Archive note: this presentation is preserved as Barry supplied it and reflects a 2017 civic proposal. Personal contact details have been omitted from the public version.
Introduction
This presentation is a collaboration of several people: three engineers and one organizer.
Water is the lifeblood of any civilization. Wars have been fought over this commodity and it will continue to be a significant and determining factor whether a society will grow or disappear. Make no mistake, water is not something that we can presume will always be available. We must plan ahead with careful stewardship to assure its presence and quality.
Today’s rationing of water by 25% on the west side of Hawai’i Island is merely a warning to us that we need to fix the problem for the future.
We must address this topic today for the future of Hawai’i. Water is, indeed, the most important thing we can fix now to assure its future.
According to the Hawaii Department of Water Supply, HA-WMA 2013-1 Petition to Designate Keauhou Aquifer System, Kona, Hawaii December 10, 2014:
The Hawaii Department of Water Supply’s (“HDWS”) primary source of water, the Kahaluu Shaft (8-3557-005), taps the basal aquifer and is subject to saltwater encroachment. Pumping 4 million gallons per day (“mgd”) from the shaft has caused the chloride concentration to reach critical levels. Water delivered by the HDWS is reaching its upper limit of acceptability. To reduce reliance on the Kahaluu shaft and to meet current and projected water demands in Kona over the next 20 years, HDWS plans to develop 8 mgd of potable water from existing and new wells in the high-level area from Kalaoa to Kainaliu.
And
Some studies by the National Park Service (“NPS”) suggest that pumping from HDWS’s proposed wells could reduce the amount of freshwater flowing through the Park. This in turn could increase the salinity of the brackish water. Other studies by the NPS suggest that saltier ground water could damage the natural habitat provided by the fishponds, anchialine ponds, and the near-shore ocean for native and endangered species.
And
Regarding “Ground Water Recharge and Sustainable Yield:
The high-level aquifer pumping wells shown in Figure 3 are in the lower part of the rainfall belt where annual rainfall is about 60 inches per year and ground water recharge is about 30 inches per year.
And
As described in the Water Resource Protection Plan (2008), the Commission uses a precautionary approach in calculating and applying sustainable yield to manage Hawaii’s ground water resource is very cautious. Despite the likely existence of more developable water now and in the future under various climate change scenarios, the Commission staff recommends that the
updated 2015 Water Resource Protection Plan keep the sustainable yield in the Keauhou aquifer system at 38 mgd for the following reasons.
First, projected future water demands in the area are about 28.5 mgd so 38
mgd will not be a constraint on planning or development for many years into the future. See section XIV.
Second, development and management of Keauhou’s high-level ground water
are in early and exploratory stages. The hydrogeology is complex. If well drilling is done poorly, there is a risk that millions of gallons per day of potable water could be wasted. Keeping the sustainable yield at a cautious level will encourage efficiency. Keeping the sustainable yield at 38 mgd will discourage overly-optimistic projections of future growth while allowing for the growth that has been planned. Periodic updates in Commission's Water Resource Protection Plan allow sustainable yields to be adjusted based on experience and changing conditions.
Third, the WRPP (2008) uses the lowest estimated sustainable yield unless there is a robust monitoring program, deep monitoring wells, a numerical ground water model, and other hydrologic studies.
And
In a worst case scenario, results of the State Department of Health (“DOH”) Source Water Assessment Program’s (“SWAP”) ground water flow model show that flow through the basal aquifer in the vicinity of Kaloko-Honokohau National Park could decline by 17 percent as a result of pumping the full sustainable yield from the aquifer.
And
Rainfall has declined throughout the State of Hawaii since about 1980 (Chu and Chen, 2010). The rainfall graph in Figure 15A shows that this state-wide trend is also occurring in the Keauhou area. Certainly a significant portion of the water level decline is the result of the lower rainfall recharge that has occurred since the 1980s. However, an additional cause for decline is the act of drilling in this area of complex geology which punctures layers of rock and/or structural features that separate waters of different water levels (different heads) and that are following different flow paths.
