Resource Management of Waiulaula Watershed: South Kohala, Big Island

Presenter: Katie Gaut, University of Hawai`i at Hilo Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Master of Science Candidate.

Abstract:
As the majority of Hawaii's land is within close proximity to the coast, virtually all land activities have a potential impact on coastal water quality. Since nonpoint source (NPS) pollution and land use change are considered primary threats to coastal and freshwater ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands, assessment and proactive management of land resources are imperative to the water resources of the state. The successful management of these watershed ecosystems requires an interdisciplinary approach capable of assessing spatial variability of land use, climate, water quality, soil and topography.

Lack of water quality monitoring data is a limiting factor in effective assessment and management in many regions, including Hawaii. In these data-poor regions, resource managers are now routinely utilizing computer simulation models as a method of integrating available data to quantify pollution, runoff and erosion. One such model is the Nonpoint Source Pollution and Erosion Comparison Tool (N-SPECT), developed by NOAA Coastal Services. N-SPECT was developed as a GIS-based screening tool for resource managers to estimate surface runoff, NPS pollution, and erosion.

The model also has the capability to simulate management scenarios for rapid assessment of potential impacts of land use change on water quality. The goal of this research is to calibrate and evaluate the performance of the N-SPECT watershed model as a management tool in the data-deficient Waiulaula watershed on the leeward coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Sensitivity analysis of Hawaii-specific land cover and precipitation inputs will identify potential sources of uncertainty in the model. Results of this research are expected to identify NPS critical areas within the Waiulaula watershed, approximate sediment and nutrient runoff, and estimate potential load reductions from implementation of best management practices (BMPs). The calibrated model is anticipated to provide resource managers with a tool for proactive land use management strategies to mitigate future impacts from NPS pollution.

Ticket Information
Free & Open to the Public.

Event Sponsor
Cyberinfrastructure for Environmental Research and Education area of IMUA NSF Hawai`i EPSCoR II grant, University of Hawaii at Hilo

More Information
Lisa Canale, 808.933.3190, canale@hawaii.edu, http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~sdalhelp/events.php

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