion of sediment laden water during peak flow into these ditches and ultimately into
detention basins in series provides multiple functions. The infiltrated water would sub-irrigate
grass for cattle feed, recharge aquifers, and water left in the ponds would be used by livestock and
wildlife. The terrace ditches would run perpendicular to the slope and capture overland flow runoff.

On any given gulch, several of these intake/drain field systems, capturing stormwater runoff after
a big rain event, could remove a significant portion of the sediment load and return cleaner water
to the stream. There would be several advantages to this approach, including increased productivity
in the pasturelands, aquifer recharge, flood mitigation, and water quality improvements through
the reduction of storm water generated sediment loss.

The cost advantage of using this method, rather than large detention basins lower in the landscape,
and the relative ease of installation make this approach more feasible. According to Unemori
Engineering the general cost of constructing a large detention basin is approximately $20 per cubic
foot. This would mean that a 50-acre-foot basin, like the Pi’ilani Mauka detention basin discussed
later in this document, cost approximately $1.6 million to install. The comparable price of smaller
excavated basins would be considerably less. Costs would depend on terrain, accessibility, and
geologic conditions, among other things. Stream diversions would require several permits
including a State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources Commission on Water
Resources Management Stream Channel Alteration Permit (SCAP).

While STEPL does not calculate load reduction estimates specific to this implementation project,
it does calculate efficiencies for combined BMPs. When contour farming, terracing, controlled
drainage and detention BMPs are combined, STEPL calculates the following reduction for
sediment and nutrients per each acre where these BMPs are implemented.

Table 20. Contoured Terrace Load Reduction per Acre*

Size of Pollutant
BMP Implementation N P Sediment
Project (Acres) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
Contoured
1 0.343 0.264 0.185
Terrace
*BMPs are specific to Cropland and load reduction estimates will be different in other land use types where STEPL
provides different BMPs.

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Figure 29. Examples of Shallow, Flatter Sections of Gulches Suitable for Detention Basins in
Series

Figure 30. Examples of Stream Diversions

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High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites

Intensive land use activities that reduce the vegetative cover and loosen soil can produce conditions
promoting erosion. These sites are called high impact zones. Figure 31 is an example of a high
impact zone on grazing lands, where a single water trough serves hundreds of acres of dry
pastureland. High impact zones, related to activities such as construction, agriculture, ranching,
and forestry, could benefit from a suite of management measures designed to protect water quality.
They will collectively be termed High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites (HIZMS). The interception
of sediment laden runoff and other pollutants caused by high impact zones is the primary objective
of HIZMS.

County ordinances control the impact of construction through grading and grubbing permits and
agricultural activities through conservation plans developed by the SWCDs and NRCS. For
instance, the County requires silt fences to catch eroding sediments from construction sites;
conservation plans require the control of runoff through vegetative methods, diversions, and
sediment basins. Unfortunately, many high impact zones in the watershed exist without mitigation
measures.

Mitigating practices that can be adopted to capture sediment from stormwater runoff in HIZMS
include but are not limited to vegetated buffers, fabric roll runoff interceptors, berms and terraces,
small detention basins, and fenced riparian corridors. These relatively low-cost mitigation
measures have the potential to reduce impacts to water quality from these high intensity land uses.

Figure 32 depicts some of the mitigation measures that can be implemented as part of a HIZMS.
A vegetated buffer is placed downslope of the impacted area. To prevent cattle and wildlife from
grazing on the vegetation, an exclusionary fence will surround the vegetation. In addition, seeded
fabric rolls can be used to further slow sheet flow. The fabric rolls can be seeded with a
combination of native shrubs and grasses to enhance native habitat and create a living filter. A
small berm can be used to detain water flowing down slope towards gullies and gulches and keep
sediment laden water within the vegetated buffer. Sediment buildup can be monitored to
demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique. It has proven successful in other similar locations
(see Kohala Watershed Partnership’s Pelekane Bay Watershed Restoration Project-Final Report,
May 31, 2011).

Currently, two locations have been identified as priority sites for HIZM implementation as shown
in Figure 33. Both of these locations are located within the Hapapa watershed on Haleakala Ranch
land. These sites are meant to act as pilot projects to show their effectiveness on ranch lands.
Additional HIZM site locations will be identified on ranch lands associated the Wailea and
Moʻoloa watersheds in the future as appropriate. Using ArcGIS software, the areas downslope of
the HIZM locations that will be affected by the project were calculated and entered in the STEPL
program. Table 21 provides the estimated load reduction for sediment and nutrients from the
implementation of HIZM at these two sites

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Table 21. STEPL Estimated Load Reductions from HIZM Implementation

N Reduction P Reduction
HIZM Site Land Use Acreage Sediment Reduction (tons/yr)
(lbs/yr) (lbs/yr)
1 Pasture 46.79 60.05 14.22 9.68
2 Pasture 27.79 36.03 8.53 5.81
STEPL BMP = Critical Area Planting

Figure 31. Watering Trough Depicting Intensive Land Use Promoting Erosion

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Figure 32. High Impact Mitigation Site Depicting Various Mitigation Measures

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Figure 33. Proposed HIZM Implementation Site Locations

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Grazing Management

In addition to the high impact zones associated with cattle grazing discussed above, additional
management of grazing lands will benefit water quality within the SMWP. More than half of the
lands in the SMWP are grazed by a combination of domestic and feral animals, including cattle,
deer, pigs, goats, sheep, and elk. Much of the grazing acreage is rough and prone to drought, and
grazing management is necessary in order to maintain the health of the watershed. NRCS promotes
what is called “Prescribed Grazing”. The NRCS defines prescribed grazing as the controlled
harvest of vegetation with grazing animals, managed with the intent to achieve a specific objective.
This practice may be applied on all lands where grazing and/or browsing animals are managed.
Removal of herbage by the grazing animals is in accordance with production limitations, plant
sensitivities and management goals. Frequency of defoliations and season of grazing is based on
the rate of growth and physiological condition of the plants. Duration and intensity of grazing is
based on desired plant health and expected productivity of the forage species to meet management
objectives. In all cases enough vegetation is left to prevent accelerated soil erosion. Application of
this practice will manipulate the intensity, frequency, duration, and season of grazing to:

 Improve water infiltration

 Maintain or improve riparian and upland area vegetation
 Protect stream banks from erosion
 Manage for deposition of fecal material away from water bodies
 Promote ecological and economically stable plant communities which meet
landowner objectives

While some of the ranchers have adopted managed grazing practices, much of the acreage could
benefit from improved management. As an example, watering troughs in paddocks not currently
in use should be turned off and emptied so feral ungulates don’t have access to this water. During
the recent USGS sediment study conducted in North Kihei, large herds of deer in excess of 100
individuals were routinely observed. Small groups of goats and hogs were also seen. While
ranchers are able to effectively employ traditional grazing management strategies for their cattle,
feral ungulates are much more difficult to manage. Taller fences are needed to manage feral
ungulates. Due to the high costs associated with these fences, feral ungulate grazing management
in extremely difficult.

ArcGIS was utilized to determine the portion of the SMWP containing pasturelands. This acreage
was then plugged into STEPL to determine the load reduction for nutrients and sediment within
the project area. STEPL does not take into account sediment reduction from grazing management.
Table 22 depicts the estimated nutrient load reductions calculating using the STEPL model for
grazing management assuming the BMP is implemented on all existing pasturelands. While this
acreage may seem like an overestimation, only a small number of ranching entities exist in the
SMWP and grazing management implementation is believed to be widely accepted amongst these
stakeholders.

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Table 22. STEPL Estimated Load Reduction from Grazing Management

N
Land P Reduction Sediment Reduction
Project Acreage Reduction
Use (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
(lbs/yr)
Grazing
Pasture 38963.53 55483.01 2545.12 NA
Management
STEPL BMP = Grazing Land Management (Rotational Grazing with Fencing)

Riparian Protection and Rehabilitation

All of the gulches in the Southwest Maui Watershed project area can benefit from protection and
rehabilitation management measures. Various site-specific measures can be utilized depending on
the resources available. Unfenced riparian zones are grazed by livestock and provide hidden trails
used by deer and other feral ungulates. As a result, vegetation is grazed and trampled and soil is
loosened; this contributes to unstable stream banks and causes erosion and sediment laden
stormwater during runoff events. Fencing is the primary means of protection, preventing access
by hoofed animals. The effectiveness of the removal of sediments and nutrients from stormwater
runoff increases with buffer width (see Riparian Buffer Width, Vegetative Cover, and Nitrogen
Removal Effectiveness, EPA/600/R-05/118, October 2005). Access crossings through the gulches
are incorporated into the fence design, and stream curtains are installed to prevent animals from
entering the buffers while crossing. These curtains allow stormwater to pass under without
destroying the fence.

Fabric rolls impregnated with native seeds can be utilized to both intercept sediment and provide
a living filter. They can be staked as check dams in the stream flow and serve as streambank
stabilizers.

The expense of fencing prevents landowners from committing riparian areas for protection and
rehabilitation. It is therefore recommended that riparian fencing be one of the major funded
implementation strategies in the watershed and that it be provided to any willing landowner.

Riparian fencing higher up in the landscape in association with conservation lands can prevent the
need for bigger, more expensive solutions downslope by reducing sediment laden sheet flow from
reaching gullies and gulches. Fencing is a core goal of the Leeward Haleakala Watershed
Restoration Partnership as well as the SMWP. However, riparian buffer fencing in the lower
elevations is also important to prevent sediment from entering the stream corridors where there is
more surface area and higher potential for erosion between waterways.

A fenced, re-vegetated corridor can also provide a sediment filter for the sheet flow from adjacent
lands, as demonstrated by Operation TAKO POKE, a 319(h), R-1 irrigated riparian buffer project
completed in 2005 on Keokea Gulch (Figure 34). Even un-irrigated buffers will revegetate after
fencing, given time. Options include allowing existing vegetation to reestablish itself, or actively
seeding and out planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees to further enhance native habitat (see list
of native species in Table 23).

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Because much of the infrastructure associated with the portion of Keokea Gulch where TAKO
POKE was implemented still exists, an approximately 5200-ft length of this stream has been
proposed for riparian protection. In addition, an approximately 5400-ft length of Liilioholo Gulch
further south in the Wailea watershed of the SMWP has also been proposed. No streams exist
within the Moʻoloa watershed. STEPL estimates for pollutant load reductions based on a 35-ft
wide riparian corridor protection area for both of these streams is provided in Table 23 below.
Figure 35 depicts their relative locations within the SMWP boundary.

Table 23. STEPL Estimated Load Reduction from Riparian Protection and Rehabilitation
Length of Percent
Proposed of Total N P Sediment
All Streams Watershed Riparian Length of Reduction Reduction Reduction
protected Protection all (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
without (ft) Streams
fencing
Entire
388822.00 100.00 62436.85 18715.69 13463.22
SMWP

Keokea Hapapa 5200.00 2.00 3059.34 577.86 351.21

Liilioholo Wailea 5400.00 5.00 7648.35 1444.64 878.04
No Moʻoloa NA NA NA NA NA NA
STEPL BMP = Streambank Stabilization and Fencing

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Figure 34. TACO POKE Riparian Buffer with Exclusionary Fence in 2005

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Table 24. List of Native Plants Potentially Used to Restore Riparian Buffers

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Table 25. List of Native Plants Potentially Used to Restore Riparian Buffers Continued

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Figure 35. Proposed Locations for Riparian Protection in the SMWP

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Unpaved Roads
Many of the unpaved roads in the SMWP are on slopes and much of the landscape is dry
throughout much of the year. Figure 36 depicts the unimproved roads within the SMWP.
Occasional storms, especially Kona storms, lead to runoff, which often turn these roads into
conveyances for stormwater. The miles of poorly maintained and disused ranching roads have the
potential to be major sources of sediment transfer and pathways for channeling stormwater runoff
into stream gulches.

