HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.000 2002-2004 `oJNZY Os
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Harry Kim Christopher J. Yuen
Mayor
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Roy R. Takemoto
Deputy Direcror
Cnnux~f~r of ~ta~irttii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-3043
(808)961-R2RR Far (808?961-8742
August 24, 2004
Mr. James Leonard, AICP ~ ;
Managing Director ~ `
PBR Hawaii -Hilo -
101 Aupw3i Street, Suite 310
Hilo, HI 96720-4276
Dear Mr. Leonard: -
Change of Zone Ordinance No. 88-158 (REZ 609) ~ -
Special Management Area Use Permit No. 273
Special Management Area Use Permit No. 311
Applicant: WB Kukio, LLC
Subject: Annual Water Quality and Anchialine Pool Monitoring Report
TMK• 7-2-004: Portion of 5 and 6 Kukio North Kona Hawaii
We have received the submittal of the Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report as required by
Conditions Y(I) and Q of R>?Z 609, Condition 9 of SMA Use Permit No. 273, Conditions 17 of
SMA Use Permit No. 311 and Condition 9 of SMA Usc Pernnit No. 336. The report will be
forwarded to the Hawaii County Council and the Planning Commission for their reference.
In the future, we would appreciate if you would reference the conditions of the permits that the
reports are being subtnitted for. This would help us greatly.
Sincerely,.
CHRISTOPHER J. YUEN
Planning Director
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P:\W P W It\ n0U EPP\Lctters\Compliauce\LKukia W QMRI SMA273 (2).Joc
cc w/re~3ort ~Iawaii County Council
Planning Commission
Planning Department -Kona
Comm. No. X39
Ref. To:
//mvai'i County is au Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Ref. Date A 6
~ : ~
LAND PLANNNG -
LAA'DSCAP6 ARCI II I I C"rCRE
~~~~~N~u~,;l.,~ ,lCDIF_' M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August I6, 2004
WhL FHASA BRAIJDI, I~ASLn
C'1/n IR,V~IN
TO: Cluistopher J. Yuen, Director, County of Hawaii Planning Department
THOMAS s wlrr~N- nsrn Chiyome L. Fukino M.D. Director, .State Department ofFTealth
NxtvU[,vl , ,
Peter T. Young, Chairperson, State Dept of Land & Natural Resources
R. STAN UUNCAN, ASLn
Fxscun~,F ~~l<-t-PaesIDSNt George Young, P.E., Chief, U. S. Anny Corps gfEngineers
RUSSELL Y.1. CI IIM(3, ASLn
ErLCU]NE ~9~e~PRCVUr.Nr FROM: James M. )-,eOllard, ~i"1l'lCLJ7
vlNCeNrs)Ilc);a)Ni PBR Hawaii Hilo OffiC
PRIN['IPnL
7Ames 1.1,ONARD. n)cY DISTRIBU'T'ION: M. Morinaga, W ukio
~~R'"`/'~/ R. Brock, Environmental Assessment Co.
H/m OFFICE
C. Bean, WB Kukio
GRANT MUHA)~AA'U, nICY
seNloR A~sor~In re SUBJECT: WATER QUALITY AND ANCHIALINE POOL MONITORING IN
romscHNeLL.nlca SUPPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AT KUKIO, NORTH KONA
ASSOCIA9L - 20U3 ANNUAL REPORT
RAYMOND l~. HIGA, nSLA
ASSCKIA'IE
Attached for your reference is the Water Quality and Anchialine Pool Monitoring 2003
KEVIN NISF1,KAwA, nsLn Annual Report for the Kukio Development at Kukio North Kona, (July 2004) prepared
AssoaA n~ >
by Richard Brock, Ph.D.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 96]-3333.
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1001 Bisiar Sixe9.r
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I lorvni m-u. Hnwni'i 96313 1484
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101 AUI'UNI SII<IF.T
Hiul LnrcwN ('rt~rr[R. Sui i e 310
Hit o, I Inwni'i 96720-4262
l F~_ (808)961 li9d
Fnx-(808)961-4'J89
F-m,vic pbrhilo Chw.nei
W gILCKL (1hflCL
2123 Knmu'S-iurti
N'nii uLr, Hnw'ni'i 96]93-2704
Tbi f A081 L~2-]N"]8
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WATER QUALITY AND ANCHIALINE POOL MONITORING
IN SUPPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AT
KUKIO, NORTH KONA - 2003 ANNUAL REPORT
Prepared For:
WB Kukio Resorts, LLC
P.O. Box 5349
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745
By
Richard Brock, Ph.D.
L:nvironmental Assessment Co.
] 820 Kihi Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96821
July 2004
EAC Report No_ 2004-05
EXECUTIVE SUMIV7ARP
The Kukio development covers approximately 666 acres wit}r about 308 acres lyurg between the
shoreline of Uluweoweo Bay and the Queen Kaahamanu Highway in North Kona. The development is
situated south of the Four Seasons Hotel at Kaupulehu and includes a golf course and related facilities,
open space elements and a number of single family residential lots. The project site remained undeveloped
until the commencement of construction in February 2000.
77us annual report provides an analysis of the status of water quality and anchialine resources at Kukio
covering the four quarterly surveys carved out in 2003 in the "during construction" phase. The baseline
data set spans the period from August 1990 through November 1999, encompasses more than 500 water
quality samples collected over 18 visits to the site. These data are used in a comparative analysis to
determine if the ongoing construction is having a negative impact on the water quality and anchialine
resources of the project site.
The Departrnent of Health has instituted regional water quality standards for the Kona coast. "These
standards apply to marine samples and compliance is related to local salinity for some parameters. Most
water quality parameters exceed the regional criteria for many of the "during construction" periods at
Kukio; applying these same criteria to the preconstruction data finds that these same parameters also
exceed the standards. In 2003, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen and turbidity
were out of compliance with the regional standards in the four surveys at Kukio. Orthophosphorus was out
of compliance in the Mazch, June and November surveys while total dissolved phosphorus was out of
compliance in the June and November surveys. These geometric means as well as those for other
parameters were also out of compliance during the preconstruction period suggesting that the "during
construction" noncompliance is not unexpected.
Statistically addressing the question "Has there been any significant change in any of the means of the
measured parameters in the "during construction" period (15 surveys) from the 111-month baseline period
(18 surveys)? We find in comparing the means of the anchialine pool and coastal well samples in these two
time periods that nine of ten parameters have shown statistically significant increases in the during
construction phase over the baseline period data. Nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, total dissolved
nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus, turbidity, chlorophyll-n, salinity, temperature and pH have all
significantly increased. In fire same period of tune, the percent saturation of dissolved oxygen has
significantly decreased. As discussed below, these changes are probably related to (1) pond restoration
activities and (2) inputs from nearby landscaping both at Kukio and the adjoining Hualalai project site.
The water quality changes in the coastal wells and anchialine pools have had little impact on the adjacent
marine receiving waters. Marine samples have shown significant increases in total dissolved nitrogen and
salinity. Significant declines have occurred with ammonia nitrogen, orthophosphorus and dissolved oxygen
concentration suggesting that less of these nutrients are entering the sea fronting the Kukio project site.
The decrease ur percent saturation of dissolved oxygen is small (from 102.3% to 100.7%) and has no
biological impact.
Further statistical analysts addresses the question, "Has there been any progressively greater
statistically significant change in water quality due to the restoration of anehialine pools, constnuction or
landscape/golf course grow-u~ at Kukio?" These analyses faund statistically significant changes among
p:.ranlCteT means 1P. the di74
illg, : G8Sf1'nCtl Oil pf-;ii(1d fOi ]]lira tE SiltrOgEll, ammGi]Ia nltrOgen, total dl$SOIYGd
nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus, silica, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, percent saturation of dissolved oxygen
and temperature among the I S during consUuction sample dates. However, none of the parameters showed
evidence of chronological order among sample dates; some chronological order existed with nitrate
nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogel: and phosphorus up Uvough 2002 but in 2003, these mean concentrations
have largely decreased and are closer to the middle part of the range.
Probable causes for the significant changes arc related to the removal of vegetation in and around the
coastal anchialine pools as well as the removal of sediments from these ponds all as part of the restoration
of these important aquatic systems. Removal of the vegetation elimvlates one of the mechanisms that
removes and reduces nutrients from the groundwater as it travels to the sea. Vegetation removal also
eliminates transpiration allowing more groundwater to reach the sea resulting in lower salinity and
increased silica concentrations in the adjacent ocean. The disturbance caused by the removal of
accumulated sediments in the anchialine pools serves to release sequestered nutrients back into the
overlying water column leading to transitory higher nutrient concentrations reaching the sea and lower
dissolved oxygen concentrations in the anchialine pools. More exposure to sunlight with the removal of the
vegetation over story along with increased nutrient loading and spread of alien fishes (which keep most
native aquatic herbivores out of the anchialine system) all have served to initially increase the chlorophyll-a
concentrations measured in the pools. The anchialine pool restoration activities are nearing completion and
parameters, if affected by these activities, should decrease and equilibrate with the decrease in disturbance.