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Natural Rain and the Current System
Natural rain which falls on the east side of Hawai’i Island can be used to supply water to the agriculture industry, the tourist and recreation industries, and potable needs of the west side. The quantity needed on the west side is currently in an official shortage because of the present system which relies only upon the aquifer within the Big Island. Because we have a shortage now, we should be able to recognize that the problem is the current system. Certainly if we don’t fix this system now, the shortage will not go away and will, with future increases in population, become an absolute crisis.
Hawai’i island is in a unique position in that it has an abundance of this precious commodity on the east side of the island but the dry west side does not benefit from this abundance. It takes an event such as we have now, a shortage, to make some people look for solutions to the problem. We have been brought to this point today. We must find a solution today to prevent future problems.
In short, the west side of Hawai’i Island needs supplemental water to avoid depleting the natural aquifer of this island and to avoid the huge expense of pumping water from the aquifer and the expenses of maintaining these pumps.
There are several ways to get the east side’s water to the west side to be considered. Here are two of them: Presentation One and Presentation Two. No matter how these ideas are accepted by the readers, the main idea is to stimulate the thought process to actually get water moved to where it can do the most good. We don’t need negativity brought to the discussion by adverse ideas or needless repetition. We need people with open eyes who can see the problem and endeavor to fix it.
We may hear arguments against the concepts here. Some people who have a history with such problems may lead them to a dismissal of any actions to fix the problem. In order to fix the water shortage on the west side we must have people with optimistic attitudes who can solve the problem. This must be the underlying theme of this presentation: optimism and awareness of the problem. To ignore our shortage now will be an injustice for the people of Hawai’i island.
While some may blame the current water shortage on the malfunction of pumps already in service, we must understand that this sort of problem is a fault of the current system. In this case, the malfunctioning pumps. But this illustrates why a different system of west side supply needs to change to eliminate such problems in the future.
A primary argument against this project may be lack of money but we need to understand that if we do encounter a shortage in the future, it will cost a lot less to replace the existing system now than in the future. Plus, we if we install it now we’ll have it to avoid the problems we’re having today.
Negativity will not solve any problems; we need to look at the problem, see how it fits into the future of the Big Island, and solve it with optimism and forward thinking and planning.
Benefits of a new system
Agriculture is an important part of this project. Indeed, additional water supplies to this island may spawn additional business and growth. The west and north sides can be greened almost immediately upon completion of a project such as this.
We should recognize our reliance on the tourist industry. The Big Island heavily relies up this industry today, and certainly in the foreseeable future. It would be a shame if the tourists disappeared because the golf courses turned brown due to lack of water. So now we can see that it makes monetary sense to invest in water today for the future of the Big Island. I don’t think I have to provide any numbers to emphasize how important tourists are to this island.
Additionally, when we speak of what this project might cost, we should also understand that the canal project described herein may even help pay for itself because it shares the commodity with tourists as a “water ride” and with new hotels and golf courses along the way toward its southern end.
Build it; they will come. It makes sense. It is necessary.
We sincerely appreciate all the time you may be able to spend when considering our ideas. We “idea people” cannot make the project real; only those in government can make it happen. When it actually comes to fruition, we will have solved a huge problem for the future of the Big Island.
So far, the office of the Hawai’i County Council has be essential in moving this project along. We thank the office very much for their interest in this project and for their actions. You are important and we certainly understand that while it may not be the most important project on your desk at this time, we organizers also know that it can be the most important project we all can accomplish at this time.
The Data
dry is in red; wet is blue.
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Presentation Number One
This proposal has already been addressed by Keith Okamoto of the Department of Water supply. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Okamoto and his team for their detailed and quite thorough analysis of the project called “Thinking Out of the Box.”
I shall address this letter now but want to remind all concerned parties that the main object is to bring free water from the east side of Hawai’i island to the west side. Our purpose in this discussion is to analyze the complexities of a huge project. We must keep our eyes on the only objective: water to the west side. It is the job of bureaucrats and engineers and politicians to do what is necessary to implement this very important project.
An important concern is that the present system which brings water to the west side is full of flaws and expenses and un-ecological features and costs which should be replaced with a better system. We are here to have this discussion.
Once the concerned parties have chosen a method to transport east side water to the west side, I and my associates will support their activities unequivocally.