A comprehensive inventory of the SMWP unimproved roads should be conducted to determine

stakeholder access needs and roads that are candidates for decommissioning or repair. Closing
roads using structural methods (barriers) such rocks, logs, or vetiver plantings can capture
sediment and attenuate runoff. Many roads are severely compacted, and the soils have lost most,
if not all, of their stormwater infiltration capabilities. In coordination with landowners and
potential road users, disused, and unnecessary or redundant roadways should be identified for
decommissioning, and roads likely to stay in use should be improved using water bars, sediment
traps and other BMPs to minimize downslope transport of eroded sediments. Example BMPs can
be found in the document entitled: Unpaved Road Standards for Caribbean and Pacific Islands.
See: https://dcrm.gov.mp/wp-content/uploads/crm/2017IslandUnpavedRoadStandards.pdf

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Figure 36. Unimproved Roads within the SMWP

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Roads for stabilization and closure should be prioritized based on 1) stakeholder use and needs, 2)
slope, 3) percentage of sand, silt, clay, and stone, 4) erosion and infiltration rates, and 5) likelihood
of transport to streams/gulches based on models developed by Ramos-Scharron in 2009. Other
agricultural roads on Maui have been decommissioned based on the following criteria:

1. Roads with high levels of erosion and deep ruts that render them dysfunctional as a road.
2. Those roads which have clearly not been used for at least two years.
3. Mauka roadways in SMWP that are directly contributing sediment and stormwater into
gulches.

Lines of vetiver can be planted on contours across disused roads. These lines serve to interrupt and
spread stormwater flows, capture sediment, and infiltrate water safely into the ground. As plants
mature, and especially if coupled with stones or other physical barriers, they effectively delineate
a road as decommissioned. It is important to conduct stakeholder engagement with any potential
road users such as fire crews, rangers, illicit dirt bikers, hunters, hikers, etc. to help select sites and
ensure potential users understand the purpose of the road closure barriers and plants so they are
left intact. Signage can also be useful to convey this information.

To estimate loads reductions from the repair or decommissioning of unimproved roads, we aerially
digitized their locations throughout the SMWP. We then calculated their length and assumed a
uniform width of 20 feet wide. We then entered these numbers into STEPL to generate load
reduction estimates for sediment throughout the entire watershed as shown in Table 26 below.

Table 26. STEPL Estimates of Sediment Load Reduction from Unimproved Road Repair
Sub- Length Percent of Total Sediment Reduction
Acres Land Use
Watershed (ft) Sub-Watershed (tons/yr)
Hapapa 282.51 283735.13 Pastureland 0.88 368.86
Wailea 480.31 459107.38 Pastureland 1.50 596.84
Moʻoloa 93.31 47144.10 Pastureland 0.29 61.29
Combined STEPL BMPs = Use Exclusion, Critical Area Planting, and Grass Buffers

Based on initial monitoring results from similar projects, the above project can capture and retain
approximately10-15 tons of sediment in one year (CORAL unpublished data). Projects should be
coordinated with existing restoration activities being conducted in the area. Potential partners
include Leeward Haleakala Watershed Partnership, large land owners, and DLNR.

Illegal Dumping Controls

Illegal dumping occurs throughout the natural areas within the urban portion of the Southwest
Maui Watershed Plan. Homeless encampments are a major source of rubbish and dumping. Of
particular concern is the dumping of yard debris and waste into wetlands, gullies and gulches
within the watershed. Wetlands provide habitat for important wildlife species. This habitat is
severely degraded by the addition of pollutants from outside sources. Gullies and gulches that

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become clogged with debris can eventually flood. Decaying natural material such as lawn
clippings and landscaping debris decay and can cause nutrient loading within the watershed.

Wetlands and other natural areas where illegal dumping is taking place should be identified. These
areas should be cleaned up and preventative measures should be installed (signs, bollards, etc.) to
ensure future dumping does not occur. Community outreach programs can accompany this effort
to ensure stakeholders are informed about and empowered to act against illegal dumping.

Stream Restorations

The portions of Kulanihakoi, Waipuilani, and Keokea located makai of Pi’ilani Highway within
the urban corridor of Kihei are good candidates for stream channel restoration. Kulanihakoi in
particular, has had so much sediment deposited into its flood plain that this section of the stream
is no longer able to rise above its flood banks and access this area of the stream during smaller
storm events. Dredging to remove this sediment has been proposed for this stream to restore proper
function to the coastal flood plain. Coupled with appropriate infiltration and detention BMPs,
restoration of these stream sections would have the added benefit of reducing flow volumes
through the urban corridor and retain water instead of having it discharge directly into nearshore
coastal waters.

Table 27. STEPL Pollutant Load Reduction Estimates for Stream Restorations in North Kihei
N P Sediment
Sub-
Wetland Land Use Acreage Reduction Reduction Reduction
Watershed
(lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
Kulanihakoi Hapapa Residential 16.88 27.09 4.27 2360.32
Waipuilani Hapapa Residential 17.70 23.79 5.39 1690.81
Keokea Hapapa Industrial 101.40 14.06 328.53 4421.89
STEPL BMP = Dry Detention

Figure 37. Example of a Restored Stream Reach

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Example of a restored stream reach that is incorporating course woody debris, native plants (both which increases
nutrient uptake), and stepped pools constructed with boulders (that slow down the erosive forces of the water).

Figure 38. Example of a Stream Channel Restoration

Stream channel restoration and stabilization projects usually include step pools and rip rap, both of which reduce
erosive action and increase infiltration.

Low Impact Design (LID)

As stated earlier, the three watersheds within the SMWP include some of the nation’s fastest
growing population areas. There is a trend of increased impervious surface and habitat loss due to
this development. These impervious surfaces cause stormwater that would otherwise be drawn up
by vegetation and soil to instead pond on impervious surfaces and runoff into coastal waters. LID
systems mimic natural conditions within developed environments, allowing stormwater to access
the permeable surfaces and ultimately sink into the ground instead of becoming runoff. LID
examples include systems such as curb cuts, vegetated bioswales, rain gardens, and pervious
paving options.

LID Stormwater Treatment in Parking Lots

Retrofits such as curb cuts and biofiltration gardens could easily be incorporated into parking lots
within the urban corridor of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. Other projects include the installation of
pervious pavement.

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Figure 39. Examples of Low Impact Design Stormwater Treatment in Parking Lots

Stormwater Wells

The underlying geology in the Southwest Maui Watershed consists of layers of volcanic deposits;
some containing rapidly cooled lava that is brittle and highly porous, while other deposits are
denser as a result of having cooled more slowly. Dense layers do not allow water to rapidly
percolate, while the less dense, porous layers promote surface water infiltration into the aquifer.
This latter geology has the potential to infiltrate significant amounts of water provided engineered
wells and trenches are suitably high enough above underlying groundwater tables and the bottoms
of wells and trenches can access enough porous (less dense) strata to allow water to permeate
through the soil. Infiltration wells, trenches, or French drains are all designed to convert surface
water into groundwater by sinking excess stream flows safely into the ground. Acting like a
‘reverse well’, this approach has the added benefit of effectively recharging freshwater aquifers.

Stormwater Infiltration (Dry) Wells

These wells are similar in construction to a cesspool. This open-bottomed well structure is installed
surrounded by gravel and wrapped in a geotextile cloth to prevent fine sediment from clogging the
well, which would reduce infiltration performance over time. Stormwater is directed into the well

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where it drains effectively into the ground. Infiltration wells can be as simple as a pit filled with
rubble or as complex as a prefabricated concrete structure. UIC permits are typically required for
the installation of infiltration wells.

Figure 40. Stormwater Infiltration Well

Infiltration Trench or French Drain

This structure is similar to a well except that it is configured as a long trench filled with gravel or
a perforated pipe which spreads water over a larger area. Excess stream water could be directed
into a trench, provided the water did not contain significant fine sediment particles which might
eventually clog the system.

Nutrient Curtain
The Permeable Reactive Barrier (a.k.a. ‘nutrient curtain’) is constructed by excavating a trench
approximately three feet wide, and four feet deep and long enough to bisect the groundwater
moving through the area. It consists of a mix of hardwood chips, sand, sawdust, and activated
charcoal (a.k.a. ‘biochar’). This precise mixture converts nitrogen pollution contained in the
groundwater into atmospheric nitrogen effectively filtering pollutants from groundwater passing
through. This process requires no maintenance once installed and has a long effective lifespan
because charcoal lasts for hundreds of years when buried in the soil (charcoal makes up a
substantial portion of ancient archaeological sites in the Amazon Basin as well as Pacific Islands).
There may be a slight loss in nutrient removal efficiency when the woodchips eventually break
down (10-15 years), but the system will still function well beyond this time horizon.

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Figure 41. Nutrient Curtain (Permeable Reactive Barrier) Example

Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW)

A floating treatment wetland (FTW) can improve the pollution treatment effectiveness of a wet
retention pond. An FTW consists of a floating raft of buoyant material that is deployed on the
surface of the pond, on which aquatic plants are grown hydroponically. Plant roots take up
nutrients to support plant growth. The roots hanging down in the water column provide an ideal
habitat for denitrifying bacteria. These bacteria remove nitrogen from the water and convert it into
nitrogen gas which bubbles out of the water and is released into the atmosphere.

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Figure 42. Floating Treatment Wetland Examples

Golf course ponds are ideal locations for the implementation of FTWs. Fourteen ponds have been
identified on the three golf courses throughout the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa watersheds. The
locations of these ponds are depicted in Figure 43 below. STEPL modeling was conducted to
calculate pollutant load reductions from the installation of floating treatment wetlands throughout
the SMWP.