However, as grading is finished, planting of grass and landscaping is occurring on the lands just mauka
(viland) of the anchialine pools and on the Hualalai project site directly north of Kukio. These planting
activities require fertilization and imgation which is a probable source for the recent increases seen in some
parameters.
Further analysis of the data for nitrate nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen, orthophosphorus and total
dissolved phosphoms (the materials of greatest concern here) suggest that undisturbed groundwater as
measured from inland imgation wells well-removed from the coastal activities at Kukio have
concentrations sunilar to those found in the coastal groundwater prior to any development at this site; with
the commencement of construction and landscaping, the means of these parameters in the coastal waters
have increased. Examination of the data with respect to location shows two areas where inputs appear to
be coming from: the middle part of the Kukio project site as welt as from the Hualalai project site located
adjacent and north of the Kukio development. Since the sample sites with greatest increase in
concentrations are located adjacent to landscaping associated with the house lots at Kukio and Hualalai,
these activities and no[ the operation of the Kukio golf course are the probable source of much of the
material seen in the groundwater. This supposition is based on the fact that the landscaping grow-in is in
close proximity to the underlying groundwater; receives considerable fertilizer and most importantly, high
irrigation rates the surplus of which serves to carry the excess materials to the groundwater. In contrast,
the golf course following a Best Management Practices (BMP) Program, uses turf with low fertilizer
requirements and high resistence to pests which decreases the use of these materials. This plus the fact that
the golf course is primarily located at more inland, higher elevation areas results in more distance between
the turf (where materials and irrigation are applied) and the underlying groundwater. The conservative
nature of the BMP Program at Kukio is demonstrated by their use of fertilizer; in 2003 the application of
nitrogen (dry) fertilizer on the Kukio golf course was only one quarter of what is applied on other similar
courses. This, plus Ule fact that similar BMP Programs used elsewhere on the avid West Hawaii coast golf
courses (Waikoloa) have resulted ul lirile fertilizer reaching the groundwater and anchialule pools despite
the use of diluted treated sewage cfllaent as an irrigant there. It should be noted that the same procedures
as used at Kukio are probably csed for the grow-in of landscaping and golf course at Urc adjacent Hualalai
project site and would account hrr the high concentrations encountered at sample sites in the north end of
the Kukio development.
In response to these chauges it water quality, WB Kukio IiesorLs, LLC has foamed a response team
which includes on-site managers and maintenance persormel as well as specialists. The environmental
monitor is part of and works closely with the response team. As a first step to better identify source(s) of
elevated materials, twelve additional monitoring sites were added around the north and central areas of
anchialine pools at Kukio and were sampled in late 2002-early 2003. If data warrant it, the frequency of
sampling may be increased. Additionally, field experiments to determine mechanism(s) that may influence
inorganic nutrient concentrations at Kukio have commenced. Mean salirdties have significantly increased
in the ocean fronting the project site since the co~runencement of construction and silica (a conservative
tracer of groundwater) has decreased. These changes indicate that less groundwater is entering the ocean
today than during the preconstruction period. This observation led to the experiment described below.
A simple evaporation experiment conducted in 2003 demonstrates that during daylight hours, evaporation
is on the order of 9 liters per square meter of pond surface area at Kukio. The data suggest that this
evaporation probably contributes to the elevated concentrations of nitrate nitrogen in the Kukio system.
These fmdings support the view that natural events (such as evaporation) may account for some change in
water quality thus environmental regulators and resource managers should view such changes with caution
realizing that changes may not necessarily be coming directly from some anthropogenic activity.
The statistically significant changes in many water quality parameters attributed to the ongoing pond
restoration and planting activities at Kukio and on the adjacent Hualalai project site are expected to
decrease as these sources of disturbance decrease. With the establishment and growth of planted vegetation
and the lessening use of fertilizer/irrigation (which is high during the "grow-in" period), concentrations of
many water quality parameters are expected to decrease. Also as the remaining anchialine pools which do
not have alien fishes are colonized by native species, these systems are expected to come into equilibrium
further reducing the concentrations of some parameters. Thus the relatively high but variable
concentrations now encountered for many parameters are expected to decrease with time.
fond restoration activities remaining for completion include the removal of unwanted predatory alien
fishes from some of the anchialine pools. This action should serve to improve water quality (i.e., lower
chlorophyll-a and ammonia nitrogen as well as increase clarity) by allowing native grazing species to
recolonize the cleared pools. Where elimination of alien species is not possible, remaining restoration
activities include the stocking of those pools at appropriate densities with specific native grazing marine
fishes that are euryhaline (i.e., species that tolerate wide ranges in salinity) that serve to reduce unwanted
algae that otherwise tend io dominate the system.
Quantitative censuses are tamed out in anchialine pools where native crustaceans are present at Kukio.
These censuses have found considerable variability in the abundance of the dominate species (opae'ula or
Halocaridina rubra), but over tune the density of this species is increasing despite the ongoing
development which suggests that neither the development nor the changes in quality of the water in the
Kukio anchialine habitat has had any negative impact on this unique species. The fluctuations in nutrient
chenstry of the anchialine system are within the range encountered elsewhere on the Kona coast and wrtil
the development at Kukio and at the adjacent Hualalai project site are completed, the chemistry and biology
of the groundwater, Kukio anchialine system and marine waters will remain in.a state of flux. System
equilibrium will probably only be achieved following the completion of these projects.
INTRODUCTION
The Kukio development covers approximately 666 acres with about 308 acres lying between
the shoreline of Uluweoweo Bay and the Queen Kaahumanu Highway in North Kona, Hawaii.
The development is situated south of the Four Seasons Hotel at Kaupulehu and encompasses
about 600 m of shoreline fronting Uluweoweo Bay. The development has constructing a golf
course and related facilities, open space elements and a number of single family lots. The project
site remained undeveloped up to February 2000 and previously received little use fishermen that
had access across the private lands were the primary users. With the opening of the Four Seasons
Hotel to the north, public access was developed and the public presently uses the beach at
Uluweoweo Bay. Ownership of the Kukio parcel changed and the development of these lands
commenced in February 2000.
The initial preconstruction environmental baseline data for the Kukio site span the period from
August 1990 through December 1992. Golf course construction (i.e., leveling of the barren lava
mauka of the aquatic features at Kukio) commenced in January 1993 but was halted soon
thereafter due to economic difficulties. However the status of water quality, anchialine pools or
marine communities continued to remain unchanged due to the fact that just a few acres of barren
lava inland of the anchialine pools had been leveled in January 1993 and no changes occurred
subsequent to that. Statistical analyses comparing the period prior to the limited 1993 grading to
the subsequent period (through November 1999), found no evidence to either water quality or
anchialine pool biota supporting the view that the limited 1993 grading had no discernible impact
to these parameters at Kukio (see the series of annual reports on the status of water quality and
anchialine resources at Kukio by Brock). Thus al] of the data collected at Kukio from August
1990 through November 1999 canprise the baseline data set (see Brock 2000a) which is used
below for comparative purposes with the "during construction" data collected in the present
quarterly monitoring program.
This report provides an analysis of the status of water quality and anchialine pool resources at
Kukio for the year, 2003. Residential construction is well underway and the golf course and
much of the other infrastructure has been developed. As noted above, the baseline data set spans
the period from August 1990 through November 1999 and encompasses more than 500 water
quality samples from 27 sample sites as well as routine biological monitoring of anchialine
resources during this period and have been summarized in Brock (2000a). These earlier
quantitative baseline data are used to yuantitatively assess any changes that may be occurring in
water quality or anchialine resources as the project moves forward through the construction
process. This report provides a summary of the environmental monitoring activities carried out in
2003 at Kukio.
1
r~~~r~i oDs
Initially, water quality parameters were measured at ] 8 sites. Through the July 2000 survey
period 261ocations had been routinely monitored. The reasons for the increase in the number of
sample sites was to provide better spatial coverage in this monitoring program. Related to this
was the development of six small coastal monitoring wells drilled in July ] 991. However early in
the monitoring program, sample site 1 (an anchialine pool at the north end of the project site)
became overgrown and eventually filled in through natural processes and was thus dropped years
ago during the baseline period. With the implementation of West Hawaii regional water quality
standards by the Department of Health, we added four additional ocean sample sites seaward of
those previously sampled commencing in the November 2000 survey. 1n the October 2002 survey
we increased the sampling around the landward or mauka portions of the anchialine pools at
Kukio (]2 additional sites) to better delineate possible sources of materials entering the pools.
