Kaelepulu Stormwater Quality Improvements
Keeping Our Surface Water Clean
View Project Presentation from the February 1, 2024 Kailua Neighborhood Board Meeting
The Opportunity
The City is planning to install stormwater infrastructure improvements to remove trash and other pollutants from waters passing through its storm drain system into Kaelepulu Pond and ultimately Kailua Bay.
Project Goals
· Improve surface water quality
· Protect public health and the environment
· Foster shared responsibility for protection of our water
Stormwater improvements are designed based on best management practices and community feedback.
The City plans to pilot green infrastructure measures that are located within City-owned property, that help meet Clean Water Act requirements, and that can be feasibly maintained.
Community Engagement
The City attended Kailua Neighborhood Board (KNB) meetings and a site visit with residents to solicit feedback on the project.
Presentation on the Project at the February 1, 2024 Kailua Neighborhood Board Meeting
The City reviewed recommended improvements from community members and are taking the ideas into consideration for future projects. Continued community feedback is a key measure of the project success.
Contact us with questions or comments about the Project through the form below.
Project Location
Kaelepulu stormwater improvements are being planned for locations within the Enchanted Lakes community, to improve water quality in Kaelepulu Pond and Kailua Bay.
This project will implement a biofiltration curb extension and hydrodynamic separator on Akiohala Street.
Project Overview
The project consists of two parallel systems to treat stormwater;
1) a below ground unit, Hydrodynamic Separator (HDS); and
2) a biofiltration curb extension project to naturally filter stormwater runoff, sediment, and pollutants.
The HDS structure is a 6’ diameter buried concrete structure that filters flow through a pipe, and captures and retains trash, oil, and sediment coming through the pipe. The structure is made of concrete with internal fiberglass and/or stainless-steel filtration/screening components.
The biofiltration curb extension is a shallow depression with an underdrain system designed to mimic the natural environment, using plants and soils or stone to capture, clean, and infiltrate stormwater to groundwater. The trees and plants in the curb extension provide additional benefits such as sequestering carbon, creating shade, and contributing to a green complete street.
Background Information
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Division mission is to empower and provide guidance on minimizing our impact on water quality in order to protect public health and the environment. SWQ works with City departments as well as public businesses, agencies, and individuals to foster shared responsibility for protection of our wai (water).
For more information about protecting water quality on Oahu, visit: Home | Storm Water Quality (honolulu.gov)