WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN
Waiʻanae Watershed Management Plan Update
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting are undertaking an update to the Waiʻanae Watershed Management Plan (WWMP), which was last adopted in August 2009. The WWMP establishes policies, projects, and strategies for the sustainable management and use of surface and ground water resources in the Waiʻanae Planning District through 2045. The WWMP update will be prepared in accordance with the State Water Code Chapter 174C, HRS and the City and County of Honolulu Ordinance Chapter 30, ROH. The WWMP will be one of eight district water management plans that together comprise the O‘ahu Water Management Plan.
Community Meetings
Community Meeting #2
- When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kalanihoʻokahā Community Learning Center, 89-102 Farrington Highway, Wai'anae, HI 96792
- Topic: A community meeting is being held to share information about the Waiʻanae district's Watershed Management Plan. Join us to learn about understanding water supply and demand to ensure adequate and sustainable water supply for current and future generations.
- Meeting Materials & Resources:
- Refreshments provided
- Watch recording on 'Ōlelo Community Television: coming soon
See Previous Community Meetings
Previous Community Meetings
Commission on Water Resource Management - May 20, 2025
Community Meeting #1 - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Topic: A community meeting is being held to share information about the Waiʻanae district's Watershed Management Plan. Join us to learn about the project and provide input on the process for developing the plan, what's included in the plan, and how the plan will be implemented.
- Meeting Materials & Resources:
- Refreshments provided
- A recording of this meeting aired on 'Ōlelo Community Television and also can be viewed using the video player below.
Video Player
SSFM INTERNATIONAL
Contact: Lala Nuss
Phone: (808) 356-1272
Email: lnuss@ssfm.com
HONOLULU BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY
Contact: Barry Usagawa
Phone: (808) 748-5900
Email: busagawa@hbws.org
Updated: 06/02/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How can the Waiʻanae Community participate with BWS on the Waiʻanae Watershed Management Plan Update?
The Waiʻanae community can participate by:
- Checking out the management plan website at: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/water-resources/water-planning/watershed-management-plan/waianae-plan.
- Providing input using the online form: Waiʻanae Watershed Management Plan Update Community Input Form.
- Contacting Kathleen Pahinui, the BWS’s Public Information Officer, at (808) 748-5319 for more information on the Watershed Management Plan.
- Attending public meetings hosted by the BWS, where Barry Usagawa, who oversees the BWS’s Water Resource Division, often speaks and is available to answer questions.
What is the cause of recent observational decline of Kaupuni Stream flow?
According to the National Weather Service, Leeward areas of Oʻahu experienced a very dry winter, which has significantly lowered stream flows.
In 2022, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) installed a gauge on Kaupuni Stream makai of Kaʻala Farm, but it is not yet fully operational, and no flow data is available.
What spring feeds Kaupuni Stream?
The BWS’s Waianae Plantation Tunnel Number 3 discharges about 0.3 million gallons of water a day into the Kaupuni stream.
(Source: Waiʻanae Designation Petition)
Is the BWS pumping from the spring that feeds Kaupuni Stream?
No, the BWS does not pump water from the spring that feeds the Kaupuni Stream.
What percentage of water is coming into the West side from other regions of Oʻahu?
60% to 65% of water coming into the West side is from other regions of Oʻahu.
Where is the water that comes to the Waiʻanae Coast coming from?
Most of the drinking water that serves the Waiʻanae coast is coming from the Waipahu and Kunia area.