The locations of all the sample sites are presented in Figure 1. Presently eight samples are from
wells (see below), 23 from anchialine pools and 14 from near shore marine waters. Sample
numbers 3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 18, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are taken in the marine environment at the
surface (about 20 cm below the air-water interface) and sample numbers 6 and 17 are collected at
depth, approximately 1 m above the bottom. The grading of the project site resulted in the
temporary loss of two well sites (sites 21 and 23); these two wells along with two other wells
(sites 22 and 24) drilled in 1991 for monitoring coastal groundwater were recently moved slightly
and redrilled so as not to be in the middle of recently completed roads, etc. The remaining old
wells were left open along with the newly drilled wells so that both could be sampled in the
October 2001 survey providing some comparative data. Commencing with the December 2001
survey, well site 70 replaces site 21, site 71 replaces 22, site 72 replaces 23 and site 73 replaces
old well site 24. We also sample the low salinity groundwater pumped from two wells and
blended for use in imgation (sample 63). As part of the project there is a water feature that
releases water into a sump located inland of the southern anchialine pool complex (pool no. 2,
Figure 1) and as a check on possible changes to water quality, four additional sampling sites were
added to the list of routinely monitored sites (number 74 and 75 in the March 2002 survey and
site numbers 92 and 93 were added in the October 2002 survey).
Because of concern over sources of measured nutrients in some of the anclaline pools, twelve
additional sites were added to the list of sampled anchialine pools commencing in the October
2002 survey. These twelve sites (nos. 80 through 91, see Figure 1) are located along the mauka
(inland) edges of the northern and central anchialine pools to better ascertain possible source(s) of
the materials in these ponds. These twelve additional sites were sampled in the March and hme
2003 surveys but were dropped in the September and November quarterly surveys because
previously elevated concentrations of materials had declined (see discussion below).
Water quality constituents that are evaluated include the specific criteria as designated in
Chapter 11-54, Section 06 State of Hawaii, Department of Health Water Quality Standards which
were amended (July 2000) for West Hawaii coastal waters. The criteria include ammowa
nitrogen (NH,), nitrate ~ nitrite nitrogen (NO, ~ NOi, hereafter referred to as nitrate or NO,),
total dissolved nitrogen ("fDN), orthophospho~us (PO,), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP),
chlorophyll-a (chl-a), turbidity, as well as the nonspecific criteria of i.emperature, pH, and salinity.
In addition, dissolved silica (Si) is measured due to its usefuhress as a conservative groundwater
tracer. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is calculated as the difference between total dissolved
nitrogen from ammonia nitrogen plus nitrate nitrogen and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) is
calculated as the difference between orthophosphorus from total dissolved phosphorus.
Water samples are collected by opening acid-washed 500 ml polyethylene bottles at the desired
depth. These bottles are all triple-rinsed using the sample water prior to sample collection.
Samples are held on ice until in the laboratory where further processing occurs. Subsamples for
nutrient analyses are filtered through glass fiber- filters and immediately placed in 125 m] acid-
washed, triple-rinsed polyethylene bottles and stored chilled until analysis. Analyses for ammonia
nitrogen, orthophosphate and nitrate are performed using a Technicon autoanalyzer following
standard methods for seawater analysis (Strickland and Parsons 1972, Grasshoff 1983). Total
dissolved nitrogen and total dissolved phosphorus are similarly analyzed following digestion
(Standard Methods 1999). Both TDN and TDP are run on non-filtered samples handled in the
same manner as those above.
Turbidity samples are collected as unfiltered water and stored on ice in 12S ml polyethylene
bottles until measurements are made (within 24 hours). Turbidity is measured on a Monitek
Laboratory Nephalometer following the procedures as described in Standard Methods (1999).
The instrument is calibrated as specified by the Environmental Protection Agency with standard
formazin solutions prior to and after sample measurements. Prior to measurement, samples are
throughly mixed to disperse particulate materials and measured in duplicate when all air bubbles
disappear.
Chlorophyll-a samples are collected by filtering known volumes of sample water through glass
microfiber filters; filters are frozen until laboratory analyses are carried out. Laboratory
procedures follow Standard Methods (1999) and pigments are extracted and determined
fluorometrically. Salinity samples are collected in 125 ml polyethylene bottles in the field, filled
completely and capped tightly until measurement by AGE salinometer in the laboratory. In the
field oxygen is measured using an YSI Model 58 meter, pH is determined using a Hanna millivolt
meter and temperature is measured using a laboratory grade thermometer.
Anchialine biota is quantitatively assessed in pools by use of small 0.1 m2 quadrats which are
placed in pools 1'or use in making quantitative counts of motile species. Irr making these counts,
only native species are enumerated; no attempt is made to census alien species such as fishes.
All methods used in the Kukio monitoring program comply with and follow those as outlined
in the "West Hawaii Coastal Monitoring Program Monitoring Protocol Guidelines" as formulated
and prepared by the West Hawaii Coastal Monitoring Task Force (May 1992, 30p.). Statistical
and other data procedures are described where used in the text. In general to avoid assumptions
i
of normality ii, the datz, nun-I?arametri; methods are used (Siege( L'?S6 SP,S Institute, lrc_
1985).
RESULTS AND D7SCIISSION
Field work for the quarterly "during construction" monitoring has been carried out on 26
April, 26 July, and 27 November 2000, 26 January, ] 2 February, 18 June, 25 October, 10
December 2001, 28 March, 18 July, 25 October 2002, 20 March, 24 June, 4 September and 5
November 2003. The locations of the sample sites are given in Figure 1. As noted above, 26
locations have been routine]y monitored at ICukio; commencing with the November 2000 survey,
we added four additional marine sites as well as two more anchialine pool sites in March 2002.
With the October 2002 survey 13 additional anchialine pool sites were sampled but these sites
were not sampled subsequent to the June 2003 survey due to declining concentrations of materials
at these sites. Thus sampling through the June 2003 survey was undertaken at 46 locations but
this has declined to 33 sites in more recent surveys. These additional sites were selected to
provide a more complete coverage and representation of the water quality conditions fronting the
project site as well as to better address the requirements in the new Hawaii State Department of
Health West Hawaii regional water quality standards. Nine samples are from wells (numbers 70
which replaces 21, 7] which replaces 22, 72 which replaces 23, and 73 which replaces 24, as well
as 25, 26, 27, 92) as well as sample 63 which is from the low salinity groundwater pumped mauka
of the project site and used for imgation, 23 from anchialine pools and 14 from near shore marine
waters. Sample numbers 3, 4, 5, 14, I5, 16, 18, 19, 30, 31, 32 and 33 are taken in the marine
environment at the surface (about 20 cm below the air-water interface) and sample 6 and 17 are
collected at depth, approximately 1 m above the bottom. As noted above, both the original and
replacement wells were sampled in the October 2001 survey for comparative purposes.
Sampling during periods of extremely low tides makes the collection of some anchialine pool
samples difficult and often results in stirring of the bottom sediments which affects turbidity
readings. Thus during some surveys (such as the first two "during construction" sampling periods
- April and July 2000) turbidity readings were high and the low tide conditions meant that there
was little or no water in some pools, resulting in very low native shrimp counts. These conditions
are not desirable, thus most subsequent quarterly surveys are carried out during a periods of
higher tides (i.e., from +15 to +72 cm).
The water quality results for the four quarterly 2003 surveys are given in Appendices I
tluough 4. The nine year baseline data set which is used in some of the comparative analysis
(below) is given in Brock (2000a; Appendix 1, pages 70-76) and the earlier quarterly "dining"
construction data sets are presented in the earlier reports.
1. Compliance with DeparLnent of Health Criteria
4
The Hawaii State Department of Health (DO]-i} has developed specific criteria for different
classes of water in the state (e. g., as for harbors, streams and marine waters). Up to July 2000,
the waters fronting Kukio were classed as "Open Coastal Waters" and are to remain "_-in their
natural pristine state with an absolute minimum of pollution or alteration of water quality from
any human-caused source or action" (Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 11-54-01). The most
stringent standards have been set for open coastal waters. Since July 2000, new standards have
been imposed for the West Hawaii coastline; these standards utilize a regression approach for
marine sample sites where salinity is 32 parts per thousand (ppt) or less. This regression approach
is used in determining the standard for nitrate+nitrite nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen,
orthophosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus. Standards for other parameters are based on
the 95% confidence interval derived from regression calculations performed by DOH personnel
using water quality data collected from "undisturbed sites" along the West Hawaii coast. There
are no standards set for anchialine pools or coastal brackish wells (used for irrigation purposes),
thus the water collected at Kukio may be considered in two groups: ocean samples where the
standards apply and "other" samples that include all other sites away from the ocean. The
applicable standards for the 2003 data are summarized in Table 1.
'The DOH document establishing the West I-Iawaii regional criteria has broken the criteria
down into three tiers as given in Table 1. The standards for parameters that do not display a
distinct onshore-offshore gradients of concentration utilize a geometric mean "not to exceed"
value. For the remaining parameters, two situations apply: if there is no substantial groundwater
flow (as evidenced by a salinity depression near the shore), a geometric mean "not to exceed"
value also applies (Table I). Where groundwater flow is evident and depressing salinity to 32 ppt
or less, astraight-line mixing relationship is specified and the water quality criterion is the slope of
this regression line based on surface-collected samples taken at specific points along an onshore-
offshore transect.