Table 28. STEPL Pollutant Load Reductions for Floating Treatment Wetlands on Golf Courses
within the Southwest Maui Water Plan
N P Sediment
Pond Sub
Golf Course Acres Reduction Reduction Reduction
Number Watershed
(lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
Maui Nui Golf
1 0.48 Hapapa 0.29 0.10 90.11
Course
Maui Nui Golf
2 0.39 Hapapa 0.24 0.08 73.21
Course
Maui Nui Golf
3 0.26 Hapapa 0.16 0.06 48.81
Course
Maui Nui Golf
4 0.25 Hapapa 0.15 0.05 46.93
Course
Wailea Golf
5 0.18 Wailea 0.11 0.04 33.79
Course
Wailea Golf
6 0.08 Wailea 0.05 0.02 15.02
Course

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N P Sediment
Pond Sub
Golf Course Acres Reduction Reduction Reduction
Number Watershed
(lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
Wailea Golf
7 0.55 Wailea 0.34 0.12 103.25
Course
Wailea Golf
8 0.35 Wailea 0.21 0.07 65.70
Course
Wailea Golf
9 1.24 Wailea 0.76 0.26 232.78
Course
Wailea Golf
10 1.03 Wailea 0.63 0.22 193.36
Course
Wailea Golf
11 0.18 Wailea 0.11 0.04 33.79
Course
Makena Golf
12 3.07 Wailea 1.88 0.65 576.32
Course
Makena Golf
13 0.52 Wailea 0.32 0.11 97.62
Course
Makena Golf
14 1.76 Moʻoloa 1.08 0.38 330.40
Course
STEPL BMP = Wetland Detention

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Figure 43. SMWP Golf Course and Golf Pond Locations

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Numerous other LID projects exist within the STEPL load reduction model. For each of these
projects, we calculated load reduction estimates based on a drainage acreage of one acre for
consistency. While we have not currently proposed specific locations for each of these projects,
we wanted to include them in the Plan to inform stakeholders of their relative ability to reduce
pollutant loads within the SMWP. We will continue to reach out to hotels, resorts, condominiums,
and other entities where LID projects can be successfully implemented. Table 29 below lists some
of the various LID projects available to stakeholders and their STEPL generated pollutant load
reductions per one acre of drainage.

Table 29. STEPL Generated Pollutant Load Reductions for LID Projects Per One Acre of Drainage
LID N P Sediment
Drainage
Project Reduction Reduction Reduction
Acreage
(As Listed in STEPL) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (tons/yr)
Dry Well 1.00 4.48 0.45 302.31
Filter/Buffer Strip 1.00 2.69 0.27 201.54
Infiltration Swale 1.00 4.48 0.58 302.31
Infiltration Trench 1.00 4.48 0.45 302.31
Vegetated Swale 1.00 0.67 0.16 159.55
Wet Swale 1.00 3.58 0.18 268.72
Oil/Grit Separator 1.00 0.45 0.04 50.38
Porous Pavement 1.00 7.61 0.58 302.31
Settling Basin 1.00 0.00 0.46 273.76
Vegetated Filter Strips 1.00 3.58 0.41 245.21
Weekly Street Sweeping 1.00 0.00 0.05 53.74

Expansion of R-1 Reuse Area

Most of the wastewater from the Kihei urban area is collected and treated at the Kihei Wastewater
Reclamation Facility (WWTF). Presently, the Kihei WWTF reclaims and reuses roughly 40 to 50
percent of the wastewater it treats. This amounts to approximately 1.6 to two million gallons per
day (mgd). The remaining treated effluent is discharged through injection wells where it percolates
into the ground. At present, the reclaimed water, also known as treated R-1 recycled water, is being
reused for irrigation purposes by golf course, park, residential, commercial, and agricultural
entities. Figures 44 and 45 below depict the current and proposed reclaimed water systems. These
figures were provided by Maui County.

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Figure 44. Current Reclaimed Water Infrastructure

Figure 45. Proposed Reclaimed Water Infrastructure

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As part of its fiscal 2020 budget deliberations, the Maui County Council is currently reviewing the
following Victorino administration recycled water project proposals:
West Maui recycled water reuse expansion, $13.5 million in construction costs in fiscal 2020. This
project would design and create a pressurized recycled water distribution system, including a new
tank/reservoir, force main and other distribution system upgrades.
Wailuku-Kahului recycled water pump station, $600,000 for design in fiscal 2020 and $6 million
for construction in fiscal 2022. This project would design and construct a station to pump recycled
water to potential agricultural and other users in the Central Valley.
Wailuku-Kahului recycled water force main, $600,000 for design in fiscal 2018, $500,000 for land
acquisition in fiscal 2020 and $13.5 million for construction in fiscal 2021. This project would
design and construct a recycled water force main to convey water from the Wailuku-Kahului
Wastewater Reclamation Facility to the Central Maui/Waikapu area for agricultural or landscape
irrigation use or deposit in soil aquifer treatment basins to eliminate injection well usage at the
Kahului reclamation facility.
Kihei in-plant pump station upgrades, $750,000 for construction. This project would upgrade both
the Kihei in-plant lift station No. 2 and the recycled water pump station. The project includes
replacing pumps, piping and the access hatch of the left station; replacing pumps and control
equipment for the recycled water distribution system; and renovation of various in-plant valve
vaults.

Cesspool Upgrade or Closure

With 1655 cesspools known to exist within the SMWP, they are of particular concern throughout
the watershed. Maui Meadows, upcountry residential areas, and a few residences in the Makena
area are served by cesspools or septic tanks. Figure 26 depicts the locations of cesspools within
the SMWP boundary.

As stated earlier, while DOH CWB water sampling has shown no issues with pathogens exist
within the coastal waters of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, leaching from these cesspools may be
contributing to the high levels of nutrients observed in these waters.

Generally, options for upgrade or closure include:

1. Closure and connection to an existing nearby sewer system with available capacity.
2. Closure and connection to a new private or public sewer system.
3. Closure and connection to a community-scale package wastewater treatment system.
4. Upgrade to an onsite septic tank and/or aerobic treatment unit system.

Signed into law in July of 2017, Act 125 requires all cesspools to be upgraded, converted to a
septic system, or connected to a sewer system by Jan. 1, 2050. It directs the Hawaii DOH to
evaluate residential cesspools in the state, develop a Report to the Legislature that includes a
prioritization method for cesspool upgrades, and work with the Department of Taxation on
possible funding options to reduce the financial burden on homeowners.

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In addition, Act 120 provides a temporary income tax credit for the cost of upgrading or converting
a qualified cesspool to a septic tank system or an aerobic treatment unit system, or connecting to
a sewer system. A taxpayer may apply for a tax credit of up to $10,000 for each qualified cesspool.
The tax credit started in tax year 2016 and ends in tax year 2020. There is a $5,000,000 cap that is
available for each tax year. Any taxpayer who is not eligible to claim the credit in a taxable year
shall be eligible to claim the credit in the subsequent taxable years up to 2020.

It should be noted that only cesspools located within 500 feet of a shoreline, perennial stream,
wetland, or within a source water assessment program area (two-year time of travel from a cesspool
to a public drinking water source) are eligible for the tax credit.

Through the watershed coordinator and as an outreach and education component of this Plan, the
SWCD will engage with the community within the SMWP known to be using cesspools to inform
them of the environmental impacts associated with cesspools and the laws and programs in place
to assist in their conversion to one of the options listed above. To estimate pollutant load reductions
from the conversion of cesspools to septic systems or aerobic treatment unit, we referenced the
EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual. Table 3-17 provides percent removal rates
for systems utilizing leach fields for various wastewater quality parameters. Total Nitrogen is
reduced by 10-40% and Total Phosphorous is reduced by 85-95%. Fecal Coliforms are reduced by
99.9%. Table 30 below shows the calculated nutrient estimates for the 1655 cesspools in the
SMWP using a 25% conversion rate to show relative pollution reductions within the watershed
using an average of the reduction rates supplied by the EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
Manual.

Table 30. Pollutant Load Reduction Estimates for SMWP Cesspool Mitigation
Percent Total Load
Number of
Conversion of
Active Use
Known
Cesspools N Load* P Load±
Cesspools Sediment Load (t/yr)
within the (lb/yr) (lb/yr)
within the
SMWP
SMWP
1655 0 51451.00 20151.64 0
1241 25% 48234.96 15620.46 0
828 50% 45028.16 11093.98 0
414 75% 41811.38 6556.54 0
0 100% 38594.60 2019.10 0
*Assuming Conversion Results in Nitrogen Loads Being Reduced by 25%
±Assuming Conversion Results in Phosphorus Loads Being Reduced by 90%
Replacement of each existing cesspool with an improved treatment method could cost $20,000 or
more per system.

Oyster Seeding
As filter feeders, oysters are capable of pumping large volumes of water through their gills every
day. This process removes nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the water while improving
water clarity, removing algae and promoting other life in the harbor.

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While STEPL does not provide pollution load reduction estimates from the use of oysters,
MNMRC is currently pursuing an oyster project in Maalaea Harbor. Data from this pilot project
will be used to determine the efficacy of using oysters to remove pollutants from coastal waters.
Similar projects could be implemented at the Kihei Boat Ramp or off shore at floating barges.

Existing Management Practices

The forested conservation lands and private forests in the watershed are mainly used for
recreational purposes. A major native re-vegetation project in the burned portion of the Kula
Forest Reserve at 6,000 ft. el., is striving to re-stabilize the area. It is managed by the Hawaii State
Department of Fish and Wildlife (DOFAW) for both conservation and recreational uses. Ungulate
populations are maintained for a sustainable yield of game for hunters. The Leeward Haleakala
Watershed Restoration Partnership recommends upland reforestation in the cloud belt in order to
enhance fog drip.
Many of the farms in the watershed have conservation plans for resource protection that were
developed with the help of NRCS and Olinda-Kula and Central Maui SWCDs. Rotational cropping
and organic matter (OM) management are being practiced by some farms for biologically
sustainable soil health and productivity. However, many of the conventional farms are relying on
imported chemical inputs. Some farms using permaculture design principles use water catchment
and storage systems to augment county water supplies. In this dry region, crop irrigation is a
necessity.

Most of the grazing lands in this dry watershed utilize some form of rotational grazing. There is a
growing trend toward holistic grazing practices, which use smaller paddock sizes to intensify
grazing impact, more frequent rotations, and longer-term recovery. This improves the diversity of
the forage and the productivity of the pasture land. Holistic grazing can also reduce erosion and
improve water infiltration.

In the urban zone, there are wetland recovery projects, some channelized stream beds designed to
mitigate flooding, and dune protection sites along the shoreline. Some of the public parks, a golf
course, a corn seed farm, a shopping center, an apartment complex, the MRTP, and others are
using R-1 reclaimed water for irrigation, reducing imported potable water use.

In the developing areas of the South Maui urban corridor, Wailea and Makena Resorts, and
upcountry rural/residential areas, construction site Best Management Practices (BMPs) are
mandated for sites over 1 acre by CWA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permits for stormwater discharges. There are currently no post construction
requirements for stormwater pollution prevention or BMPs, except as may be specified for a
particular project as a special condition.

In the coastal zone, special management areas are established under the Coastal Zone Management
Act. Water reuse, irrigation, and fertilization/pesticide/herbicide use conditions, as well as marine
monitoring, are often required by the SMA special permits (See Figure 46).

Small craft are offered a sewage pumping station in nearby Ma’alaea Harbor by a cooperative
agreement between the County of Maui and the grassroots “Pump Don’t Dump” group.

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The Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts and NRCS review individual proposed County
grading permits and make specific recommendations for BMPs to control soil erosion and prevent
water pollution. The County of Maui drainage systems receive agricultural, urban, and light
industrial/commercial stormwater runoff. The County submitted a stormwater quality management
program plan to the DOH in 2014. The plan was revised in 2015 to reflect information gained
during initial implementation of the program. The purpose of their plan is to control polluted storm
water runoff from the County’s regulated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources is working
with Maui Environmental Consulting, LLC to build the technical capacity of Maui County
stakeholders to implement LID and align incentives to encourage widespread adoption of LID
BMPs across public and private landscapes. This is being done with the end goal of improving
water quality in nearshore waters by focusing on projects in the SMA and within the urban
corridors of Maui.

