5. Coral Reef Ecosystems, Water Quality, and Upland Activities

The health of beaches is closely tied to the health of the coral reef ecosystem, which is itself closely tied to upland land practices. Hence, effective beach management requires a geographically broader approach known as integrated coastal zone management. Although this report has focused mainly on the shoreline area-the beach, the dunes, and the coastal plain-we have included some recommendations for more effective protection of the coral reef ecosystem and better management of upland land practices.

In many cases, improper control of runoff at agricultural lands and construction sites, even those far from the coast, has degraded the water quality of coastal areas. For example, recent construction without adequate erosion control measures for the Maui Ocean Center has led to frequent silt plumes in Ma'alaea Bay and negative impacts on the coral reef. Silt diminishes light penetration and eventually settles out on the seafloor. This harms coral and other marine organisms (e.g., foraminifera, an important component of beach sand) and limits safe and enjoyable ocean recreation. Runoff also transports nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants to coastal waters compounding the impacts on water quality.

Golf courses, resorts, and other urban developments have impacts on water quality through the overuse of fertilizers, pesticides, and the leaching of other pollutants, including chlorine from the drainage of swimming pools. In some cases, nutrient loading of coastal waters has led to algal blooms. Most upland runoff can be prevented from polluting the coastal waters through adherence to the best management practices (BMPs) outlined in the West Maui Watershed Owners Manual (WEST MAUI WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, 1997), which is available to the public from the Hawaii Department of Health. Major recommendations for agriculture and construction are highlighted below. The West Maui Watershed Owners Manual also provides recommendations for landscaping.

According to the West Maui Watershed Owners Manual, best management practices for agriculture include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Expanded use of sediment retention basins
• Regular maintenance of sedimentation basins and other erosion control measures
• Use of diversions, terracing, contour farming, and crop residue to intercept and slow sheet flow and stabilize the surface
• Improved water management practices
• Development of precision agriculture in order to insure efficient application of fertilizer and pesticides based on local soil/crop needs

Best management practices for construction sites include the following.

• Use of detention basins to prevent runoff
• Use of dust suppression measures such as dust screens and watering
• Limiting the surface area of exposed soil and coordinating activities with periods of low rainfall

Other recommendations in the West Maui Watershed Owners Manual include

• Revising the Grading Ordinance to reduce soil erosion
• Providing training and education for contractors, developers, and equipment operators
• Improving inspection and enforcement of requirements for erosion control

Upland activities such as landscaping, agriculture, and construction must become more environmentally responsible. Currently, the county Department of Public Works and Waste Management (DPWWM) and state Department of Health (DOH) are responsible for enforcing compliance with proper environmental controls at construction sites. Communities and non-governmental organizations can assist DPWWM and DOH in enforcement. To facilitate this, public awareness should be increased. Contracting firms and developers should attend workshops on environmentally sound construction practices and have their projects certified as "reef-friendly."

Objective

5.1) To reduce impacts to water quality and coral reef ecosystem 

Recommendations

5.1a) Continue to educate the public-especially the ocean recreation users such as ocean activity centers and dive/snorkel tour boat operators-on the importance of coral reef ecosystems and how to reduce damage to these resources

5.1b) Support studies to determine the status of Maui's coral reef ecosystems

5.1c) Insure that upland construction and agricultural practices become more environmentally responsible by increasing public awareness

5.1d) Amend the grading ordinance to implement best management practices for dust and sediment control, as approved by the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Department of Public Works and Waste Management (This is currently being considered by the Maui County Council.)

5.1e) Provide BMP workshops to contractors at construction sites

5.1f) Improve enforcement of the grading ordinance

5.1g) Implement suggestions of the West Maui Watershed Owners Manual including guidelines for the reduction of soil erosion and the development of and adherence to best management practices protective of coastal water quality

5.1h) Promote sand fill along shoreline properties rather than soil fill

5.1i) Review existing water quality standards, testing, and enforcement

5.1i) Support a study of nearshore circulation patterns to help determine environmental impacts of various drainage master plans

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