Application of these criteria to marine samples requires that sample sites be located in a
"transect" commencing at the shoreline and sampling at various distances offshore. The regional
standards as given in the DOH document suggest that sample sites be located at the shoreline, ] 0
m, 50 m, 100 m, 500 m and 1000 m from shore and that only samples from the surface layer (i.e.,
within a meter of the surface) be used in making the analysis. Thus marine sample sites that do
not conform to tlus sampling layout with measured salinities of 32 ppt or less at one of the sites
and/or are collected at depth cannot be included in this analysis.
At Kukio two transects with surface collected samples have been routinely monitored since
1990. At the northern end of the project site station 3 is located at the shoreline, station 4
approximately 75 m seaward, station 5 at 150 m, station 30 at 250 m and station 31 at
approximately 500 m from the shore. In the southern third of Uluweoweo (or Kukio) Bay, a
second transect of sites is sampled; station ] 4 is at the shoreline, station 15 at 75 m offshore,
station l6 at 150 m, station 32 at 250 m and station 33 at S00 m from the shoreline.
Surface samples from these two transects had a distinct salinity depression (32 ppt or less at
ti
the shop eline) acrd a salinty gradient was present in the March 2003 survey and for one of these
transect sites in the second (June 2003) quarterly survey which prompted the use of regression
analysis to determine compliance with Che standards. .In the subsequent quarterly (September and
November 2003) surveys, no salinity gradient was present probably due to the slightly higher tide
state at the time of sampling. The regional water quality standards require that sample sites with
no appreciable salinity depression (or gradient, i. e., 32 ppt or less) utilize single value "not to
exceed" criteria as given in Table ] .
The results of compliance with the State regional water quality standards in the March 2003
survey are presented in Table 2. Table 3 presents these same results for the June 2003 (second
quarter) survey, Table 4 for the September 2003 (third quarter) field effort and Table 5 for the
November 2003 (fourth quarter) field survey. Compliance with three parameters (ammonia
nitrogen, chlorophyll-a and turbidity) is not influenced by salinity and is thus determined by
comparison of sample geometric means from a given sample period to the published standard. On
each quarterly survey in 2003, the geometric means for ammonia nitrogen and turbidity did not
meet state standards for marine samples but those for chlorophyll-a were in compliance.
In the March 2003 survey where no salinity gradient was observed, nitrate nitrogen and
orthophosphorus were out of compliance while total dissolved nitrogen and total dissolved
phosphorus were in compliance (Table 2). Salinity was depressed at both the north Uluweoweo
Bay and middle Uluweoweo Bay transects thus the regression approach was used to determine
compliance at these locations for total dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus, orthophosphonas and
nitrate nitrogen. The results of this analysis are given in Table 2 where total dissolved nitrogen
and nitrate nitrogen were out of compliance while at the middle bay transect, only nitrate nitrogen
was out of compliance.
In the second quarterly (June 2003) survey at stations with no salinity gradient present, all four
parameters (i.e., total dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus, orthophosphorus and nitrate nitrogen)
were out of compliance (Table 3). Salinity was depressed at the middle Uluweoweo Bay transect
thus the regression approach was used to determine compliance at this transect site. Both total
dissolved nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen did not meet the regional water quality standards at the
middle Uluweoweo Bay location but orthophosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus were in
compliance.
In both the third (September 2003) and fourth (Ncvember 2003) quarterly surveys, no salinity
depression was apparent along the shoreline of Uluweoweo Bay. Not unexpectedly, total
dissolved nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were not in compliance in the third quarter while in the
fourth quarterly survey all four parameters (total dissolved nitrogen and phosphonus,
orthophosphorus and nitrate nitrogen) were out of compliance with the regional standards,
This apparent lack of compliance would normally he a cause for concern, however these same
parameters (and others) were out of compliance for the August 1990 -November 1999 baseline
period (Table 6) suggesting that the "during const~uctiod' noncompliance at these stations is not
5
to he unexpected.
2. Statistical Comparisons
The rune year baseline data set is given in Brock (2000a; Appendix I, pages 70-76) to which
the data from the 15 "during construction" quarterly surveys are statistically compared. More
than 500 samples comprise the baseline data set and each of the 26 locations at Kukio have been
sampled on 18 occasions. From a statistical perspective, a number of samples from a single
location must be in hand in order to make a comparative "before-after" analysis of each individual
location; however such a "site-by-site" comparison results in an large awkward data set and
description. Thus data have been combined and comparisons made for the categories of
"anchialine pools and wells" or "marine" samples.
The question may be asked "Has there been any statistically significant change in any of the
means of the measured parameters in the "during construction" period from the baseline period?"
This question is addressed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon Two-Sample Test examining each
parameter separately. Combining anchialine pool and adjacent coastal monitoring well data and
comparing the means of each Department of Health parameter from the 1 I 1-month baseline
period to the 15 "during construction" (April, July, November 2000, January, February, June,
October, December 2001, March, July,October 2002, March, Tune, September, November 2003)
periods, we find that nine often parameters have shown statistically significant increases for the
anchialine pool plus well category (Table 7, top). Among these parameters are nitrate nitrogen
(from a baseline mean of 2,087.29 ug/1 to 2,972.39 ug/1), ammonia nitrogen (from 23.19 ug/I to
47.71 ug/I), total dissolved nitrogen (from 2,310.71 ug/1 to 4,016.30 ug/I), total dissolved
phosphorus (from 102.95 ug/1 to 203.69 ug/1), turbidity (from 0.43 NTU to 0.83 NTL>),
chlorophyll-a (from 0.416 ug/I to 3.048 ug/I), salinity (from 4.030 ppt to 4.050 ppt), temperature
(from 23.3°C to 24.9°C) and pH (from 7.93 units to 8.05 units). In the same period of time, the
percent saturation of dissolved oxygen has significantly decreased (from 90.4% to 88.4%).
Statistically significant changes have also occurred when comparing the means of parameters
from the preconstruction to the during construction periods in the marine samples (Table 7,
bottom); a significant increase occurred with salinity (from 33.223 ppt to 34.153 ppt) and total
dissolved nitrogen (from a preeonstructiat mean of 169.65 ug/I to a during construction mean of
188.61 ug/I. Significant decreases occurring in parameter means with construction include
ammonia (1 ].31 ugQ to 5.35 ug/1), orthophosphonrs (7.23 ug/1 to 6.45 ug/1), and percent
saturation of dissolved oxygen (102,3% to 100.7%).
Thus in summary, there have been changes in mean concentrations of some parameters since
the start of development at Kukio. What are the possible causes for these statistically significant
changes? Some of these increases as well as some of the decreases appear to be related to the
removal of vegetation around the anchialine pools as well as to the restoration activities that has
occurred in some of the pools. Other than the ponds in the southern pool complex, most of the
7
remaining Kukio anchialine pools through the middle and northern coastal areas were either
completely covered by emergent vegetation and/or surrounded by trees prior to development.
This vegetation and over story of trees has been almost completely removed. The process of
clearing began prior to the first (April) during construction survey and by the 26 July 2000 sample
period, the vegetation was nearly absent. Not only has vegetation been removed, but efforts are
close to completion in the restoration of some anchialine pools. Much of these restoration
activities involve the removal of accumulated sediment down to the underlying pahoehoe bedrock.
These activities all serve to increase the concentration of inorganic nutrients in the anchialine
pools. Removal of vegetation and trees eliminates one of the mechanisms that removes nutrients
from the groundwater as it travels to the sea. Also related to this are changes in salinity which
may be partially due to a decrease in transpiration by vegetation as it is removed, thus allowing
more groundwater to escape to the sea resulting in lower salinity, higher nitrate, total dissolved
nitrogen and silica concentrations. The disturbance caused by the removal of accumulated
sediment serves to release sequestered nutrients back into the overlying water column of the
anchialine pools. Besides these restoration activities, grading and planting of grass and other
landscaping is now well underway; this landscaping requires irrigation and fertilizer which may
contribute to the elevation of some materials in the groundwater and anchialine pools. Not only
are these activities occurring at Kukio, but also on the adjacent property to the north of Kukio
(Kaupulehu/Hualalai) where golf course residential construction and infrastructure are being/have
been developed.
It is highly probable that the significant increases encountered in ammonia nitrogen (possibly
other nutrients as well) and decreases in dissolved oxygen in the anchialine pools is related to the
removal of sediments from the ponds. More exposure to sunlight, increased nutrient loading and
spread of alien fishes (which keep most native aquatic herbivores out of the system) all serve to
increase chlorophyll-a which is a measure of phytoplankton biomass. If these activities are
responsible for some of the changes in water quality observed, it is surmised that the quality of
water should continue to change until these activities have either been completed (i.e., pond
restoration) or have reached a steady state with respect to inputs (i.e., as with imgation and
fertilization especially following the "grow-in" period for landscaping and the golf course).