This is accomplished by training County employees in LID through their participation in training
exercises, by designing incentives to integrate LID methodologies into County ordinances and
watershed management planning efforts, and by working with private landowners, developers, and
engineers on Maui to plan LID on their properties.

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Figure 46. Special Management Area within the SMWP

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ELEMENT D – TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED

TO MEET GOALS AND CONDUCT IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS
Technical Assistance and Permits

In addition to the key stakeholders listed in Section 2.1.3, implementation projects proposed in this Plan will often require technical
assistance from engineers, architects, land surveyors, environmental consultants, and other professionals. The following chart lists the
major permits, some of which may be required for the implementation of the various recommended management measures. Whenever
a project will fall within the Special Management Area (SMA), which is makai of Piʻilani Highway within the urban cooridor, impacts
a stream, wetland, or other surface water feature, is within 150 feet of the shoreline, is in a flood zone, involves clearing of vegetation
or earth moving activities, or will have a significant environmental impact, various permits will likely be required.

Table 31. Potential Permits needed for Excavated Basins in Series and Stream Diversions
Application
Permit Name Issuer Trigger Requirements Project Improvements
Any activity that
bares or grades the
Required for removal
ground surface, such
Maui County of vegetation and Application will
Grading and Grubbing as structural
Department of earthmoving activities require construction
Permit installation, access
Public Works associated with plans to be submitted
roads, and equipment
construction
and material staging
areas
Any use, activity, or
Required for any Application will operation qualifying
Special Management work being conducted require plots/drawings as "development", and
Maui County
Area (SMA) Permit in the Special of work being has a total cost fair
Management Area conducted market value of
$500,000 or more; or

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Application
Permit Name Issuer Trigger Requirements Project Improvements
has significant
adverse
environmental or
ecological effect
within the Special
Management Area.
Any activities
Required when a affecting County-
Application will
Perform Work on Maui County County roadway is owned roadways or
require construction
County Highway Department of disturbed by structures, such as
plans for the affected
Permit Public Works installation of pipeline installation,
area
pipelines use of bridges, and
traffic control
Any activity which Application will
State of will affect the stream include design
Hawaii course within the drawings, effects on Intakes, stream
Stream Channel Commission channel of a perennial and mitigation for crossings of pipelines,
Alteration Permit on Water or intermittent stream. aquatic organisms and construction and
Resources The regulated channel communities, water maintenance roads
Management extends to the top of pollution prevention
the streambank. plan
Application will
include amount of
Commission Any new or modified New stream intakes
water to be taken,
Stream Water on Water diversion of water and change in
assessment of other
Diversion Permit Resources from streams for diversion amount at
instream and non-
Management beneficial use existing intakes
instream water uses,
design of intake

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Application
Permit Name Issuer Trigger Requirements Project Improvements
Application will
Any activity resulting
require site plan,
in filling of water
design, construction New stream intakes,
U.S. Army bodies in the U.S.,
Department of Army methodology, CWA road and pipeline
Corps of including flowing
Permit Section 401 Water crossings of streams
Engineers streams and wetlands.
Quality Certification and wetlands
Fill includes sediment
by Hawaii
and structures.
Department of Health
Application will
require items
submitted for
Required for any
Clean Water Department of Army
Federal permit that
Clean Water Act Branch, State Permit, environmental Applies to locations
will involve discharge
Section 401 Water of Hawaii, and chemical requiring Department
into bodies of water
Quality Certification Department of evaluation of of Army Permit
including streams and
Health receiving water, and
wetlands
Hawaii Water Quality
Standards compliance
plan
State of Any development
Hawaii, actions in
Conservation District Application will Pipeline or reservoir
Department of Conservation Districts
Use Application require a Hawaii installation in the
Land and as designated by the
(CDUA) Chapter 343 EA/EIS Conservation District
Natural State Land Use
Resources Commission

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Application
Permit Name Issuer Trigger Requirements Project Improvements
Required for
construction site
Application will
Clean Water runoff management
National Pollution require sediment and Applies to all
Branch, State when construction
Discharge Elimination runoff management construction sites with
of Hawaii, area exceeds one acre
System (NPDES) designs and a water potential of erosion
Department of and if the operation of
Permit quality monitoring and runoff
Health the improvement
plan
results in discharge
into water bodies
Any activities that
Division of Required for
affect State-owned
Use and Occupancy Highways, surveying, materials Permit will depend on
roadways or
Permit/Construction State of testing, and phase of work with
structures, such as
within a State Hawaii, construction affecting full plans required for
pipeline installation,
Highway Permit Department of State-owned construction activities
use of bridges, and
Transportation roadways
traffic control

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Implementation Project Cost Estimates

In addition to modeling pollutant load reductions from the various implementation projects
outlined in this watershed plan, we have prepared project cost estimates to facilitate stakeholders
in obtaining financial assistance and in the decision-making process. These cost estimates were
generated using the best information available at the time this report was written. Stakeholders are
encouraged to use these cost estimates when designing projects and applying for grants. It should
be noted that certain costs are specific to the type of work being conducted, their location in the
watershed, community support, etc. While we attempted to formulate these costs using the best
information available, many of these cost estimates were generated over the several years it took
to compose this watershed plan. Therefore, these costs are meant as estimates and stakeholders
should always budget for projects using quotes and information obtained at the time of
implementation.

Potential sources of financial assistance include but are not limited to the Department of Health
Clean Water Branch, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Maui County Office of Economic
Development, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Kihei Community Association, the Central Maui
Soil and Water Conservation District, home owners associations, and large landowners. The
watershed coordinator will assist any stakeholder in the Plan to identify possible financial
assistance for a proposed implementation project.

Excavated Detention Basins:

Costs for the detention basins proposed in the Kihei Drainage Master Plan are provided in Table
32 below. Components of each detention basin included excavation costs, hydro-mulching, Glass-
fiber Reinforced Plastic (GRP) slope protection at spillways, inlet and outlet concrete headwalls,
perimeter six-foot-high chain link fencing, and 18-inch reinforced concrete piping.

Table 32. KDMP Estimated Financial Costs for Proposed Detention Basins
Estimated
Proposed Basin
Financial Cost
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 6U $1,266,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Pi’ilani Basin 6D $1,342,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 7, mauka of future Kaonoulu
$3,111,000
Affordable Apartments
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 7, mauka of Piʻilani Highway $3,111,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 9 $1,583,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 13U $2,261,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 14U $2,068,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 16U $2,595,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 17A $682,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 19A1 $1,622,000

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Estimated
Proposed Basin
Financial Cost
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 19A2 $985,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 19 $3,500,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 20 $1,366,000
Proposed Detention Basin at Piʻilani Basin 23 $2,550,000

Piʻilani Basin Utilization via Stream Diversion Strategy

As mention in Section 8.2, the existing Piʻilani basin is quite large relative to the amount of
stormwater it receives. To better utilize this detention basin, and to better control flooding in
Waipuilani Gulch, The KDMP proposed the construction of a small channel that would run from
the stream to the basin. Costs for the proposed channel were estimated at $127,000 and included
excavation and hydromulch for the grassed channel. Additional costs associated with permitting
were not included in this amount.

High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites

To determine costs for the two proposed HIZM sites, we considered their size, costs for ungulate
fencing, fabric rolls, irrigation, vetiver and native plants. Planting costs were based on the length
of the perimeter fencing as opposed to the square foot acreage of the two projects. This was done
as a cost savings measure. It is believed that once ungulates are removed, vegetation will naturally
recruit in these areas and will be further assisted by the vetiver and native species planted at the
HIZM perimeters. If the HIZMs are planted throughout, costs will be significantly higher.

Table 33. High Impact Mitigation Site Costs

HIZM Component Cost Per Foot
Fencing $15.00
Fabric rolls* $150.00
Irrigation* $500.00
vetiver $5.00
natives $5.00
Total Cost Per Foot $25.00
HIZM 1 $54,848.36
HIZM 2 $50,776.61
*Total Cost per HIZM Site

Grazing Management
While ranchers currently employ traditional grazing management practices, including rotational
grazing and forage surveys to determine current conditions of grasses, additional management can
be employed. Some of these practices include smart collars that contain cattle in virtual paddocks,
lowering or even eliminating the cost of fence installation and maintenance. While these collars
can be as much as $150 per cow, they are able to track cattle location and utilize audio signals and

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mild electric shocks to direct movement. By tracking individual cows and being able to move herds
electronically, ranches can rotate cattle more efficiently.

Due to the large numbers of feral ungulates on the property, feral ungulate fencing would be the
most effective type of grazing management employed. Once ungulate fencing is in place, these
areas can be hunted to remove the large herds presently in place on the landscape. Unfortunately,
this fencing is quite expensive and can range in price from $15 to $20 per foot. Several miles of
this fencing would be required. As an example, the lower portion of Haleakala Ranch mauka of
Pi’ilani Highway and makai of DHHL lands would require over 77, 000 feet of fencing to cover
its perimeter. At $15 a linear foot, the cost to fence the perimeter would be over 1.1 million dollars.
All of the ranches currently have active hunting programs in place on their properties. In addition,
Haleakala Ranch has partnered with a company to harvest this meat for use as pet food. Hunting
is regulated with both bow and rifle hunting activities available. Take permits should be increased
and hunting of feral deer should be promoted.

To further assist in the removal of feral ungulates, the ranches should cut water off to paddocks
where cattle are not grazing. This is a fairly easy management practice that is not currently being
employed.

Lastly, the watering troughs may offer a delivery system for feral ungulate contraception. By
placing hormonal contraception in these watering troughs after the cattle have been removed, deer
would consume these contraceptives when drinking water and become sterile or significantly less
fertile.

Riparian Protection and Rehabilitation

As mentioned earlier, much of the infrastructure associated with the portion of Keokea Gulch
where TAKO POKE was implemented still exists. An approximately 5200-ft length of this stream
has been proposed for riparian protection. In addition, an approximately 5400-ft length of
Liilioholo Gulch further south in the Wailea watershed of the SMWP has also been proposed. No
streams exist within the Moʻoloa watershed.

On Maui, deer populations have increased dramatically, and higher fences will be required to
protect riparian buffers. Recent installed fencing costs, on Maui, for 6-foot game fencing, range
from $15 per foot in the open and accessible grazing lands, to $20 per foot in inaccessible, remote
upland areas at 6,000 to 8,000-foot elevation.

Fabric rolls impregnated with native seeds can be utilized to both intercept sediment and provide
a living filter. They can be staked as check dams in the stream flow and serve as streambank
stabilizers. We included costs for these fabric rolls every 200 feet along the perimeter of each
gulch. The cost for a 9-foot wide, 50-foot long roll is approximately $150 installed.

While TAKO POKE utilized R-1 water, riparian protection and rehabilitation does not necessarily
require additional water. In addition, R-1 water is not allowed to discharge in gulches but must
remain in the riparian zone so as not to be considered a wastewater discharge. Ideally, plants placed
in a protected corridor are able to survive utilizing only the natural conditions found in these
gulches. Plant costs will depend on plant selection and quantity. General prices for nursery grown

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plants range from $4 dibbles, $12 for 1-gallon pots, $12-$18 for 5-gallon pots, $45-$85 for 7-
gallon pots, $125 for 15-gallon pots, $50-$225 for 20-gallon tubs with larger trees for $200 or
more. Depending on the type and extent of the rehabilitation effort, plant costs will vary widely.
Keep in mind fabric rolls are also impregnated with native seeds so plant costs may be offset by
use of these rolls.

