1. Where is the Ala Wai Watershed located?
The Ala Wai Watershed is located in the Primary Urban Center on the island of Oahu and includes the neighborhoods of Makiki, Manoa, Palolo, Kapahulu/Diamond Head, McCully/Mo`ili`ili/Ala Moana, and Waikiki.
2. What are the goals and objectives of the project?
The goal of the project is:
To improve the overall quality of the watershed, from the crest of the Ko`olaus to the nearshore waters, while minimizing risk of flood damages to the public.
The objectives of the project are currently being refined. The draft objectives are:
3. What is the history of the project?
The project began as a flood control project for the area immediately adjacent to the Ala Wai Canal. Since its initiation, the project has expanded to include ecosystem restoration and flood hazard mitigation in the upstream areas.
Following is a brief history of Ala Wai Watershed Project:
| Ala Wai Canal Flood Project authorized by Congress |
Oct 1998 |
| Reconnaissance Study completed, ecosystem restoration identified as a necessity |
Aug 1999 |
| Cost Share Agreement signed by USACE and DLNR |
Mar 2001 |
| Ala Wai Public Information Meeting |
Jun 2001 |
| Regular Stakeholder Meetings begin |
Jan 2004 |
| Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping Meeting |
Jun 2004 |
| Halloween Eve Flood in Manoa Valley |
Oct 2004 |
| Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Manoa Sub-Watershed Study initiated |
Oct 2006 |
| Project purpose officially expanded to address upstream flooding |
Dec 2006 |
| Reinvestigation of Ala Wai Watershed begins with baseline analyses |
Sep 2007 |
| NRCS Manoa Sub-Watershed Study incorporated into Ala Wai Watershed Project |
Mar 2008 |
| Federal Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS |
Oct 2008 |
| Second EIS Scoping Meeting |
Oct 2008 |
4. Where does the project funding come from?
The project is currently in the Feasibility Phase, which is expected to cost $5.4 million. Funding for this phase is coming from the following sources:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (52%)....... $2.86 million
- State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) (43%)....... $2.36 million
- City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services (5%)....... $0.20 million
5. Doesn’t the Federal Government normally contribute only 50% of the cost?
Federal funding does normally cover only 50% of the feasibility costs, but the required external independent review is funded 100% by the Federal government, thus increasing their contribution.
6. What happens in the Feasibility Phase?
During the Feasibility Phase, project alternatives will be developed and impacts will be described and evaluated. A preferred alternative will then be identified based on the impacts and community comments. This information will be presented in a Feasibility Report and associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
7. What happens after this phase is complete?
Once the Feasibility Report and EIS is complete, the project will be submitted to Congress for approval and construction funding. Design may begin while approval is sought, and if the project gains Congressional approval, construction could begin in 2015.
8. How can I be involved in the process?
There will be several opportunities for public involvement, including public meetings and reviews of project reports and proposals. The dates of upcoming events will be posted to the website. To stay informed on the Ala Wai Watershed Project in general, please join the mailing list. You can also submit comments about the project directly to the project team.