Nitrogen and phosphorus are important to plant nutrition and are used in fertilizers. When
applied in excess (i.e., at rates greater than plant use) these materials can enter the underlying
groundwater via transport with excess irrigation water. 'T'hese same elements are constituents of
sewage and when present in high concentration along with other parameters in ground or marine
waters can be an indicator of this contamination. The development at Kukio and the adjacent
Hualalai project include golf course and landscaping which could serve as potential sources of
nitrogen and phosphorus reaching the groundwater, anchialine pools and the sea. Human
activities at Hualalai have provided a significant input of nutrients to the anchialine pools at the
north end of the Kukio project site. High nitrogen (NO,, NH,, TDN) values are particularly
evident at the anchialine pool sites along the north boundary of Kukio in March 2003 (sites 87 -
91, Appendix 1). Although high in March 2003, these values had decreased by the June 2003
survey period (Appendix 2) suggesting that they represent a "spike" in concentrations probably
n
related to grow-in activities at l3ualalai. These observations underscore the large influence that
activities on the adjacent project site. may have on the observed water chemistry at Kukio. At this
point in time, processed and treated sewage etI]uent is not blended into the irrigation waters for
landscape and golf course areas at Kukio but is expected to be in the future. During the earlier
initial "grow-in" period of landscaping and golf course development, fertilizers and irrigation is
carried out in excess which is necessary until the plants and turf are well-established. Fertilizing
and irrigating in excess may allow some of the excess fertilizer to be carried by surplus irrigant to
the underlying water table and into the sea.
These activities may be the mechanism for the significant changes in some parameters as
measured at marine sites fronting the Rukio parcel in comparing preconstruction to the during
construction parameter means (Table 7). The significant increases in total dissolved nitrogen may
be related to this, pond restoration activities as well as materials entering the project site from the
areas to the north. The statistically sig~cant decrease in mean dissolved oxygen.concentrations
are not related to the construction at Kukio. This decrease has no impact to aquatic biological
resources; it is only 0.6% lower and the lower mean concentration is greater than 100%
saturation.
The hypothesis that the clearing of vegetation, removal of accumulated sediment and planting
of grass, landscaping and subsequent irrigation both at Kukio and on the adjacent property to the
north are some the mechanisms responsible for the changes encountered in the quality of
anchialine and marine waters fronting the project site is further substantiated by an examination of
water quality data from the time since the start of construction. The question, "Has there been
any progressively greater statistically significant change in water quality due to the restoration of
anchialine pools, construction or landscape/golf course grow-in at Kukio?" can be addressed
through the application of the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) and
the Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) Test comparing data from each of the during construction
surveys. In this analysis the means of each parameter for each of the fifteen sample periods
completed since the start of the development are statistically compared. The results of these
analyses are summarized in Table 8. Referring to Table 8, the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA found
statistically significant differences among the means for nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, total
dissolved nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus, silica, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, percent saturation
of dissolved oxygen and temperature among the fifteen during construction sample dates. The
Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA can demonstrate that significant differences exist, but it cannot
discriminate as to where those differences are.
The SNK Test separates data that are statistically different from data that are not. The results
of the SNK Test in Table 8 present discrimination among the fifteen sample dates using letters.
Thus, letters with the same designation show means and sample dates that are related; changes in
letter designation show where significant differences exist. Overlaps in letters indicate a lack of
significant differences; in such cases, only the extremes may be significantly different. The SNK
Test demonstrated significant differences (i.e-, where the separation is unambiguous at a minimum
for the extremes) with nitrate nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus,
y
turbidity and temperatw e (T'abie 8) Other than this statistical separation, the SNK Test did not
show evidence of rough chronological order among the dates, i.e., significant increases in mean
concentrations with time). In general, there was some chronological order with nitrate nitrogen,
total dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus up through 2002 but in 2003 these mean concentrations
have largely decreased and are closer to the middle part of the range (Table 8). Temperature does
not show any temporal trend other than sampling during the summer/fall months usually results in
higher mean temperatures than found in the winter/spring months. Mean turbidity was
significantly greater in December 200 ] over any other sample date.
Most of the vegetative overstory had been removed very early in the anchialine pond
restoration process so the significant changes seen in temperature may be related to this also as
well as the time of day that this parameter was measured in the anchialine pools.
In summary, the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA pointed out that the means of many parameters show
significant changes through time since the commencement of the development at Kukio.
However, the SNK Test which separates statistically different means from one another, found that
statistical separation of mean concentrations were only present for nitrate nitrogen, total dissolved
nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus, turbidity and temperature and none of these show increasing
concentrations in any chronological order. Moreover, these 2003 data are for the most part in the
middle of the range which suggests that there are no increasing parameter trends with time.
Additionally, mean salinity values (Table 7) have increased significantly from the preconstruction
to during construction time periods and silica has decreased. These changes are less apparent in
the anchialine pool data relative to the marine waters fronting the project site. These data indicate
that despite the developments at Kukio and Hualalai which are both in the process of landscaping
and golf course development/maintenance with irrigation, there is less groundwater entering the
sea at Kukio today than previously. This decrease may be related to greater evaporation
occurring in the anchialine system at Kukio which led to the experiment described in Section 4
below.
3. Sources of Materials and Actions Implemented
The analysis above points out significant changes in some parameters since the start of
construction at Kukio both in the groundwater as well as in the nearshore marine waters. ]f the
source(s) of these changes are from activities on land, it follows that they should be most evident
in groundwater relative to the nearshore marine waters. Indeed, inspection of the data in Tables 7
and 8 as well as Appendices ] through S show that concentrations of the inorganic nutrient
parameters are an order of magnitude greater (or more) in groundwater relative to marine waters
supporting the hypothesis that measured increases in these materials tluough time are from
activities occurring on land. This is further substantiated by a simple comparison of the water
quality data from two upland (mauka) irrigation wells situated well inland of the coastal
development (see Well 63, Appendices 1-S).
10
Table 9 presents a synopsis ofthe grand means for rutrate nitrogen, total dissolved itrogen,
orthophosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus in the coastal monitoring wells situated inland of
the anchialine pools at Kukio. These grand means are presented as preconstruction means as well
as during construction means to show the changes that have occurred since the start of
development at Kukio Referring to Table 9, the differences between the means for the
undisturbed (mauka) groundwater (well site 63) and the baseline grand means for the makai wells
are less for total dissolved nitrogen, orthophosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus in the makai
wells but filtrate nitrogen is greater in the makai wells during the baseline period. This is not
unexpected with all of the nitrogen-fixing kiawe trees (a source of nitrogen in groundwater) that
were in the vicinity of these makai wells prior to the start of construction. With commencement
of the development, the means for these parameters have increased over the baseline levels in the
well data (Table 9) for reasons discussed above. Inspection of the grand means for these same
parameters measured in the anchialine pools located seaward of the wells shows similar increases
with construction but in terms of percent increases these are roughly half of what is encountered
in the coastal wells.
The grand means for coastal monitoring wells are presented in an orientation from north to
south in Table 9. Immediately evident on this table is the fact that the greatest increases in mean
parameter concentrations are seen near the middle section of the development suggesting the
source(s) of the materials are inland (this assumes that the groundwater is traveling directly
seaward or makai). However, there appears to be more than a single source; examination of
Figure 1 (the location of sample sites) and the water quality data collected from around the mauka
edges of the anchialine pools at Kukio (sites 80 through 91, see Appendices 1 - 4) suggest two
major areas of input: one through the midlle portion of the Kukio site and the second from the
area outside and north-northeast of the Kukio project site. Despite only four surveys of these
twelve sites (nos. 80-91), there is strong evidence ofa considerable input of nitrate, total
dissolved nitrogen and total dissolved phosphorus emanating from the Hualalai project site.
These additional sites were first sampled in October 2002 and again in the March, May
(abbreviated survey) and June 2003 surveys to assist in further understanding the source(s) of
these nutrients. Sampling of these twelve sites was curtailed in 2003 because the data on hand
demonstrated that materials were coming from the Hualalai project site.
Inspection of the water quality data from Well 72 (near the rniddle of the Kukio project site)
through 2003 (Appendices 1 - 4) shows continuing increases in nitrate nitrogen and total
dissolved nitrogen with both up about 30% over the course of a year. Surrounding this site is
landscaping and formerly included areas of lawns on adjacent lots. As grading was completed for
many of the makai house lots at Kukio, the level areas were temporarily planted with grass and
surrounding areas are landscaped to enhance their appearance and marketability. The coastal area
of Kukio receives little rainfall (7-8 inches annually) thus most landscape elements require
irrigation. To improve the growth and coverage by these plants, fertilization and imgation rates
were high; for example, in 2002 on lots 1-3 (just inland of Pond 20), it is estimated that 60,000
gallons of irrigation water was used daily (Clay Punihaole, personal communication). This high
use achieved the desired rapid gnaw-in, but probably resulted in the leaching of materials to the
11
underlying groundwater, Presently many of these housekrts are widergoing construction and have.
no turf and are not irrigated- However, the nitrate data suggest continuing input which is
probably coming from landscaping (as noted above), possible phase lags in materials moving
tlu ough the system as well as from the Hualalai project site- Undoubtedly, the same landscaping
strategies are used on the adjacent Hualalai development houselots and grassed (golf) areas.