Table 34. Costs associated with Riparian Protection and Rehabilitation

Length of
Six-Foot-Tall Fabric Rolls
Proposed
Streams Watershed Fencing at $15 per (Every 200 Plants
Riparian
foot feet)
Protection (ft)
Keokea Hapapa 5200 $156,000 $7,800 Variable
Liilioholo Wailea 5400 $162,000 $8,100 Variable
No Moʻoloa NA NA NA NA NA

Illegal Dumping Controls

Illegal dumping is rampant throughout the urban corridor of the Southwest Maui Watershed
Boundary. Many of the illegal dumping grounds are associated with wetlands. Homeless
encampments also contribute large amounts of rubbish to undeveloped parcels. Dumping controls
include public outreach, piling large rocks or installing fence posts or bollards to prevent trucks
from off-loading in undeveloped areas, using signage to dissuade would-be polluters, and
perimeter fencing to deny access to would-be polluters.

Table 35. Prices for Illegal Dumping Controls

Dumping Control Price per Unit
Fence Posts $8
Signage $25
Bollards $100
Perimeter Fencing $20/Foot

Stream Restorations
Costs vary widely with stream restoration projects, and are most dependent upon site access,
proximity and cost of aggregate materials (sand, boulders, etc.), and quantities needed to fill the
incised stream channel. A study in North Carolina (an early adopter of stream restoration methods)
found an average cost of $242.12 per linear foot of stream restored (Templeton, 2008).

While the costs are likely significantly higher on Maui, this figure is included for illustrative
purposes. In many cases, the largest proportion of the costs of stream channel restoration is
associated with temporarily diverting stream flow around the area being restored to allow access
by heavy equipment. In the case of the SMWP, these streams are ephemeral and rarely flow except

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during heavy rain events, essentially eliminating this expense. Using the costs cited above, an
estimate to restore the entire 2,850 feet of Kulanihakoi makai of the highway would be
approximately $690,000. It may be that these costs would be substantially lower than this figure
due to the fact that the most of the silt and sediment deposition within the channel exists nearest
South Kihei Road and is not observed to occur throughout the entire section of stream makai of
the highway.

Table 36. Estimated Stream Restoration Costs Makai of Piʻilani Highway

Kulanihakoi Stream Restoration (2850 feet) $690,000
Waipuilani Stream Restoration (3100 feet) $750,572
Keokea Stream Restoration (5750 feet) $1,392,190

Low Impact Design

Costs vary widely for the various Low Impact Design BMPs. For new construction, many of these
costs can be included in the overall design and buildout of the project. We have provided costs for
retrofitting existing urban land use with LID BMPs, including retrofitting parking lots, installing
nutrient curtains and floating treatment wetlands.

Table 37. Parking Lot Low Impact Design Implementation Cost Estimates
Technical design/ infiltration test, plan and
$500
oversight:
Volunteer coordination: $500
Cement work: $750
Native plants: $300
Soil and compost: $300
Transportation/hauling $300
TOTAL (per site): $2,650
* If multiple sites were done at once, there would likely be cost savings associated with economies of scale.

A sample budget for a nutrient curtain 40’ long x 4’ wide x 4’ deep is included for illustrative
purposes (depth is dependent upon depth to groundwater and may be more or less):

Table 38. Sample Budget for Nutrient Curtain Installation

Item Cost
Site planning and design $4,000
Excavation $3,000
Materials (biochar, woodchips, sand,
$5,000
and sawdust)
Construction management and
$3,000
oversight
TOTAL $15,000

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Costs vary widely depending upon the overall size and complexity of the floating treatment
wetland. Assuming volunteer labor is used to assemble the wetland, a small (8’ x 8’) version of a
floating treatment wetland can be constructed for less than $1000. Golf Course greens managers
should be partnered with to implement this nutrient reduction strategy. Detailed instructions for
creating an FTW can be found at the link below.

https://coral.org/wordpress/wp-
content/uploads/2017/11/2017_Maui_CaseStudies_FloatingTreatmentWetlands_Final.pdf

Expansion of R-1 Reuse Area

As mentioned earlier, Kihei in-plant pump station upgrades will cost approximately $750,000 for
construction. This project would upgrade both the Kihei in-plant lift station No. 2 and the recycled
water pump station. The project includes replacing pumps, piping and the access hatch of the left
station; replacing pumps and control equipment for the recycled water distribution system; and
renovation of various in-plant valve vaults.

Unpaved Roads
Table 39 below provides a sample budget for decommissioning roads based on similar projects in
West Maui. Note that this sample budget is for the decommissioning of 1,000 feet of roadway with
the use of vetiver and native plants and assumes an average of one vetiver row per 100 feet. In
addition, it assumes volunteers will be used for digging and planting, that no ungulate fencing will
be installed and that site access via 4x4 truck is available.

Table 39. Sample Budget for Decommissioning Dirt Roads Using Vegetation
Item Cost $
Installation Supplies:
Plants, equipment, and irrigation supplies 7,500
Surveying and site prep 2,000
Transportation and fuel 1,200
Total: 10,700
Maintenance:
Initial watering and establishment (first 2 months) 3,200
Adaptive management/maintenance 800
Total: 4,000
Monitoring:
500
Supplies (tape measures, erosion posts)
Soil lab tests 500
Monitoring transportation and fuel 2,400
Total: 3,400
Staff:
Project management; volunteer coordination, and outreach 8,000
Technical/design consulting 4,000
Monitoring overall effectiveness 2,400
Total: 14,400
Contingency costs (15%) 4,875
Project TOTAL $37,375

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ELEMENT E – INFORMATION AND EDUCATION

OUTREACH PROGRAM
Education and Outreach Program Goals

The main goal of the Information and Education Outreach Program is to build public
understanding of the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan, Hawaii water quality standards, and the
projects proposed by the Plan to remove and reduce pollutants entering our coastal waters through
stormwater runoff. Efforts will be focused on discussing non-point sources of pollution and how
these pollutants make their way into our streams and coastal waters and harm our coral reefs. In
addition, land-based issues relating to flooding and erosion from stormwater, nutrient runoff, oil
and hazardous materials, and wastewater reclamation will all be addressed.

Education and Outreach Objectives

The CMSWCD intends to establish and maintain a Watershed Coordinator position to direct,
organize, and coordinate efforts related to the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan. This individual
will be the primary contact between the conservation district, the community, government entities,
and other organizations involved in improving water quality within the watershed. They will be
responsible for spearheading all education and outreach objectives listed below.

Build Public Awareness and Support

Lack of understanding of non-point sources of pollution is a major factor affecting water quality.
All of the implementation projects outlined in the SMWP will require some level of stakeholder
awareness and involvement. The community will be educated about current DOH CWB and Hui
O Ka Wai Ola water quality monitoring locations and about data trends arising from these water
quality monitoring efforts. Links to both organization’s data portals will be made available on the
www.mauiwatershed.org website.

Many stakeholders who implement projects proposed in this watershed Plan will want their efforts
to address pollution known the wider public. In addition, many individuals will want to know about
volunteer opportunities where they are able to help in the community. This public awareness can
be expected to improve and/or support water quality and coral reef health.

Public awareness can also assist in enforcement of laws and reporting of activities that cause
pollution. The community can also provide its technical expertise to solve pollution problems
within the watershed.

Focused Outreach to Engage Businesses and Decision Makers

In conjunction with the project implementation schedule offered in Section 11 of this watershed
plan, the CMSWCD and the watershed coordinator will conduct focused outreach to natural
resource managers, large landowners, and businesses. Examples of focused outreach include:

 Meetings with ranchers to discuss grazing management, ungulate control, HIZMs, dirt
roads, and riparian zones

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 Hotels with major landscaping operations and golf courses will be educated on the use of
fertilizers, LID BMPs, etc.
 Business handling and storing oils and hazardous materials will be identified. These
businesses should be engaged with CMSWCD personnel to ensure they are incorporating
best management practices related to their industries. Examples of these businesses include
auto mechanics, oil changing facilities, and industrial facilities.
 Meetings with community associations to discuss cesspools, illegal dumping controls, etc.

Advertise Implementation Projects

Implementation projects will be advertised on the www.mauiwatershed.org website operated by
the CMSWCD as well as on social media. The main purpose of advertising these projects is to
inform the community about projects occurring within the watershed to improve water quality.
Advertising will also inform the public about project successes, failures, and data gaps. These
advertising events will also serve as public relations opportunities for businesses and large land
owners who would like the community to know about the implementation projects they have
conducted to improve water quality. Advertising will also serve to inform the public about
upcoming volunteer opportunities to assist in the various implementation projects. The use of
volunteers not only allows the community to work directly on various projects, but can make
projects more feasible by lowering costs.

The Conservation District will establish mailings, pamphlets, brochures and other materials
specific to projects being implemented and design persuasive materials and presentations to
provide to potential project partners such as resorts and golf courses.

Participation with Government Agencies, Community Groups, Small Group Meetings, and
Trainings
Implementation projects listed in this Plan are all meant to improve water quality by reducing
pollutant loads entering coastal waters. Depending on the proposed project, meetings will have to
be conducted between the CMSWCD, the watershed coordinator, and government agencies,
community groups, and businesses. Government agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels
will have to be engaged on several fronts. These agencies can act in their regulatory capacity to
force action be taken for some types of pollution or to provide a permit. They can also serve as a
source of funding for implementation projects. These agencies can also provide technical
expertise, training and prior knowledge about the best way to reduce pollution and improve water
quality.

The Watershed Coordinator will attend Kihei Community Association Meetings and Aha Moku O
Kula Makai Council meetings to disseminate information about the Southwest Maui Watershed
Plan. The Kula Makai council currently takes an active role in Hawaiian culture and land
stewardship throughout the Southwest Maui Watershed. In addition, the CMSWCD will invite
stakeholders in the community to attend their meetings at the Kahului NRCS office in Kahului.

Education and Outreach Structure and Support

Table 40 provides the basic components making up the structure of the Education and Outreach
Program. This table includes tasks associated with the objectives listed above, cost per unit, and a
five-year budget for enacting the program.