Just a couple notes about this this project earlier named “Thinking Out of the Box.”
Our ideas were never intended to use high pressure pumps of about 2000 psi. This pressure is impractical and expensive. A more economical method is to use many pumps which only use about 150 psi which would pump water from one reservoir to the next one higher on the hill, and then to a reservoir on the west side where the distribution of the water would begin.
We do indeed recognize that the elevation changes are a problem, however, reservoirs are just one of the engineering complexities which need to be addressed and solved. There is no question that it may be difficult; the only concern should be how to get east side water to the west. Reservoirs can be a great idea if we agree to work out the complexities.
If the elevation of the Pohakula reservoir is indeed 6700’, there is a lot of potential energy in downward flowing water which can be used to power part of the system, thereby reducing the costs of pumping it up the hill. Specifically, we can use a water wheel , solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy or even siphoning. Siphoning can be used at lower altitudes as explained here.
Siphoning. A separate idea. Imagine a closed pipe dipping into a reservoir on the east side at, say, 4000 feet. The pipe will empty at a lower altitude into a reservoir at, say 2500’, on the west side. The power comes from the suction of gravity by way of siphoning from one location through a closed and sealed system. In this case, there is a constant need to keep the pipeline filled and siphoning correctly, but when it is operating as intended the water is simply sucked up from the east side and deposited at a lower level on the other side of the island using no energy at all.
We find that the current crisis (water shortage) exists because when the failure of one pump failed, it was ignored. Then three more pumps soon failed and we find ourselves in a drought. The system is flawed in this case because the first failure was not repaired in a timely manner. The system failed, causing not only a drought but has huge costs of pump repairs and pumping.
Size of a reservoir:
We are wondering if Mr. Okamoto’s figure of six million gallons of rainfall and stream diversion a day is practical. That’s a lot of water! After all, we may need only to supplement the current water supply to the west side, not replace it. We presume that our aquifer will always have some water but it certainly needs a supplement for the future. We understand that the current system is flawed because of the huge expenses of pumps and their repair and the possibility that water may disappear someday from the aquifer for reasons we cannot address here.
It is estimated that six million gallons of water would require around seventeen acres of storage space at one foot deep. That would be for only one day of storage. 470 acres would be about a month’s supply if it was one foot deep. For a year it would need to be twelve feet deep.
With this in mind, this system we are proposing does not need a backup system because it is not the primary source of west side water—only the supplemental water source. If east side reservoir water is low due to limited rainfall, it will be probably be necessary for the west side to pull from the aquifer. When water is plentiful in the east side, it simply needs to be pumped uphill to the next reservoir.
Wind electricity might be the best power source for this plan. Wind generators are used successfully all over the world, even on this island. We don’t feel that wind generators will present a legitimate ecological problem. If wind generators would be used for power, we question how many birds might be in jeopardy at 6700 feet in the middle of a lava field. We wonder how many birds live there.
Solar electricity is also an excellent source of power.
We like Mr. Okamoto’s comment, “In order to utilize the power generated through the hydro generators, additional infrastructure would have to be constructed to transport the hydro generated energy to the areas utilizing the energy or it could ideally be sold to Hawai’i Electric Light Company via an agreement.” We recognize that this is a huge project and may need such supplementations and complexities. However, when we keep our eyes on the main prize, we realize there are many such problems/agreements must be solved to accomplish our task of getting water to the west side.
We think the water should be enclosed in a 12” to 24” diameter pipe when carried from one reservoir to another (we approximate that the siphoning referred to above would require a much smaller pipe). This eliminates evaporation and increases the efficiency of the project.
Such pipes, says Mr. Okamoto, are not allowed by the State of County rights of way. Well, as mentioned earlier, those are manmade rules and can also be changed by man. A sincere effort to change this law might be very important for simple laying-of-pipe. Enter the lawyers and law makers.
Certainly, it would be easier to perch the pipes above the ground rather than dig another ditch. Indeed, trying to bury pipes would not be practical to follow irregular terrain in many, many locations. The pipes in these cases would be elevated across a ravine. So it seems logical that our project should be void of such impractical law restrictions which would require burying. Besides, I’ve seen pipes at other locations which are not buried. See the photo of the Upper Hamakua Ditch in Waimea.