These aforementioned landscaping/turfdeuelopment activities have been ongoing at Hualalai for a
longer period of time than at Kukio and they undoubtedly contribute to the increasing
concentrations measured in this study as has been noted above.
The Kukio golf course is largely situated further inland and upslope of the coastal water
quality monitoring points. Being situated at higher elevations results in more distance between
the turf (where fertilizers and imgation are applied) and the underlying groundwater which
translates to longer time periods passing before materials are detected if used in excess. The Best
Management Practices (BMP) Program that is in place for the Kukio golf course reduces
fertilization and imgation to only what is necessary once grow-in has been achieved. The BMP
program includes the use of turf grass with low fertilizer requirements and high resistence to pests
(Mr. Jim McPhilomy, personal communication). Similar BMP Programs used elsewhere on the
arid West Hawaii coast (i.e., Waikoloa) have resulted in little fertilizer reaching the groundwater
and anchialine pools despite the use of diluted treated sewage etI]uent as an irrigant there. Golf
course grow-in commenced in April 2002 after the large increases in nutrients measured in the
northern part of the Kukio project site in the March 2002 survey (see previous reports). It is
suspected that those increases were linked to the landscaping/golfeourse development occurring
at that time at Hualalai. In 2003, 4.2 metric tons of nitrogen and 4.3 metric tons of phosphorus
were applied to the Kukio Golf Course. The additional nitrogen used at Kukio is low relative to
that used on other courses; in the average year at Waikoloa also on the North Kona coast, each of
two courses receives about 17 metric tons of nitrogen and 4.2 metric tons of phosphorus in the
form of dry fertilizers. These data demonstrate the conservative approach being taken by Kukio
with the use of fertilizers.
Until construction and landscaping are completed at Kukio and at Hualalai, the Kukio system
will not come into a steady state or equilibrium, fluctuation in the concentrations of materials are
to be expected. Also, until this equilibrium is attained, it will be difficult to understand and
separate natural from antluopogenic sources of materials entering the sea at Kukio via the
groundwater.
Because changes are occurring in the concentrations of materials in the Kukio coastal
monitoring wells and anchialine poo]s, the Kukio water quality monitoring program increased the
number of locations sampled in late 2002 and early 2003. These twelve additional sites will be
sampled and the frequency of sampling will be increased if data suggest increasing concentrations.
Such strategies will help in better delineating the possible source(s) of these materials and assist in
defining possible mitigative actions if warranted. WB Kukio Resorts, LLC has assembled an
environmental management team which includes the environmental monitor, a hydrologist,
landscape architects and management personnel from Kukio (construction management, golf
1'Z
course superintendent, grounds and anchialine pool managers) to work together to insure that
problems with water quality do not arise. This approach should address potential problems before
they increase in scope and minimize the opportu~uty for applied materials to leach to the
groundwater. WB Kukio Resorts, LLC has given the environmental monitor the latitude to
undertake experiments to ascertain possible sources of materials measured in the ground,
anchialine pool and marine waters of the project site. Finally, it should be noted that as far as the
author knows, there is no water quality monitoring program in place to monitor impact of the
Hualalai development on the surrounding environment.
The statistically significant changes in many water quality parameters attributed to the ongoing
pond restoration and planting activities at Kukio and on the adjacent Hualalai project site are
expected to decrease as these sources of disturbance decrease. With the establishment and
growth of planted vegetation and the lesse~ung use of fertilizer/irrigation (which is high during the
"grow-in" period), concentrations of many water quality parameters are expected to decrease.
Also as the remaining anchialine pools which do not have alien fishes are colonized by native
species, these systems are expected to come into equilibrium further reducing the concentrations
of some parameters. Thus the relatively high but variable concentrations now encountered for
many parameters are expected to decrease with time.
4. Impact of Evaporation on Nutrient Concentrations in Kukio Anchialine Pools
As noted above, there have been significant decreases in the vegetative cover around/over the
anchialine pools at Kukio. This removal could not only decrease the uptake of plant nutrients
from the low salinity groundwater, but cause increases in the exposure of anchialine pool surfaces
to solar radiation and wind which may increase evaporation. Increased evaporation may result in
increasing concentrations of nutrients if the residence time of the water in the pools is relatively
larg (on the order of hours). To determine the impact that evaporation may have on nutrient
concentration, we designed a simple experiment to address the questions, "Does the evaporation
from low salinity anchialine pools increase the measured concentration of inorganic nutrients and
if so, can we quantify the increase?"
To answer these questions, a simple evaporation experiment was established and allowed to
run for asix-hour period. This experiment used petri dishes filled with a known volume of water
and allowed evaporation to occur over the six-hour period (from 0900-1500 hours). The
decrease in the volume remaining after the six-hour period provided a rough estimate of the
evaporation rate which in this case is estimated to be 9.3 liters per square meter of anchialine pool
surface during daylight hours at Kukio. A second series of three acid-rinsed larger (55 x 30 x 15
cm) polyethylene trays were filled with approximately 24 liters of anchialine pool water. These
larger trays were placed adjacent to the smaller evaporation pans in an anchialine pool to aid in
keeping temperatures in the normal range. Water samples were collected from these larger trays
at the commencement of the experiment, at midday (three hours later) and at the completion of
the experiment (at 1500 hours) The water quality data are given in Appendix 5 and Table ] 0
]3
SLSIIll12iL?S 1?erC~ntag<'- C1731?}?r erl nL17l e~nt ~O;1C8t1tTait^115 DVei" lltn','.
The six-hour evaporation period reduced the volume in each of the experimental trays by an
estimated 772 rnl or about 32% of the original volume, This reduction along with unknown
biological (bacterial and phytoplankton) and chemical activity in the trays caused increases in
nitrate nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus, silica, chlorophyll-a, salinity temperature and pH.
Decreases were seen in ammonia nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen and orthophosphorus. If
evaporation alone was responsible for the measured changes in nutrient concentration, then one
could surmise that all concentrations should increase as evaporation proceeds. However,
chemical reactions as well as biological activity all interact with the inorganic nutrients causing
increases and decreases in concentrations making the interpretation of data more difficult. The
laws of thermodynamics state that there can be no loss or creation of matter within a system, thus
the changes in concentrations measured in the present experiment are simply due to the
conversion of materials already present from one form (maybe not measured) to another which is
measured. The only loss from this experimental system is the evaporation pure water.
Ammonia nitrogen is a product of metabolism thus is related to the presence of organisms.
When exposed to the air, ammonia nitrogen will oxidize and contribute to the nitrate fraction so a
decrease in measured ammonia nitrogen in the presence of wind mixing and reduced biological
activity (i.e., in the acid-rinsed experimental tray) is not unexpected. Thus, the increase in nitrate
nitrogen with a simultaneous decline in ammonia may be partially due to the oxidation of
ammonia nitrogen. Nitrate nitrogen is the biologically active form of nitrogen and is taken up by
plants. Similarly orthophosphorus is the biologically active form of phosphorus and is readily
taken up by plants. Thus photosynthesis would be expected to decrease the concentrations of
nitrate and orthophosphorus through the experiment while chlorophyll-a increases. Chlorophyll-a
is a measure of phytoplankton biomass. The changes in chlorophyll-a and orthophosphorus are
consistent with this argument and with the measurements made in this study. But as noted above,
the oxidation of ammonia to nitrate exceeds the uptake by photosynthesis thus nitrate
concentrations increased through the life of the experiment.
An apparent dilemma lies with both total dissolved nitrogen (which both increased and
decreased in different trays -see Appendix 5) and total dissolved phosphorus which increased in
concentration through the experiment. These changes are probably the result of bacteria
consuming breaking down microscopic particulate material which is in the water column which
converts nitrogen and phosphorus from particulate forms (not measured) to dissolved forms that
are measured in this study.
What conclusions can be drawn from this short preliminary experiment? First, the relatively
high evaporatiar rate experienced at Kukio (in excess of 9 liters per square meter of pond surface
during the day) probably does contribute to the elevated concentrations of nitrate encountered in
the system. Other parameters are also affected by varying degrees to this evaporation but the
changes in many are overshadowed by inorganic reactions (i.e., the oxidation of ammonia to
nitrate), biological actions (i_e ,uptake of orthophosphorus and nitrate by phytoplankton resulting
i4
in increased chlorophyll-a) as well as by processes not measured here (i.e., the conversion of
nitrogen and phosphorus from particulate to dissolved fonns [and back again] by bacteria). These
results point out that a relatively Aigh measured concentration of a nutrient at a makai location
may not simply be due to inputs occurring at inland points on a project site but are the result of a
complex interaction of these materials (whether from natural or anthropogenic sources) with
biological and physical processes occurring in the anchialine pools on the project site. Thus
resource managers and environmental regulators should view changes in water quality as not
necessarily coming directly from some anthropoge~uc activity occurring on a project site which
suggests that caution must be exercised in making these judgements.
