WAI'ANAE WATER TESTING RESULTS

We began testing Pōka‘ī Bay after hearing multiple community reports of staph infections, asking ourselves how we could help solve this problem. By applying ‘Ike Kupuna ancestral knowledge of tides, currents, and freshwater flow we understand how these natural elements shape the kahakai (shoreline). When they are disrupted, the effects become visible and deeply felt in our health and environment.

Why test the ocean side of the Jetty Wall?

The jetty wall traps sediment and bacteria, preventing natural circulation and self-cleansing. This buildup increases health risks like staph infections. We worked with Senator Shimabukuro to secure capital improvement funds to repair the wall and create an opening, like a mākaha, to restore proper water flow.

We test the Kaupuni site (near taco bell) because bacteria must be coming from somewhere. Using ‘Ike Kupuna, we observed how currents sweep waves into the bay from the Pilila‘au Army Recreational (opening of the canal) area, pushing contaminants toward the jetty wall. To test this theory, we monitored both locations, and for the past two years, this site has remained one of seven that consistently exceed health standards.