Understanding the Pūnāwai of Keaukaha, HI - PIPES Intern Report
Dates
Date Reported
2015-08-07
Summary
Global climate change is altering the natural state of the earth. Ecosystems around the world are being affected with a large concern being the availability of freshwater. As a result of climate change Hawaiʻi is predicted to experience a significant decrease in precipitation. And although Hawaiʻi is not currently experiencing unavailability of freshwater resources the focus of this study is to begin to understand one of the most abundant freshwater resources in Hawaiʻi, freshwater springs. Three approaches were used to begin understanding the freshwater springs in Keaukaha, HI; reading through literature, conducting field surveys as well as conducting informal interviews. Through the field surveys it was found that shoreline springs [...]
Summary
Global climate change is altering the natural state of the earth. Ecosystems around the world are being affected with a large concern being the availability of freshwater. As a result of climate change Hawaiʻi is predicted to experience a significant decrease in precipitation. And although Hawaiʻi is not currently experiencing unavailability of freshwater resources the focus of this study is to begin to understand one of the most abundant freshwater resources in Hawaiʻi, freshwater springs. Three approaches were used to begin understanding the freshwater springs in Keaukaha, HI; reading through literature, conducting field surveys as well as conducting informal interviews. Through the field surveys it was found that shoreline springs are easier to sample at lower low tides during new and full moons. It was also found that the shoreline springs move with the tides. Through the informal interviews it was found that to study and protect the freshwater springs in Keaukaha, HI we must also study and protect Lake Waiau on Mauna Kea. It was also found that in order to study pūnāwai we must observe them through a Hawaiian perspective. This study provides a starting point in understanding the pūnāwai of Keaukaha, HI through both a scientific and cultural lens, however more information is necessary to provide comprehensive and conclusive results.