5. Observations of Anchialine Pool Biota
Among the prominent coastal resources at Kukio are a number of anchialine pools. Anchialine
pools are land-locked bodies of water that may be characterized as not having surface connections
to the sea, yet have measurable salinities and display damped tidal fluctuations. Naturally
occurring anchialine pools are restricted to highly porous substrates such as recent lavas or
limestone adjacent to the sea. These unique habitats have been described from a number of
widely dispersed tropical localities; in Hawaii the greatest number are found along the West
Hawaii coastline and in recent years have been the focus of attention with respect to coastal
development.
Anchialine pools harbor a distinctive assemblage of organisms, some of which are found
nowhere else. Anchialine pond organisms fall into two classes, i.e., epigeal and hypogeal species.
The epigeal fauna is comprised of species that require the well-illuminated (sunlit) part of the
anchialine system. Most of these species are found in other Hawaiian habitats albeit individual
from anchialine systems frequently show ecotype (morphologic) variations. The hypogeal
organisms occur not only in the illuminated part of the system but also in the interconnected
watertable below. These species are primarily decapod crustaceans, some of which are known
only from the anchialine biotope.
Species characteristic of Hawaiian anchialine pools include crustaceans (shrimps and
amphipods), fishes, mollusk, a hydroid, sponges, polychaetes, tunicates, aquatic insects, algae and
aquatic macrophytes. Most striking are a number ofred-pigmented caridean shrimp species and
the most abundant of these is the opae'ula (Halicaridina rubra).
Anchialine resources at Kukio are located in the low-lying coastal plain fronting much of
project site. Early studies at Kukio focused on the major complex of pools situated in the
southern part of the site; these have been set aside as preserve. Pools to the north were situated
under a canopy of kiawe and until the commencement of the development were under these trees
and heavy brush which restricted access. About 21 pools are in the Kukio parcel; these are
located in three groups, south, middle and the northern complexes of pools. The results of the
preconstruction baseline quantitative censuses of native species at select Kukio pools are given in
Brock (2000, Table 5) and for the recent "during construction" surveys in Table 1
IS
There have been a number of inventories connnencing in 1972 iii at sampled parts of the Kukio
system. In recent years the biota of the southern pools changed with the introduction of top
minnows which has restricted the zccess of a number of native species formerly present in the
system. Pools to the north remained relatively pristine from the standpoint of native species. As
has been discussed elsewhere, once introduced to anchialine system, alien fish are able to
complete their life cycle and become a permanent feature of the system (Brock 1985, Bailey-
Brock and Brock 1993). Alien fishes often preclude the native opae'ula which is a keystone
species in the maintenance of the anchialine system. With the elimination of key species,
degradation of the anchialine system occurs. Recent studies by this author have determined that
outside of the Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preserve which is actively managed, only about 10
percent of the West Hawaii anchialine resource remains free of alien fishes; this translates into
about 70 pools left in a natural state. Many of the anchialine pools that remain free of alien fishes
are often just a single small pool in a complex of pools that has otherwise been overrun by alien
fishes. Under these circumstances, physical isolation is usually the only reason why alien fishes
have not yet colonized this last remaining pool. In these cases, the isolation may orily be
temporary for the next spring high tides may allow colonization to occur. The continued spread
of alien species that apparently impact the ecological balance and succession in anchialine pools
provides a bleak outlook for the perpetuation of this unique resource in Hawaii.
Alien fishes are present through much of the south complex of pools at Kukio (pond 2) and
ponds 3, 4, 5 and 7 (see Figure 1) having been introduced sometime in the 1986-89 period. On 6
December 1999 alien fish were first encountered in the northern portion of the north pool
complex (pond 20). They were not present on the previous (4 November 1999) survey and
sampling of ponds at Kukio. These fish were first seen on the adjacent Four Seasons Hote]
property along the public right-of--way maintained by them. Subsequent checks on this population
offish on 29 December 1999 and again on 28 March 2000 showed no change in the distribution.
However, on the 25 April 2000 survey, these fishes had spread throughout the entire northern
complex of pools and native crustaceans were totally absent from sample sites 2 and 7 (Figure ] )
where they have previously occurred in high abundance.
It is surmised that these fish were intentionally released into the waters of this pond for
unknown reasons. As far as the author knows, the owners/operators of the public access had not
placed any signage to deter the public from further introducing aquatic alien species into the
anchialine habitat under their control. Other than the public right-of--way and that part of the
north pool complex under the adjacent owner's control, much of pond complex was heavily
overgrown with California grass, Indian pluchea, beach naupaka, kiawe and Christmas berry which
had probably impeded the further invasion of the remaining portions of the pond complex. As of
28 March 2000 individual pools and basins located along the southern edge of the northern pool
complex (pond 20, Figure 1) as well as many of the pools through the central part of the Kukio
site (pond numbers 8-19, Figure 2) and pool no. 1 remained as viable anchialine pools with the
normal suite of species. These 12 or so pools had significant biological value in light of the fact
that only about 70 or so remain free of aquatic alien species along the entire West Hawaii coast.
Between 25 April and 26 July 2000, most of the vegetation in and surrounding the northern
I (i
complex of pools had been cleared away. 7"his has probably facilitated the movement of these
alien fishes duoughout the area.
Prior to the spread of alien fishes in the north pond complex, four of the nine anchialine sites
routinely monitored at Kukio were free of the alien fish problem and held the normal complement
of native aquatic species. With the spread of the alien fish in the north pool complex, only the
pools in the central cluster remain free of alien fishes. In the January 2001 survey, alien fishes had
colonized Pond 18 (Figure 1). Prior to their appearance, the native shrimps (opae'ula) were
estimated to occur at a density of 280 individuals/O.lmZ; subsequently, the shrimp were absent and
remain so through the present survey. On the positive side, the restoration of pools in the central
comp]ex has greatly increased the water surface area thereby increasing the availability of
appropriate habitat.
The absence of native opae'ula shrimp results in the loss of a major herbivore in the anchialine
system which, in turn, allows macrophyte algae (limu) to grow. Kukio pools ?acking the shrimp
often have large standing crops of the stringy green alga, Cladophora sp. Cladophora has high
growth rates thus is a maintenance problem requiring near-daily manual removal. The
management ofICukio has responded by release of native herbivorous fishes in some of these top
minnow-infested pools. Species used include awa or milkfish (Chanos chanos), grey mullet or
ama'ama (Mugil cephalus), mullet or uouoa (Neomyxus chaptalii), manini or convict tang
(Acanthurus triostegus), and to help control the top minnows, flagtails or aholehole (Kuhlia
sandvicensis). These fish species provide an ideal means of algae control and are all species that
the old Hawaiian culture used in these systems. None of them can complete their lifecycles in
these pools and are an ideal substitute for opae'ula when these shrimp are not present. However,
in 2000-2002 there have been problems with mortality particularly with the nulkfish or awa in
some of the anchialine pools. The mechanism(s) responsible for thismortality remain unknown
despite considerable effort to identify the source of the problem.
In summary the populations of native crustaceans are maintaining themselves in those ponds
that continue to serve as appropriate habitat for these anchialine species at Kukio. However, the
spread of aquatic alien species (top minnows) presents a threat to the viability of the Kukio
anchialine system and it increases the need to implement all aspects of the comprehensive
monitoring, restoration and management program for the anchialine resources on the project site.
Native waterfowl were occasionally seen in the anchialine pools at Kukio in the 1989-1994
period. No waterfowl had been encountered since 1994 in the Kukio anchialine pools through the
25 April 2000 survey. However on 26 July 2000 one night crowned heron or `auku'u
(Nyc[icorax nyc[icorax hoactli) was seen in the hala or pandanus trees located in the southern
pool complex at Kukio. Two Hawaiian stilt or aeo (Himantopus himantopus knudseni) were
present at site 8 in the November 2000 and January 2001 surveys. When initially seen in
November, these birds took to flight when we approached the pools for sampling; by January
200] the two stilt present had little fear of humans. Also present commencing in the January
2001 survey has been one duck (species not determined but believed not to be native). This duck
l7
appears to be very comfortable around the construction activity. The sarne number and species of
birds were encountered in the February 2001 survey. In the June 200] survey the duck had
disappeared but the two stilt remained along with three small chicks. These chicks probably
hatched sometime prior to the February 2001 survey. By the October 2001 survey, the chicks
were not seem having probably fledged and only the adult pair remained. In the December 2001
survey the author was told by Kukio management that the pair of stilt were nesting in the south
pool complex suggesting that the construction activities and greater open-water area is
appropriate habitat for this species. The pair of stilt have remained in Pond 2 through the March
2002 survey but have subsequently left. Subsequently, stilt and occasionally `auku'u are seen in
the Kukio anchialine system during the routine surveys but the pond manager is now responsible
for carrying out bird censuses at Kukio. 1t is surmised that these birds find the Kukio aquatic
system a more suitable habitat since the thick canopy of vegetation has been largely removed.
