Kingdom Pathways

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION & BLUE WATER TASK FORCE INITIATIVE

Pōka'ī Bay Water Quality Testing

Provided by the Surfrider Foundation O'ahu Chapter

Aloha Kakou,

Kingdom Pathways has multiple initiatives currently in the works to get answers to these unresolved contamination issues within the bay. With the help of the Surfrider Foundation O'ahu Chapter, they will be helping our community with testing Pōka'ī Bay for enterococcus. We are trying to determine whether water circulation will improve water quality by testing the outer (left) side of the jetty wall closest to Kū'īlioloa Heiau to compare with the inner side of the bay during a 16-month program starting July 24, 2022. In addition, to determine the non-point source of contaminants to at least a general area by testing multiple spots and theories within the bay, we hope to expand to a third sample near the canal mouth of Kaupuni Stream in the near future! Here's a little background on how we were able to volunteer and directly work alongside the Surfrider Foundation to test different locations other than the Department of Health's site location (000224 Pōka'ī Bay Lattitude 21.442669 Longitude -158.189447).

Testing Provided By The Surfrider Foundation

When testing begins (July 24, 2022), you will be able to track enterococcus levels at Blue Water Task Force results should post 24 hours later; samples are taken every other Sunday.

Check out current Weather and Ocean data Magic Seaweed.

Check out current weather/ocean data.

Please, help us fundraise for the Surfrider Foundation to help malama them with the critical work they do for our Islands!

Donate Here

MAHALO NUI TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS

The volunteers picked up trash through Nene'u (bayside); some volunteers and Keiki's noticed about four 15inch deep holes and a trench dug into the sand filled with litter and human waste while walking alongside the lifeguard stand. Which triggered volunteers to get permission from the Lifeguards to trim the hedges opening up the area in hopes of having this space clear of encampments and sanitation issues. The Honolulu Police Department was on hand and observed the abandoned encampment. Allowing us to clear the debris site and restore the sand making the space safe for everyone, especially our Kupuna and Keiki!

Volunteers picked up trash and invasive feral cat feces near Kū'īlioloa Heiau; Kingdom Pathways director Carmen Guzman-Simpliciano noticed a Kupuna with a brand new bag of cat food on his way over to the Heiau. She asked what he would do with that and explained that we have endangered and federally protected migratory birds called Ua'u Kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater) that live on the entire peninsula of Kāne'ilio Point. Each year, a pair of birds return to Kū'īlioloa Heiau and begin creating their burrows, only laying one egg per season in June, with most young fledging in November. He said, "that's why the cats are going in and out of the naupaka bushes?" She explained in last year's survey that they found deceased birds that had been ripped apart and to please help protect these birds and obey the signage posted near the Heiau prohibiting feeding any feral animals within Pōka'ī Bay. Also, to spread awareness, and if they see anyone with dogs, make sure they are on a leash. We must protect and preserve our U'au Kani for our Keiki and future mo'opuna (grandchildren).

Throughout it all, Pōka'ī Bay remains a gem on the Wai'anae Coast, and it is up to all of us to chip in and help out in as many ways as possible, even if it means just picking up one piece of trash while you spend your time there. Mahalo Nunui to everyone who allowed the Guzman-Simpliciano ohana to work alongside you to malama our 'ãina!

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