Jordan's Journal - Ka Wai Ola O Wai'anae

Photo courtesy of Ka Wai Ola o Wai'anae. Nanakuli Stream.

On the next Jordan's Journal, Representative Jo Jordan (District 45 - Waianae, Makaha, Makua) welcomes back Pake Salmon, Communication Coordinator for Ka Wai Ola O Wai'anae, who is joined by Richard Medeiros, Nonpoint Source Pollution Task Force Manager for Ka Wai Ola O Wai'anae.

Photo courtesy of Ka Wai Ola o Wai'anae.

Pake and Richard explain Ka Wai Ola O Wai'anae's mission: to stop illegal dumping and nonpoint source pollution along the Waianae coast. They recently received a $300,000 grant from the EPA to help achieve their goal. They also tell us a little about the organization and how we can get involved. Ka Wai Ola O Wai'anae has four task forces: Commercial, Residential - Nanakuli, Residential - Waianae, and Nonpoint Source Pollution. Members of the public are welcome to join the task force of their choice or serve on an advisory committee. 

Photo courtesy of Ka Wai Ola o Wai'anae. Makua Bay

Nonpoint source pollution generally comes from land runoff and precipitation. Rain water picks up contaminants like toxic chemicals, paint, fertilizer, and bacteria, eventually carrying them to streams and the ocean. The results can be devastating. An 8th grade boy received a staff infection in his foot that resulted in a permanent deformity due to nonpoint source pollution in Pokai Bay. 

Photo courtesy of Ka Wai Ola o Wai'anae.

Richard and Pake make it clear that it will take the entire community to put an end to illegal dumping and nonpoint source pollution in Waianae. If you would like to help, the best way to contact Ka Wai Ola O Wai'anae is through their Facebook page, here is a link.

This episode airs on Olelo, Channel 54 on Sunday, February 19, 2012, 8:30 p.m.


The show will be rebroadcast on Olelo, Channel 54 on Monday, February 20, 2012 and Monday, February 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

You can also watch the full episode on Rep. Jordan's Vimeo channel here.