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Table 40. SMWP Education and Outreach with Costs

Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Education and Outreach Program

Total 5
Objectives Cost per Unit Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Year Cost

Build Public Awareness and Support

Establish and maintain a Watershed Coordinator $55,000
position to direct, organize, and coordinate all
efforts related to the Southwest Maui Watershed
increasing $ 55,000 $ 56,000 $ 57,000 $ 58,000 $ 59,000 $285,000
Plan - including education and outreach. annually by $1,000

Maintain Central Maui Soil and Water

Conservation District website dedicated to
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $10,000
watershed information -
www.mauiwatershed.org
Maintain Central Maui Soil and Water
Conservation District administrative staff
$8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $40,000
(Maggie Kramp) support of outreach and
education efforts
List illegal dumping areas and known locations Included in Website
NA NA NA NA NA NA
of pollution on websites Costs
Focused Outreach to Engage Businesses and Decision Makers
Included in
Meetings with ranchers to discuss grazing
Watershed
management, ungulate control, HIZMs, dirt NA NA NA NA NA NA
Coordinator position
roads, and riparian zones
costs
Included in
Hotels with major landscaping operations and
Watershed
golf courses will be educated on the use of NA NA NA NA NA NA
Coordinator position
fertilizers, LID BMPs, etc.
costs

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Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Education and Outreach Program

Total 5
Objectives Cost per Unit Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Year Cost
Business handling and storing oils and hazardous
materials will be identified. These businesses
Included in
should be engaged with CMSWCD personnel to
Watershed
ensure they are incorporating best management NA NA NA NA NA NA
Coordinator position
practices related to their industries. Examples of
costs
these businesses include auto mechanics, oil
changing facilities, and industrial facilities.
Included in
Meetings with community associations to discuss Watershed
NA NA NA NA NA NA
cesspools, illegal dumping controls, etc. Coordinator position
costs
Advertise Implementation Projects
List upcoming implementation projects and Included in
volunteer opportunities in local papers and administrative and NA NA NA NA NA NA
various websites website costs
Establish mailings, pamphlets, brochures and
other materials specific to projects being
implemented and design persuasive materials and $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $10,000
presentations to provide to potential project
partners such as resorts and golf courses.
Participation with Government Agencies, Community Groups, Small Group Meetings, and Trainings
Included in
Meetings between the CMSWCD, the watershed
Watershed
coordinator, and government agencies, NA NA NA NA NA NA
Coordinator position
community groups, and businesses
costs
Included in
Watershed
Obtaining necessary permits NA NA NA NA NA NA
Coordinator position
costs

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Southwest Maui Watershed Plan Education and Outreach Program

Total 5
Objectives Cost per Unit Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Year Cost

Included in
Meetings with large land owners and land Watershed
NA NA NA NA NA NA
managers Coordinator position
costs
Included in
Attendance at Kihei Community Association and Watershed
NA NA NA NA NA NA
Aha Moku O Kula Makai Council meetings Coordinator position
costs
Total for Outreach and Education $ 335,000

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ELEMENT F - IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

When developing the implementation schedule for the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan, water quality data from the State of Hawaii
Integrated Water Quality Report Assessments, 303d list of impaired waters, and Hui O Ka Wai Ola water quality data was compared
with non-point sources of pollution on the landscape. This comparison assisted in identifying which projects should be given priority
status. Besides observed water quality impairments, project costs and complexity were taken into account when assigning priority status.

When estimating when water quality standards would be achieved as a result of the implementation projects, factors such as the severity
of the pollution based on current water quality data, the expected efficacy of individual projects, and whether the non-point source of
pollution is related to stormwater or groundwater were considered. Timelines for individual project completion generally range from six
months to five years. Estimates of when water quality standards will be achieved were based on the extent of the non-point pollution
sources and the load reduction estimates for associated implementation projects. As an example, chlorophyll a standards may be require
several different projects addressing nutrients originating from cesspools, wastewater injection wells, farming BMPs, ranching BMPs,
and other non-point sources before water quality standards are met. Estimated timelines for water quality standard attainment generally
range from 15 to 20 years. Timelines specific to individual water quality parameters being attained are discussed in detail in Section 13.
Element H. While many of the projects listed below would immediately improve water quality, it may be years before they are
implemented. As an example, many of the basins proposed in both this Plan and in the Kihei Drainage Master Plan are very expensive.
These basins would immediately begin removing sediment from stormwater, but it may require large funding sources or future
development before these basins are a reality.

Table 41. Implementation Project Priority Status and Approximate Timeline

Approximate
Implementation Location Organization(s) Responsible
Description Timeline to Priority
Project (Gulch) for Implementation
Completion
Central Maui Soil and Water
Basins capturing sheet flow prior
Excavated Kulanihakoi, Conservation District, Hawaii
to stormwater entering gulches 6 Months - 4
Basins/Basins Waipuilani, Department of Medium
would have precedent over basins Years
in Series and Keokea Transportation, Maui County
connecting directly to gulches
Department of Public Works

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Approximate
Implementation Location Organization(s) Responsible
Description Timeline to Priority
Project (Gulch) for Implementation
Completion
Pi’ilani Basin Central Maui Soil and Water
Utilize Piʻilani basin to capture
Utilization Waipuilani Unknown Conservation District, Pi'ilani Low
water from Waipuilani gulch
Strategy Homeowners Association
Central Maui Soil and Water
Contoured Kulanihakoi,
Water bars and drainageways Conservation District,
Terrace Waipuilani, 1 Year Low
leading to detention basins Kaonoulu, Haleakala, and
Ditches and Keokea
Ulupalakua Ranches
High Impact Central Maui Soil and Water
Zone Waipuilani Swales and berms downslope Conservation District,
6 Months Medium
Mitigation and Keokea from watering troughs Kaonoulu, Haleakala, and
Sites Ulupalakua Ranches
Central Maui Soil and Water
Grazing
Throughout Ensures rural lands are being Conservation District,
Management Ongoing High
Watershed managed to account for erosion Kaonoulu, Haleakala, DHHL,
Measures
and Ulupalakua Ranches
Area surrounding Keokea gulch Central Maui Soil and Water
Riparian Keokea
already has fencing and water to Conservation District,
Protection and And 6 Months Medium
assist in riparian Kaonoulu, Haleakala, and
Rehabilitation Liilioholo
rehabilitation/protection Ulupalakua Ranches
Illegal Central Maui Soil and Water
Throughout Public outreach to educate about
Dumping 6 Months Conservation District, Medium
Watershed pollutants and the environment
Controls Various Land Owners

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Approximate
Implementation Location Organization(s) Responsible
Description Timeline to Priority
Project (Gulch) for Implementation
Completion
Central Maui Soil and Water
Stream Remove sediment buildup from Conservation District,
Hapapa 5 years Medium
Restorations streams Kaonoulu, Haleakala, and
Ulupalakua Ranches
Central Maui Soil and Water
Parking lots, Stormwater Wells,
Low Impact Throughout 6 months per Conservation District,
Nutrient Curtains, Floating High
Design Watershed project Resorts, Hotels, Golf
Wetlands, etc.
Courses, and Various Owners

Central Maui Soil and Water

Expansion of Kulanihakoi, Conservation District, Hawaii
Use of R-1 to augment existing
R-1 Reuse Waipuilani, Ongoing Department of High
wetlands and gulches
Area and Keokea Transportation, Maui County
Department of Public Works
Central Maui Soil and Water
Unpaved Throughout Stabilization of roads to prevent Conservation District,
1-4 Years Low
Roads Watershed erosion Kaonoulu, Haleakala, and
Ulupalakua Ranches
Cesspool Throughout
Cesspool upgrade to septic tanks 6 months Various Owners Medium
Upgrade Watershed
Water Quality Throughout Captures current and future water Hawaii DOH CWB, Hui o Ka
Ongoing High
Monitoring Watershed quality data Wai Ola
Watershed Throughout Central Maui Soil and Water
Watershed representative Ongoing High
Coordinator Watershed Conservation District

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Approximate
Implementation Location Organization(s) Responsible
Description Timeline to Priority
Project (Gulch) for Implementation
Completion
Conducted by Watershed
Education and Throughout Central Maui Soil and Water
Coordinator, ensures informed Ongoing High
Outreach Watershed Conservation District
community participation

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ELEMENT G – INTERIM MILESTONES

The following section provides interim milestones for the various implementation projects
proposed in the watershed plan. We attempted to provide appropriate timescales for each project,
within a total time of twenty years. While watershed planning and implementation projects will be
needed for much longer, the scope of this Plan was kept to two decades in total. Milestones listed
in this section are meant to be both measurable and attainable, with clearly described benchmarks
for measuring progress as it is made. Table 42 summarizes the information presented in this
section.

Excavated Detention Basins

These basins have been given medium priority status. While detention basins are regarded as
highly effective in the capturing of stormwater and in the removal of sediment, they are quite
expensive to construct and often require extensive permitting, especially if connected to an existing
stream.

Fourteen basins have been proposed in the Kihei Drainage Master Plan. The total estimated cost
to construct all of these basins would be roughly 28 million dollars. For this reason, we believe a
realistic milestone would be to construct at least one large detention basin as described in the
KDMP once every five years. We would therefore have four large detention basins functioning
within the watershed by 2040.

Piʻilani Basin Utilization

The Piʻilani Basin Utilization project was given low priority status due to both the permitting
requirements and liability associated with the project. The basin is currently owned by Piʻilani
Gardens, LLC and they would have to be willing to allow their detention basin to be connected to
Waipuilani Gulch prior to the project progressing. That being said, the basin is ideally situated on
the landscape and has been built on a large enough scale to accommodate stormwater from
Waipuilani Stream during stormwater events. The stream diversion should be incorporated into
the detention basin within the next ten years.

Stream Diversions to Contoured Terraces

Water bars and terraced ditches leading to detention basins were given low priority status due to
feasibility and permitting constraints. Because these projects are associated with detention basins,
we assigned them the same timeline and milestones as the basins above. Therefore, any stream
diversions leading to contoured terraces and detention basins should occur slowly over the next 20
years, with individual projects happening every five years in conjunction with a large detention
basin project.

High Impact Zone Mitigation Sites

Two high impact zone mitigation sites have already been identified on Haleakala Ranch in
association with heavily used watering troughs. While these projects have been assigned a medium
priority status, they both can be completed fairly quickly and should therefore be completed by
2025. Using this same benchmark, two HIZM projects should be completed every five years
through 2040.

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Grazing Management
While expensive, feral ungulate fencing has been determined to be the most effective
implementation project for controlling sediment loading in the watershed. This observation is
supported by the USGS rapid watershed assessment conducted in the summer of 2019. Feral
ungulates have also deposited large amounts of feces in the stream beds mauka of Pi’ilani
Highway, which contribute to nutrient and pathogen loads when these streams flow during storm
events. For these reasons, feral ungulate fencing has been assigned high priority. Fencing should
begin on ranchlands directly mauka of the Kihei-Wailea-Makena urban corridor in 2020 and
continue throughout the next twenty years as needed until feral ungulate populations are under
control.

As a benchmark, the Plan proposes to fence off 40 square acres per year which is equivalent to one
linear mile of fencing per year. At $20 a foot, annual cost for ungulate fencing would be $105,
600. Therefore, by 2025, 200 square acres of ungulate fencing would be installed at a cost of
approximately $528,000. By 2040, 800 square acres of ungulate fencing will be installed.

Riparian Protection
The Plan calls for riparian protection to both Keokea Stream in the Hapapa watershed and
Liilioholo Stream in the Wailea watershed. We propose fencing off 5200 feet of Keokea Stream
by 2025 and 5400 feet of Liilioholo Stream by 2030. Additional riparian corridors may be
protected based on these two projects between 2030 and 2040.

Illegal Dumping Controls

Illegal dumping controls will be established in 2020 and maintained throughout the duration of the
Plan implementation at sites where rubbish is known to accumulate.

Stream Restorations
The Plan proposes to restore sections of Kulanihakoi, Waipuilani, and Keokea streams makai of
Piʻilani Highway. Due to the high expense associated with these restorations, we propose to
complete one of these restorations every five years. Beginning with Kulanihakoi in 2020,
restoration of Waipuilani would be slated for 2025 and restoration work in Keokea Stream would
be slated to begin in 2030.

