Samples indicate pollution in some Maui waters
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A nonprofit group that has done tests for the presence of potential pollution on Maui says its latest results are enough to raise concern for some ocean users in North and South Maui.
John Starmer, science director of the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, said there were expected spikes in pollution markers in waters off sewage treatment plants in Kahului and Kihei, and there were high markers in Kahului Harbor off Waihine Pio Avenue and Maluaka Beach in Makena.
"Further testing is needed to determine the source of the pollution," Starmer said.
Samples were collected at 14 sites in south Maui and 25 sites in north Maui. The tests for nitrogen enrichment and nitrogen isotopes were done by collecting seaweed and were performed by an independent laboratory.
The Resource Council said the testing helps to identify potential causes and determine if land-based activities are causing pollution.
According to a U.S. Geological Survey study from 2009, wastewater plumes were detected entering the ocean from county sewage treatment plants in Kihei and Lahaina.
In 2020, the county was ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court to improve its wastewater pollution management.
Starmer said the presence of several types of limu or marine algae can indicate there is freshwater flowing out of the ground along parts of Maui's north, west and south coastlines.
The test results can also determine if the water is being polluted by nitrogen, a fertilizer, and perhaps point to the source.
Sometimes the presence of ocean animals, such as mussels like nahawele, indicates the area has fresh or brackish water. The alga, limu palahalaha, a broad-leafed Ulva species, can also indicate the presence of fresh water and nutrient-enriched waters along the shoreline.
The group said the testing has received some support from the Maui County Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division.
The nonprofit is looking for a small group of volunteers to help collect seaweed samples from sites in west Maui from 8:30-11:30 a.m. July 15.
According to the resource council, the day will include a short training session followed by the collection of limu at two to three sites.
The resource council, which also develops projects to help to restore reefs, is conducting a fundraiser at mauireefs.org. For more about the volunteer water quality monitoring program, go to huiokawaiola.com.