Mr. Okamoto adds the cost of water treatment into the discussion but we would think that it is not an added cost. Water treatment is required for the current water being supplied to people today so there is no added treatment costs here unless a separate party chooses to build an additional water treatment plant (which I’ve not seen mentioned anywhere). Much of the water need not be treated at all since it is intended for irrigation or golf courses and the like.
Of course an EA/EIS would be required. However, since it’s already been done for much of the geography we intend to cover, it might be one of our smaller problems.
It is permissible to use multiple reservoirs in this idea. The downside might be the huge amount of land required for water collection. But since the reservoirs are at higher elevations and out of sight, the problem seems minimal compared to the whole project.
Mr. Okamoto mentions that this project is anticipated to cost millions of dollars. Yes, it is expensive and will probably take years to plan and construct. We’ll leave this financial matter up to those who are responsible for such matters.
One last thing. Mr. Okamoto acknowledges that “…it could be a viable option in the future with the advancement of technology or if areas in between are developed.” This statement is an admission that this project may, in the future, be an important part of Big Island infrastructure and already in place for future construction. We should address this problem now rather than waiting for it to become a crisis.
In order to “pitch” this or other proposals which bring water from the east side to the west side, people must recognize the need of water by agriculture and tourism. Tourism on the west side must not suffer for lack of water. Tourism is too important to the future economy of the Big Island to be ignored now.
Perhaps we should look at the river Danube and what the Europeans did to use it to control floods, generate electricity and improve commerce. We don’t have to do our projects to that scale but it can be a good example of what can be done. The Big Island is a much smaller scale than the Danube, but it does show their foresight.
Build it; they will come. It makes sense. It is necessary.
Additional projects already exist:
Lower Hamakua Ditch Irrigation System
Note: the Kohala Forest Reserve is located near the 1000’ foot level between Waipio Valley and the end of Akoni Pule Hwy which is accessible by automobile from Hawi.
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May 6, 2017
To: Barry Willis
Re: Water Transmission System- East to West Hawaii
I hereby comment on Keith Okamoto P.E.’s detailed letter on above subject dated yesterday May 5, 2017. I admire his detail and yours showing much thought on your proposed idea to alleviate West Hawaii water shortage. Certainly the subject deserves much consideration, especially as West Hawaii demands for water increase with expansion and growth.
First, Mr. Okamoto’s notation of a 2000 psi (.491 psi/ft) pumping requirement: If the reservoir systems on both sides of the island were approximately the same elevations say around 2000ft, the continuous 2000 psi pumping would not be required. This assumes the 6700ft reservoir is eliminated. A closed siphon-type pumping system would only have to overcome the relatively small pressure drop in the line caused by flow, once the system is primed. Maybe a small tap in the line could supplement Pohakaloa’s needs if required. Also, this siphon approach could greatly simplify and reduce the estimated 16 additional booster pump system. It could also eliminate costly hydro-generators & electric distribution facilities. Perhaps some West side reservoir storage could be located near the Makalei water treatment facility to supplement the much needed N. Kona water system and Waikoloa demands.
Regarding electric supply; perhaps wind power could be dropped from consideration to avoid the necessary USF&W approvals, in favor of Solar power only with HELCO backup. The DKI Highway must have had an extensive EIS. Perhaps riding those coat-tails would simplify the Water Transfer System EA/EIS along the same route.
Mr. Okamoto’s extensive thought process regarding West Hawaii water demand needs is much appreciated. I would recommend additional thoughts and planning be considered to this important subject. Perhaps an 18” line would be adequate and the project could proceed in operational phases to spread out cost revenue requirements as West Hawaii demands gradually increase.
Ray Mears BSME/MSEE Kailua Kona HI
Presentation Number Two
Big Island Water Canal for Unprocessed Water
Maps and charts
Water Sources
Note the many creeks and rivers flowing from the northeast side of Mauna Kea to the ocean. These contain the water to be used on the west side of the island. These are the collection sources. This water will be collected into a canal where it will flow downhill to the west side of this island.
