Kuleana Project Manoa sub-watershed survey

A 9-month long initiative funded by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and executed by Malama o Manoa, culminated with the release of key findings from a survey administered to area residents.

The Kuleana Project set out to effect change of activities and practices of 1,000 households in the Manoa sub-watershed through education and outreach utilizing a community-based grassroots approach to promote water conservation practices and to increase awareness of homeowner practices which contribute to nonpoint source pollution.

Students representing 12 area schools administered a total of 776 surveys in an Initial wave that established a baseline measure. Households were recruited for participation in the survey in a number of ways, including referrals from those affiliated with the project; parents, grandparents or other adult relatives of students; and other interested parties. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed indicated a desire to receive an educational visit where students explained to householders best practices based on their individual responses to the initial survey. Students used survey materials developed by Dr. Carl Evensen of the University of Hawaii’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Students then administered a final survey to the same households that participated in the Initial survey. A total of 517 households were interviewed in the final survey.

A subset of 375 surveys representing households in the Manoa sub-watershed was analyzed. Questions centered on eight areas: 1) water conservation; 2) use of fertilizers; 3) green waste; 4) use of chemical pesticides and herbicides; 5) motorized vehicles; 6) pets; 7) recycling; and 8) water run-off.

While Manoa sub-watershed households’ practices generally are not bad to begin with, the survey suggests that educational visits help increase positive practices. It also points to the fact that a community-based initiative is a solid model to modify practices.

Malama o Manoa is a broad-based community organization made up of residents and friends of Manoa Valley whose purpose is to promote community; celebrate our cultural diversity and heritage; and preserve, protect and enhance the special qualities of historic Manoa Valley. It is a non-profit corporation founded in 1992 by a group of citizens concerned about Manoa's future. Additional information on the Kuleana Project can be found at: www.malamaomanoa.org

Hilo Extensionist Develops Rain Catchment (cistern) Sampling Program

Trisha Macomber , Educational Specialist at the Cooperative Extension Service in Hilo was honored with the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Outstanding Service Award for 2003. Macomber works with the College of Tropical Agriculture’s Natural Resources and Environmental Management department, based at the Komohana Agriculture Complex. Senator Kokubun and members of the Hawaii State Senate recognized Macomber’s outstanding work with a congratulatory certificate. Andrew Hashimoto, Dean of CTAHR, said Macomber “exemplified the dedicated and conscientious employees” of the college.

Macomber conducted extensive research on the construction and use of water catchment systems, the primary source of water for drinking, bathing, flushing and irrigating for up to 60,000 of the state’s residents. Securing grants of over $30,000 in the past two years to fund the development and implementation of the project, Macomber published Rainwater Catchment System Guidelines to assist homeowners and landlords with information about construction and maintenance of the systems.

Macomber’s work is being recognized across the nation, and during the year Macomber has been invited to present seminars on Hawaii rainwater catchment systems for the American Rainwater Catchment System Association in Austin, Texas, and for the American Water Works Association. Internationally, presentations and posters have also been offered in Palau, at the 3rd World Water Conference in Japan and the International Rainwater Catchment System Conference in Mexico.

Macomber established a procedure for testing water and assisted with the production of bacteria test kits for home use. The contaminated water turns black after incubation; the graphic evidence convinces many residents they need to take action. To encourage the safe usage of rainwater catchment systems, Macomber presents seminars to rural subdivision community associations, senior centers, workplaces, and public gatherings.

For more information about the University of Hawaii’s programs in the community, contact the Cooperative Extension Service at (808) 959-9155 or click here to find out how to download a copy of the guide.