by Usha Prasad

The city's newly initiated "Adopt a Stream Program" promotes stream cleanup activities by getting community members involved in cleanup efforts. The program provides an opportunity for community members and groups to take ownership of their streams and keep the stream free from litter and other pollutants. Supplies and materials for stream litter cleanup, storm drain stenciling and public education activities will be provided by the program. The Department of Public Works will also coordinate publicity efforts with the group for soliciting local media coverage. In addition to cleanup activities, the program promotes public awareness and understanding related to watershed management and nonpoint source pollution control.

The primary objectives of the "Adopt a Stream Program" are:

1) control and reduce erosion and sediment;

2) develop and implement community-based public education and public outreach programs in the watershed area. These include manuals and checklists related to litter pick-up activities, seeking local donations and sponsors for support, and provide materials and supplies to volunteers for storm drain stenciling, litter pick-up and other related activities;

3) form an interagency/community network to continue stream cleaning activities. This involves bringing community members and government groups together to coordinate cleaning efforts; and

4) conduct a survey of water quality issues and identify potential pollutants in the area.

In Waimanalo, a portion of the Kahawai stream has already been adopted by the Waimanalo Watershed Council. Other cleanup sites can be established along Waimanalo and Inoaole Streams, and the remainder of Kahawai Stream. Individuals, paritcularly residents who live along the streams, can also assist by collecting water samples for testing.

If you are concerned about the water quality of the stream(s) in your neighborhood, and would like to get involved in improving stream conditions by helping to remove debris and litter, and collecting water samples, please contact the Waimanalo Watershed Council at 259-7195. If you are part of a group or wish to form a group to adopt a portion of a stream, contact the "Adopt a Stream Program" at 523-4150. Groups that volunteer to the program will have a sign displaying their organization's name at the adopted section of the stream. n

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT OUR STREAMS?

(A questionnaire prepared by the Waimanalo Watershed Council)

Please take a few minutes to answer the following questionnaire. The finished questionnaire can be dropped into the boxes labeled "Waimanalo Waterhsed Survey", located at Shima's, Mel's, the Waimanalo Public Library, and the Waimanalo Health Center, or mailed to:

Waimanalo Waterhsed Survey

WCDC

PO Box 634

Waimanalo HI 96795-0634

or faxed to 259-5489.

1. Do you live near a stream?

a. If yes, what is the name of the stream? __________________________________.

b. Is there water in this stream all year round? oYes oNo ______________________________.

c. Is there water only during certain periods such as when it rains? oYes oNo ______________.

d. Is the water in the stream usually oStill or oFlowing? ___________________________.

2. Do you use any of the streams in Waimanalo? oYes oNo

a. If yes, which stream or streams? ________________________________________.

b. What do you use it for? (e.g. swimming, fishing?) ___________________________.

3. What are the noticeable sources of pollution? _________________________________.

a. Do you have any suggestions as to how we may control/prevent these sources of pollution? _______________________________________________________

4. Can you tell us something about the history and legends of the streams in this area? _______________________________________________________

5. Would you be willing to volunteer some time for:

o stream cleaning

o water sampling and testing

o monitoring stream changes?

b. Which particular stream (if any) would you like to work on? _________________.

How we can contact you:

Name:___________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________

Phone number: ____________________________________________

Thank you for your time and effort.