The purple line shows the 2000 foot elevation. The collection areas (the canal) would probably begin closer to the 3000’ level.
The above map shows a constant 2800 ft elevation around the island. It shows that there are plenty of big streams and rivers which can supply water to a canal at this level.
The above maps show that the water collection sources are mostly in the areas which are in the hills north of, and at elevations above, Hilo and they continue in these higher elevations north above the Hamakua coast south of Honoka’a. This is where the water is collected. The water is to be distributed to the west side via a canal where a drought currently exists.
One large river is Wailuku River which flows from Mauna Kea into Hilo Bay. Another substantial river /stream which leads toward Papa’ikou is Kapua. The Kolekola River is just north of Kapua. Akaka Falls is fed by Kolekole Stream at 1000 ft elevation. It lies just outside the Hilo Forest Reserve. The headwaters of Kolekole Stream is within the Hilo Forest Reserve at 4100’ elevation.
This following map is north of the previous map. It shows many streams which begin above 4000’. See https://www.gaiagps.com/map/united-states/hawaii/%CA%BBakaka-falls-state-park/akaka-falls/?layer=GaiaTopoRasterFeet&lat=20.0318&lon=-155.3789&zoom=14
This map shows the many Forest Reserves: Hamakua, Manowalalee, Hilo, Laupahoehoe, Mauna Kea.
There are several Surface-Water Gaging Stations in this area. They show streamflow.
Property ownership
Honomu Hawaiian Home Land. This is an area which is not owned or controlled by the government. Most of the other collections sources are on government property. There are some areas controlled privately (Kamemeha Schools for instance), but most is controlled by federal or state. Because Kamehameha Schools owns much of the land above Kona, it might be interested in participating in this project as a revenue source or simply as a project which will provide a better future for Hawai’i.
Fiscal Responsibility
It is important to recognize that these collection source areas of the Big Island are
Generally the least populated therefore are the areas of the least possible civilization conflicts.
These areas pay the least property taxes on the island.
These areas are the least affected by earthquakes compared to the southern areas of the island.
This is a USGS chart showing all earthquakes in two weeks of May 2017.
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Property Tax
Allow me to elaborate on the financial aspects of this property tax.
According to the West Hawaii Today article May 14, 2017, on page one called “Cash Cow,” the people in the geographic areas of the aforementioned collection sources pay 10% of the property tax burden. The accumulated water, according to the plans of this canal, would serve the areas of Waimea, Kona and down as far as Captain Cook. These areas pay 69.3% of this property tax burden. Certainly the west coast hotels and golf courses can benefit from this water in addition to other communities on the west side.
As another example of population differences, the population of zip code 96781 is 1,314. The population of 96738 is 6,362.
These figures will apply to any plan to get water to the west side, not just the plan for building canals here in Presentation Number One it also applies to Presentation Number Two.
Conflicts between the east and west sides of the island?
Since the water accumulation does not adversely affect the east side of the island, it is only fitting and proper that the areas of the island which need it most get the excess water. We are not instigating east versus west warfare here—this has been going on for many years already—we are merely pointing out that the west side needs it and these plans cause no loss of water on the east side.
The water accumulated from the collection sources is excess to the sources. It will not adversely affect the streams or rivers of the east side. There is a level for every stream or river which is the “mean level.” This level will not be touched. Only the water which exceeds the mean level will be collected.
Additionally, since the canals are over 2000’ in elevation, they could never be perceived as an eyesore.
The high elevation of the canal’s route will probably be the easiest to negotiate land purchases and agreements because it is above most cities (away from population centers).
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The Canal System
Note the maps shown above.
On the east side are many streams flowing toward and into the ocean. These streams are the collection sources for a canal which will run from the wet side of the island to the dry west side of the island. The collection can begin out of the paths of civilization (above most farms) at about 3000’ in elevation. It will pass above and south of Waimea which is about 2500’ then on past Waikoloa Village (about 50 miles) and on to Kailua-Kona to a facility near Holualoa (about 85 miles). It can be tapped at any point along this canal to process this water into a potable product or it may continue on south toward Ocean View and Na’alehu (130 miles) to be used or stored as necessary.
