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(Figure 1: Schematic Chart of Oʻahu's Water Source from Board of Water Supply)
According to the Board of Water Supply (2007), Puʻuloa is an estuary classified as a "freshwater lens system" because of the differences in density between the freshwater and salt water (p.27). Sources of freshwater flow from the inland of twelve ahupuaʻa and discharge into the coastal areas which mix to create "brackish water transition zones" within a circulating system (BWS, 2007, p.27).
Over the course of several decades, polluted run-off from the surrounding areas have flowed into Puʻuloa and contaminated the water. Traces of pesticides and herbicides have been detected in aquifers below the agricultural fields of the ʻEwa Moku ("Kunia, Mililani, Waikele, Waipahu, Waipiʻo, and Waiawa") (BWS, 2007, p.40). Similarly, solvents have been discovered beneath specific areas with confirmed usage or accidental release at the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex (PHNC). These conditions are the result of neglect, misuse, and military occupation (Rossi de Leon, et. al., 2021).
watershed-study-central-oahu-final.pdf(Figure 2: PDF of Central Oʻahu Watershed Study)
The organization Malama Puʻuloa (aka Hui o Hoʻohonua) have conducted environment analysis reports that indicate the presence of toxins and metals such as Nitrate, Ammonium, Arsenic, Lead, and Mercury within the soil (Rossi de Leon, et. al., 2021).
Project Proposal and Results.pdfFinalCombinedSoilReports.pdfPage updated
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