Low Impact Design Projects

Numerous LID projects are outlined in the watershed Plan. To affect the greatest increase to water
quality, we propose conducting at least one large scale LID project per year. These would include
LID projects associated with parking lots, golf courses, resorts, condominiums, or other locations
that have large swaths of impervious cover ideal for LID improvements.

Expansion of R-1 Reuse Area

Maui County Mayor Victorino has called for Kihei Wastewater Treatment Plant pump station
upgrades. This project would upgrade both the Kihei in-plant lift station No. 2 and the recycled
water pump station. The Plan supports this work and will lobby for future County administrations
to continue expansion of the R-1 reuse infrastructure. Ideally, infrastructure providing access to

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R-1 will be installed as far north as Ohukai Road in North Kihei by 2030, throughout Wailea along
Piʻilani Highway by 2035, and throughout Makena along the highway by 2040.

Unpaved Roads
Repair or decommissioning of unpaved roads was assigned low priority status due to large data
gaps associated with the current condition of these roads. The Plan proposes completing a
comprehensive inventory of these roads by 2025 to fully understand their relative status and
functionality. Based on this assessment, repairs or decommissioning would occur as needed from
2025 through 2040.

Cesspool Upgrade or Closure

The vast majority of the cesspools that exist in the Southwest Maui Watershed Plan are privately
owned. As part of the education and outreach program, the Watershed Coordinator acting on behalf
of the Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District will conduct an annual cesspool
workshop to educate the public on the environmental consequences of this infrastructure as well
as the programs and opportunities that can assist them in upgrading to septic or municipal
wastewater systems.

Promotion of Existing Management Practices

Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality monitoring is currently being conducted by both DOH CWB staff and by the Hui O
Ka Wai Ola citizen scientist organization. Unfortunately, several monitoring sites are currently not
being monitored for any water quality parameters and other sites are only sampled for a few
parameters. Kihei North, Kulanihakoi, Luana Kai, Maui Coast, Kihei Boat Ramp, Mokapu, Polo
Beach, and Puu Olai - Little Beach sampling sites should be added to the current water quality
monitoring program within the next five years. In addition, all sites should be tested for the full
suite of water quality parameters within the next ten years. These parameters include in-situ
measurements for temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen. They should also include grab
samples for turbidity, total nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrate-nitrite, ammonia, orthophosphate,
chlorophyll-a, silicate, and enterococcus for all water quality monitoring sites within the Southwest
Maui Watershed Plan boundary.

Watershed Coordinator
An as-needed watershed coordinator was given high priority status as an implementation project
within the Plan. The SWCD does not currently have adequate staffing and would need an as-
needed watershed coordinator who can serve as an intermediary between the various stakeholders
involved in the Plan. A watershed coordinator should be identified to represent the conservation
district and to promote the Plan. Funding for this role should be established within the first year to
ensure implementation projects outlined in this Plan are conducted properly and efficiently. This
funding should continue as needed throughout the duration of the Plan, as projects continue to be
implemented.

Education and Outreach

Education and outreach events will occur quarterly every year throughout the duration of the Plan
being implemented. Each of the four events will focus on educating stakeholders on water quality

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standards and current trends, non-point sources of pollution, wetlands and riparian corridors, grazing management, and the various
implementation projects either ongoing or proposed for the watershed.

Table 42. Interim Milestones

Implementation Location Twenty Year Timeline

Description Priority
Project (Gulch) 2025 2030 2035 2040
Basins capturing sheet
flow prior to
Excavated Kulanihakoi, stormwater entering
1 Basin 2 Basins 3 Basins 4 Basins
Basins/Basins Waipuilani, gulches would have Medium
Completed Completed Completed Completed
in Series and Keokea precedent over basins
connecting directly to
gulches
Pi’ilani Basin Utilize Piʻilani basin to
Utilization Waipuilani capture water from Low Completed by 2030 NA NA
Strategy Waipuilani gulch
Contoured Kulanihakoi, Water bars and
1 Ditch per 1 1 Ditch per 1 1 Ditch per 1 1 Ditch per 1
Terrace Waipuilani, drainageways leading Low
Basin Completed Basin Completed Basin Completed Basin Completed
Ditches and Keokea to detention basins
High Impact
Swales and berms
Zone Two HIZM sites Two HIZM sites Two HIZM sites Two HIZM sites
Waipuilani downslope from Medium
Mitigation completed completed completed completed
watering troughs
Sites
Grazing Ensures rural lands are
Throughout 200 acres of 400 acres of 600 acres of 600 acres of
Management being managed to High
Watershed ungulate fencing ungulate fencing ungulate fencing ungulate fencing
Measures account for erosion
Area surrounding
Riparian Keokea gulch already
Liilioholo To Be To Be
Protection and Keokea has fencing and water Medium Keokea Stream
Stream Determined Determined
Rehabilitation to assist in riparian
rehabilitation/protection

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Implementation Location Twenty Year Timeline

Description Priority
Project (Gulch) 2025 2030 2035 2040
Public outreach to
Illegal Established Maintained Maintained Maintained
Throughout educate about
Dumping Medium throughout urban throughout urban throughout urban throughout urban
Watershed pollutants and the
Controls corridor corridor corridor corridor
environment
Kulanihakoi,
Stream Remove sediment
Waipuilani, Medium Kulanihakoi Waipuilani Keokea NA
Restorations buildup from streams
and Keokea
Parking lots, Fifteen large Twenty large
Five large scale Ten large scale
Low Impact Throughout Stormwater Wells, scale LID scale LID
High LID Projects LID Projects
Design Watershed Nutrient Curtains, Projects Projects
implemented implemented
Floating Wetlands, etc. implemented implemented
Expansion of Kulanihakoi, Use of R-1 to augment
Kihei WTF R-1 expansion to R-1 Expansion to R-1 expansion to
R-1 Reuse Waipuilani, existing wetlands and High
upgrades Ohukai Road Wailea Makena
Area and Keokea gulches

Comprehensive Repairs and Repairs and Repairs and

Unpaved Throughout Stabilization of roads to
Low assessment of all decommissioning decommissioning decommissioning
Roads Watershed prevent erosion
unpaved roads to be determined to be determined to be determined

Annual Annual Annual

Cesspool Throughout Cesspool upgrade to Annual education
Medium education and education and education and
Upgrade Watershed septic tanks and outreach
outreach outreach outreach

Sampling for full Sampling for full Sampling for full

suite of water suite of water suite of water
Captures current and
Water Quality Throughout Add 8 additional quality quality quality
future water quality High
Monitoring Watershed sampling sites parameters at all parameters at all parameters at all
data
sampling sampling sampling
locations locations locations

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Implementation Location Twenty Year Timeline

Description Priority
Project (Gulch) 2025 2030 2035 2040

Establish and fund Maintain a Maintain a Maintain a

a watershed watershed watershed watershed
Watershed Throughout Watershed
High coordinator coordinator coordinator coordinator
Coordinator Watershed representative
through the through the through the through the
SWCD SWCD CMSWCD CMSWCD

Conducted by Four
Watershed Coordinator, education/outreach
Education and Throughout 40 events by 60 events by 80 events by
ensures informed High events per year for
Outreach Watershed 2030 2035 2040
community a total of 20 events
participation by 2025

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ELEMENT H - INTERIM NUMERIC CRITERIA

Interim Numeric Criteria
Interim numeric criteria are needed due in part to the lack of surface water within the watershed
for much of the year. Because load reductions cannot readily be measured in surface waters after
projects have been implemented, evidence of load reductions will be observed by the continued
monitoring of coastal waters over many years. Interim numeric criteria were developed to assist in
the determination of how much progress is being made over time towards the attaining water
quality standards (Table 43). To develop these criteria, Hui O Ka Wai Ola’s entire period of record
data from 18 sites was analyzed. The geometric mean was calculated from measurements of
turbidity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrate + nitrite, and ammonia. Enterococcus data was
not included as data reviewed from the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch IR
reports from 2018, 2016 and 2014 show that all sites where enterococcus was measured, the
locations attained water quality standards. Geometric means were compared with the listed Dry
Season water quality standards due to the highly ephemeral nature of the streams in the Southwest
Maui Watershed planning area. Dry season criteria apply when the open coastal waters receive
less than three million gallons per day of fresh water discharge per shoreline mile. The difference
between the geometric mean and the dry season water quality standard for the period of record for
each pollutant listed above was calculated.

Expected Dates of Achievement

To define realistic dates of achievement, this difference between observed values and the dry
standard were divided into thirds to create interim numeric criteria to be attained over the next 18
years. In other words, every six years the Plan aims to decrease pollutants by one-third of the
amount that they are currently observed above the water quality standard.

As an example, the period of record geometric mean for total phosphorus at Cove Park is 29.03
µg/L. The Dry criteria for total phosphorus in open coastal waters is 16.00 µg/L. This means that
currently, Cove park is 13.03 µg/L above the standard. To generate interim numeric criteria, we
divided 13.03 by three to generate a six-year target reduction value of 4.34 µg/L. Therefore,
beginning in 2020 and running through 2026, the geometric mean for this period needs to decrease
by 4.34 µg/L to a value of 24.69 µg/L. Similarly, from the period between 2026 and 2032, the
geometric mean for total phosphorus should decrease from 24.69 µg/L to 20.35 µg/L. In this
manner, Cove Park would attain water quality standards for total phosphorous by 2038.

Review Process
Data will be reviewed annually by the watershed coordinator, the Hui O Ka Wai Ola staff, and by
DOH CWB staff. While interim numeric criteria were developed along an 18 to 20-year timeline,
many sampling locations may attain water quality standards in a much shorter timeframe.

Criteria for Plan revision

Whenever data shows that interim numeric criteria will not be met for a given pollutant, an analysis
of potential pollutant sources will be conducted. Additional implementation projects will be

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developed to address pollutant loading not being reduced by current activities. Likewise, any on-going projects will be reviewed to
determine their effect on removing pollutants.

Revisions Strategy
When interim numeric criteria are not being met, the watershed coordinator will work with the SWCD and other stakeholders in the
community to change the management practices currently being implemented. This will include updating and or reevaluating critical
source areas of pollution. Additional models or sampling will be utilized to better understand the sources of pollution affecting water
quality. Timelines will be reassessed based on this information.

Agency Responsible for Evaluating Progress

As implementation projects are executed on the landscape, their effectiveness at reducing pollutant loads will be analyzed by the
watershed coordinator and the SWCD. In addition, the DOH CWB will play an active role in determining the overall success of the
watershed plan.