One use of this unprocessed water is for use on west-side golf courses. Canal water can also be distributed to supplement west-side potable water which at this time is drawn from wells which deplete the island aquifer and expend huge amounts of energy and resources to pull the water from the ground.
The collection source is—the creeks and streams—normally flow unimpeded to the ocean. Because there are so many such sources, none will be adversely affected from its normal path the sea. The canal is supplied from multiple streams and creeks using the water above the mean level at which the stream normally flows.
The canal itself is the reservoir for the collected water. There is no additional reservoir required except for excessive water collected during an exceptionally rainy days when overflow might flow into lateral holding ponds.
Gravity is the only needed power system once the water gets into the canal, except for occasional times terrain requires that it be lifted or diverted.
This counter-clockwise direction around the island beginning north of Hilo is chosen because of potential problems getting a waterway through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the location of most of the island’s tourist industry. Besides those reasons, the north route is where the water is needed the most.
The concrete canal’s shape is a trapezoid. Ten feet on the bottom, eighteen feet on the top and five feet deep. This gives the maximum support for the water inside of the canal. The quantity of water within this system is 750,000,000 gallons if the system starts in Hilo and ends near Na’alehu (130 miles). Less quantity is obviously in a shorter system. There could be more quantity as the water approaches the top of the canal edges.
Benefits
Flood control can be a factor of this system because the water is controlled and not allowed to wash away soil during times of excess rain on the east side. The excess water either flows to the west side or into the lateral holding ponds.
This is land conservation because very little land is used for this project; it does not require a huge reservoir used as the collection source.
Farmers can use the water as usual from the creeks and streams but also be able to draw from the holding ponds.
Development for human projects such as construction is enhanced because water becomes available for these purposes.
Fire control is enhanced because the canal acts not only as a barrier to fire but also as an emergency water supply.
Agriculture can become a mainstay of the Big Island for the future.
Revenue generating. This water is a commodity which can be sold. It can be a recreation canal such as is available now. Tourists can ride on the water canal as a “ride.” It could even be a boat ride where paying passengers can pole their way down the canal just as it’s done in the Erie Canal. Of course, if this is a tourist activity, there would be an access charge.
System Benefits
While roadbuilding and bridge building may be responsive to the needs of a society, building a waterway is spearheading the development, self-sufficiency and security of this island.
The financial returns on any investment in this project will be amply rewarded to entities such as municipal, public and private construction, the governmental tax base, the military, and the expansion of new projects in Hawaii. Unlike expanding infrastructure such as building more roads and bridges from which there is minimal or no return of money by the government (s), the building of a waterway will generate new revenue and progress.
Infrastructure
There is a system of locks in the system which can isolate portions of the canal for maintenance or repair. They will be open at all times unless maintenance is required.
Land bridges might be required for animal crossings. This might be as simple as a widened spot in the canal which allows animals to wade across to the other side. Or they can pass under the canal when it is elevated above irregular terrain.
A road which is adjacent to the canal is necessary for maintenance. 20 feet wide.
Security fences will probably be needed as will rights of way and other legal requirements.
The canal will be not only built into the ground but also perched as necessary for irregular terrain.
Power generation. There is considerable power in flowing water down toward the ocean. It can be tapped easily by a water wheel or the like. It can be used to supplement any electrical needs for this system. Electrical needs can come from proven sources such as wind farms or solar. While each form of power listed here may have drawbacks, it must be acknowledged that these methods are in use all over the world and can be significant for this project.
Eminent Domain makes this project necessary for the general welfare of the public.
Negatives: there will be costs for building and maintenance. The canal will be an open channel made from concrete. It is estimated to cost $1.5 million for each mile. $180 Million estimate for the entire system.
There will be theft. There will be contamination. There will be evaporation.
Summation
This project is necessary for a growing and prosperous society. It will be needed in the future, so now is the time to get started.
Demands of more water will not cease but only become more intense.
Society will reap great benefits from its construction. Beneficiaries include tax payers, tourist activities, politicians, county and state representatives.
Build it; they will come. It makes sense. It is necessary.