Table 43. Interim Numeric Criteria

Pollutant
Hui O Ka Interim Numeric Criteria -
Number
Wai Ola Difference between the Geometric Total Total Nitrate +
Site of Data Turbidity Ammonia
Period of Mean Value and the Dry Water Nitrogen Phosphorus Nitrite
Points (NTU) (µg/L)
Record Quality Standard (µg/L) (µg/L) (µg/L)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed:
0.20 110.00 16.00 3.50 2.00
Meeting Meeting Meeting
2019 0.78 12.60
Standard Standard Standard
2/23/2018 to
Kilohana Dr 26 2026 IR Report 0.52 NA NA 8.40 NA
7/5/2019
2032 IR Report 0.26 NA NA 4.20 NA
2038 IR Report 0.00 NA NA 0.00 NA
Meeting Meeting
2019 0.53 7.71 1.22
Keawakapu 2/23/2018 to Standard Standard
26
Beach 7/5/2019 2026 IR Report 0.35 NA NA 5.14 0.81
2032 IR Report 0.18 NA NA 2.57 0.41

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Pollutant
Hui O Ka Interim Numeric Criteria -
Number
Wai Ola Difference between the Geometric Total Total Nitrate +
Site of Data Turbidity Ammonia
Period of Mean Value and the Dry Water Nitrogen Phosphorus Nitrite
Points (NTU) (µg/L)
Record Quality Standard (µg/L) (µg/L) (µg/L)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed:
0.20 110.00 16.00 3.50 2.00

2038 IR Report 0.00 NA NA 0.00 0.00

Meeting
2019 1.02 51.09 64.37 1.45
Standard
2/23/2018 to 2026 IR Report 0.68 34.06 NA 42.92 0.97
Ulua Beach 26
7/5/2020
2032 IR Report 0.34 17.03 NA 21.46 0.48
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00
Meeting Meeting Meeting
2019 0.45 20.80
Poolenalena Standard Standard Standard
2/23/2018 to 2026 IR Report 0.30 NA NA 13.87 NA
(Chang's 26
7/5/2020
Beach) 2032 IR Report 0.15 NA NA 6.93 NA
2038 IR Report 0.00 NA NA 0.00 NA
Meeting Meeting
2019 0.81 5.78 27.51
Standard Standard
Maluaka 11/8/2017 to 2026 IR Report 0.54 3.85 NA 18.34 NA
32
Beach 7/3/2019
2032 IR Report 0.27 1.93 NA 9.17 NA
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 NA
Meeting
2019 2.98 139.04 132.30 2.70
Standard
Kalepolepo 2/22/2018 to 2026 IR Report 1.99 92.69 NA 88.20 1.80
27
North 7/2/2019
2032 IR Report 0.99 46.35 NA 44.10 0.90
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00
Meeting
2019 6.02 31.64 53.60 1.73
Kihei South 11/7/2017 to Standard
34
(Lipoa) 7/2/2019 2026 IR Report 4.01 21.09 NA 35.73 1.15
2032 IR Report 2.01 10.55 NA 17.87 0.58

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Pollutant
Hui O Ka Interim Numeric Criteria -
Number
Wai Ola Difference between the Geometric Total Total Nitrate +
Site of Data Turbidity Ammonia
Period of Mean Value and the Dry Water Nitrogen Phosphorus Nitrite
Points (NTU) (µg/L)
Record Quality Standard (µg/L) (µg/L) (µg/L)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed:
0.20 110.00 16.00 3.50 2.00
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00
2019 2.75 366.90 13.03 379.32 8.21
11/7/2017 to 2026 IR Report 1.83 244.60 8.69 252.88 5.47
Cove Park 34
7/2/2019 2032 IR Report 0.92 122.30 4.34 126.44 2.74
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Meeting
2019 6.80 20.38 41.32 1.97
Standard
11/7/2017 to 2026 IR Report 4.53 13.59 NA 27.54 1.32
Kalama Park 34
7/2/2019
2032 IR Report 2.27 6.79 NA 13.77 0.66
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00
Meeting Meeting
2019 1.41 11.68 32.05
Standard Standard
Kamaole 11/7/2017 to 2026 IR Report 0.94 7.79 NA 21.37 NA
15
Beach I 5/29/2018
2032 IR Report 0.47 3.89 NA 10.68 NA
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 NA
Meeting
2019 0.79 7.50 30.28 0.90
Standard
Kamaole 11/7/2017 to 2026 IR Report 0.53 5.00 NA 20.19 0.60
15
Beach III 5/29/2018
2032 IR Report 0.26 2.50 NA 10.09 0.30
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00
Meeting
2019 3.20 151.15 172.86 1.24
Standard
Mai Poina 2/22/2018 to 2026 IR Report 2.13 100.77 NA 115.24 0.82
25
'Oe Ia'u 7/3/2019
2032 IR Report 1.07 50.38 NA 57.62 0.41
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00

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Pollutant
Hui O Ka Interim Numeric Criteria -
Number
Wai Ola Difference between the Geometric Total Total Nitrate +
Site of Data Turbidity Ammonia
Period of Mean Value and the Dry Water Nitrogen Phosphorus Nitrite
Points (NTU) (µg/L)
Record Quality Standard (µg/L) (µg/L) (µg/L)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed:
0.20 110.00 16.00 3.50 2.00
Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting
2019 0.31
Makena Standard Standard Standard Standard
11/8/2017 to 2026 IR Report 0.21 NA NA NA NA
Beach 13
5/30/2018
Shoreline 2032 IR Report 0.10 NA NA NA NA
2038 IR Report 0.00 NA NA NA NA
Meeting
2019 1.58 9.42 26.52 1.70
Standard
Makena 11/8/2017 to 2026 IR Report 1.05 6.28 NA 17.68 1.13
32
Landing 7/3/2019
2032 IR Report 0.53 3.14 NA 8.84 0.57
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00
Meeting Meeting
2019 1.94 17.23 1.13
Standard Standard
11/8/2017 to 2026 IR Report 1.30 NA NA 11.48 0.75
Oneuli 29
7/3/2019
2032 IR Report 0.65 NA NA 5.74 0.38
2038 IR Report 0.00 NA NA 0.00 0.00
Meeting
2019 1.04 9.60 31.27 0.75
Standard
2/23/2018 to 2026 IR Report 0.69 6.40 NA 20.85 0.50
Palauea 26
7/5/2020
2032 IR Report 0.35 3.20 NA 10.42 0.25
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00
Meeting Meeting Meeting
2019 0.56 16.92
Standard Standard Standard
2/23/2018 to 2026 IR Report 0.37 NA NA 11.28 NA
Wailea 8
6/1/2018
2032 IR Report 0.19 NA NA 5.64 NA
2038 IR Report 0.00 NA NA 0.00 NA

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Pollutant
Hui O Ka Interim Numeric Criteria -
Number
Wai Ola Difference between the Geometric Total Total Nitrate +
Site of Data Turbidity Ammonia
Period of Mean Value and the Dry Water Nitrogen Phosphorus Nitrite
Points (NTU) (µg/L)
Record Quality Standard (µg/L) (µg/L) (µg/L)
Geometric Mean Not to Exceed:
0.20 110.00 16.00 3.50 2.00
Meeting
2019 10.82 21.93 31.45 2.93
Standard
11/7/2017 to 2026 IR Report 7.21 14.62 NA 20.96 1.96
Waipuilani 34
7/2/2019
2032 IR Report 3.61 7.31 NA 10.48 0.98
2038 IR Report 0.00 0.00 NA 0.00 0.00

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ELEMENT I – MONITORING PROGRAM FOR

EVALUATING IMPLENTATION PROJECT SUCCESS
Water Quality Monitoring and Data Gaps
Due to the efforts of both the DOH CWB and the Hui O Ka Wai Ola, a robust water quality
monitoring program is already in existence within Southwest Maui. That being said, some data
gaps have been identified. The 2018 DOH CWB IR report lists 29 water quality monitoring sites
in the Hapapa, Wailea, and Moʻoloa coastlines, many of these sites are not currently being
monitored for one or more water quality parameters. As many as 17 sites in the Wailea watershed
alone had insufficient data for assessment as reported in the 2018 IR report. Another major data
gap to consider is a lack of information on pollutant loads originating in streams. Due to the
ephemeral nature of streams in Leeward Haleakala, budget constraints, difficult terrain, and private
property issues, virtually no data exists on pollutant loads in stormwater discharge from these
streams. This lack of data makes identifying land-based sources of pollution more difficult as water
samples collected from the coastline are diluted and affected by currents and tides.

Table 44. Water Quality Stations and Data Gaps

Currently Sampled for Enterococcus Currently Sampled for Water Chemistry*
Kalama Beach Co. Park (Cove Park) Kilohana Dr
Kalama Beach Co. Park (Beach) Keawekapu Beach
Kalepolepo Beach Ulua Beach
Kamaole Beach 1 Palauea
Kamaole Beach 2 Poolenalena (Chang's Beach)
Kamaole Beach 3 Makena Landing
Keawakapu Beach Maluaka Beach
Keawakapu Beach Oneuli
Mai Poina Oe Iau Beach Co. Park Kalepolepo North
Kalepolepo (Waimahaihai) Waipuilani Park
Oneloa Beach (Big Beach) (Makena Beach Station) Kihei South (Lipoa)
Makena Landing Beach Kalama Park
Malu'aka Beach Cove Park
Mokapu Beach Par
Palauea Beach Park
Polo Beach Park
Poolenalena Beach
Pu'u ola'i (Small Beach)
Ulua Beach Park
Wailea Beach Park
Waipuilani

*Hui O Ka Wai Ola Water Quality Monitoring Sites

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Meeting Interim Criteria

As mentioned in Section 13, existing period of record water quality data was used as a baseline to
determine interim criteria. Implementation projects performed over the next 20 years are expected
to bring those areas in the watershed with water quality exceedances into attainment.

Figure 47. Current Water Quality Monitoring Locations

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Water Quality Monitoring to Evaluate Implementation - Baseline, Project Specific,

and Post Project Monitoring
In an effort to generate quality-assured coastal water-quality data, and to provide this data to DOH
CWB and other interested entities, a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) should be prepared
for any water quality monitoring methodology to ensure this data is able to assist the DOH CWB
and that the data can be included in their beach monitoring Program. Fortunately, a QAPP already
exist for the Hui O Ka Wai Ola monitoring program to ensure Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) such as sample depths, proper equipment usage, labeling, sample chain of custody etc., are
being met and data is being collected, compiled, and reported accurately.

Baseline water quality monitoring is being completed along coastal waters throughout the
watershed. While data from this monitoring is essential to ensuring our coastlines are swimmable,
fishable, and generally healthy, this data set does little to provide information on the sources of
pollution originating on the landscape. While water quality monitoring within streams would
provide better information on the sources of land-based pollution, streams within Southwest Maui
rarely flow.

The streams within the Plan are ephemeral and are considered losing or disappearing streams
because water is infiltrated into the aquifer as it flows downstream. This results in generally more
water volume upstream than downstream, and is characterized by deep gulches and canyons
upstream and relatively small rivulets and stream channels downstream. While the downstream
reaches of these streams may not flow for years at a time, and discharges from gulches and gullies
into coastal waters are infrequent, when stormwater events do occur, the potential for flash floods,
and very large stormwater volumes is possible within this watershed. Data specific to a particular
implementation project and its effect on water quality will therefore require water quality samples
be collected from stormwater runoff flows. Furthermore, to better understand potential pollution
sources within the watershed, and their water quality impacts to nearshore marine water quality
over time, stormwater sampling will be required.

If stormwater sampling remains unfeasible, the efficacy of implementation projects will have to
be determined utilizing the interim numeric criteria developed and discussed in Section 13. While
this method relies on coastal water that is not immediately adjacent to land-based pollution sources
and that has been diluted, water quality trends in this dataset will approach and attain water quality
standards as implementation projects reduce pollutant loads.

Responsible Parties
Responsibility for reviewing and revising the plan is assigned to the watershed coordinator and the
Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District. The watershed coordinator will also work with
the DOH CWB, the Hui O Ka Wai Ola, and the numerous stakeholders listed in Section 2.1.3.

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