Originally Pond 16 (site 20 in Figure 1) had a water surface area of about 900 cmz and was
surrounded by a relatively high pahoehoe flow. During the period of pond restoration, the surface
area of this small pond was increased to about 3 x 8 m and the apparent depth to about one meter.
The visible population of opae'ula has grown making this pool one of the biologically most
interesting at Kukio. In the March 2003 survey, several large flat boulders (--1.2 x 1.2 xl m high)
were attractively placed in one end of this pond to probably serve as a means to enter the water.
LITERATURE CITED
Bailey-Brock, J.H. and R.E. Brock. 1993. Feeding, reproduction, and sense of the Hawaiian
anchialine shrimp Halocaridina rubra (Atyidae). Pacif. Sci. 47:338-355.
Brock, R.E. 1985. An assessment of the conditions and future of the anchialine pond resources
of the Hawaiian Islands. Appendix C. Pp.l-12. In.• US Army Corps of Engineers. Final
Environmental Impact Statement US Department of the Army Permit Application Waikoloa
Beach Resort, Waikoloa, South Kohala District, Island ofHawai'i. US Army Corps of Engineers,
Honolulu District, September 1985.
Brock, R.E. (Environmental Assessment Co.). 2000a. A quantitative assessment of the marine
communities and water quality in an area fronting the proposed development at Kukio, North
Kona, Hawaii: final preconstruction baseline report. Prepared for WB Kukio Resorts, LLC, 1001
Bishop Street, Pauahi Tower, Suite 1570, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813. EAC Rept. No. 2000-01.
95p.
Grasshoff, K. 1983. Methods of seawater analysis. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim. 419p.
SAS Institute, Inc. 1985. SAS User's Guide: Basics, Version 5 Edition. Cary, N_C., SAS
Institute, Inc., ]985. 1290p.
18
Siegel, S 1956. Nouparametric statistics frn the behavioral scirnees_ McGraw-Hill Book o.,
New York. xvii~312p.
Standard Methods. 1999. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater.
"Twentieth edition. American Health Assoc., Washington, D.C. Port City Press, Baltimore, Md.
1325p.
Strickland, J.D.H. and T.R. Parsons. 1972. A practical handbook of seawater analysis. Second
edition. Bull. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, 167. 310p.
West Hawaii Coastal Monitoring Task Force. 1992. West Hawaii coastal monitoring program
monitoring protocol guidelines. Prepared by the Task Force. Unpublished, 30p.
TABLE 1. Three tiers of water quality criteria as given by the Department of Health for the
Kona or West Hawaii coast. Also included are the criteria for three parameters under all salinity
regimes as well as those for sites with no significant groundwater discharge. Where significant
groundwater discharge occurs, linear regressions techniques are employed to determine
compliance with standards for total dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen and
orthophosphorus as given below. Note that criteria are presented in ug/1 where applicable.
All Salinity Regimes: Single Value "Not To Exceed" Criterion For:
Ammonia Nitrogen = 2.5 ug/I
Chlorophyll-a = 0.3 ug/I
Turbidity = 0.1 N.T.U.
No Salinity Gradient Observed: Single Value "Not To Exceed" Criterion For:
Total Dissolved Nitrogen = 100.0 ug/I
Total Dissolved Phosphorus = 12.5 ug/I
Nitrate+Nitrite Nitrogen = 4.5 ug/I
Orthophosphorus = 5.0 ug/I
Salinity Gradient Observed: Regression Coefficient (Slope) Criterion For:
Total Dissolved Nitrogen
Total Dissolved Phosphorus
Nitrate+Nitrite Nitrogen
Orthophosphorus
Linear mixing criteria for marine sample sites along the West Hawaii coast with significant
groundwater discharge have been developed by the Department of Health (below). Note that
conformance to standards is made by comparing the absolute value of the slope of the regression line
(first numeric term below) with the absolute value of the upper 95°h confidence limit of the slope
calculated from the study site data. Standards are exceeded when the absolute value of the calculated
95% confidence limit is greater than the absolute value of the slope as given below:
Total Dissolved Nitrogen (ug/I): Y = -40.35X + 1474.85
Nitrate +Nitrite Nitrogen (ug/I): Y = -31.92X + 1100.59
Total Dissolved Phosphorus (ug/I): Y = -2.86X + 111.42
Orthophosphorus (ug/I): Y = -3.22X + 116.06
20
'TABLE 2. Summary of the compliance of the first quarter (March 2003) Kukio data fiom
marine sites utilizing the Department ofHeahh West Hawaii regional water quality standards.
Daia are presented in ug/1 unless otherwise noted.
1. All Salinity Regimes:
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Ammonia Nitrogen 2.5 ug/I 7.39 ug/I Yes
Chlorophyll-a 0.3 ug/I 0.263 ug/I No
Turbidity 0.1 NTU 0.22 NTU Yes
2. No Salinity Gradient Observed: (Station Nos. 6, 17, 18, 19)
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Total Dissolved N 100.0 ug/1 97.98 ug/I No
Total Dissolved P 12.5 ug/! 9.51 ug/I No
Nitrate+Nitrite N 4.5 ug/I 7.39 ug/I Yes
Orthophosphonis 5.0 ug/I 6.76 ug/I Yes
3. Salinity Gradient Observed:
Calculated
95% Upper
Criteria Limit Exceeds Criteria?
North Uluweoweo Bay (Station Nos. 3, 4, 5, 30, 31):
Total Dissolved N -40.35 -60.80 Yes
Total Dissolved P -2.86 -0.73 No
Nitrate+Nitrite N -31.92 -46.74 Yes
Orthophosphorus -3.22 -1.92 No
Mid- Uluweoweo Bay (Station Nos. 14, 15, 16, 32, 33):
Total Dissolved N -40.35 -35.82 No
Total Dissolved P -2.86 -0.85 No
Nitrate+Nitrite N -31.92 -74.75 Yes
Orthophosphorus -3.22 -2.50 No
21
TABLE 3. Summary of the compliance of the second quarter (June 2003 j Kukio data from
marine sites utilizing the Department ofI-Iealth West Hawaii regional water quality standards.
Data are presented in ug/I unless otherwise noted.
1. All Salinity Regimes:
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Ammonia Nitrogen 2.5 ug/I 4.44 ug/I Yes
Chlorophyll-a 0.3 ug/I 0.145 ug/I No
Turbidity 0.1 NTU 0.19 NTU Yes
2. No Salinity Gradient Observed: (Station Nos.3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 30, 31)
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Total Dissolved N 100.0 ug/I 186.83 ug/I Yes
Total Dissolved P 12.5 ug/I 13.87 ug/I Yes
Nitrate+Nitri[e N 4.5 ug/I 18.61 ug/I Yes
Orthophosphorus 5.0 ug/I 5.79 ug/I Yes
3. Salinity Gradient Observed:
Calculated
95°k Upper
Criteria Limit Exceeds Criteria?
Mid- Uluweoweo Bay (Station Nos. 14, 15, 16, 32, 33):
Total Dissolved N -40.35 -53.80 Yes
Total Dissolved P -2.86 -1.52 No
Nitrate+Nitrite N -31.92 -75.42 Yes
Orthophosphoms -3.22 -1.94 No
?.2
TABLE 4. Summary of the compliance of the third quarter (September 2003) Kukio data from
marine sites utilizing the Department of Health West Hawaii regional water quality standards.
Data are presented in ug/1 unless otherwise noted.
1. All Salinity Regimes:
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Ammonia Nitrogen 2.5 ug/I 2.52 ug/I Yes
Chlorophyll-a 0.3 ug/I 0.155 ug/I No
Turbidity 0.1 NTU 0.15 NTU Yes
2. No Salinity Gradient Observed: (All Remaining Station Nos.)
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Total Dissolved N 100.0 ug/I 217.16 ug/I Yes
Total Dissolved P 12.5 ug/I 9.36 ug/I No
Nitrate+Nitrtte N 4.5 ug/I 7.88 ug/I Yes
Orthophosphorus 5.0 ug/I 3.99 ug/I No
3. Salinity Gradient Observed: (None Observed This Quarter)
23
TABLE 5. Sununary of the compliance of the fourth quarter (November 2003) Kukio data
from marine sites utilizing the Department of Health West Hawaii regional water quality
standards. Data are presented in ug/1 unless otherwise noted.
1. All Salinity Regimes:
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Ammonia Nitrogen 2,5 ug/I 4.44 ug/I Yes
Chlorophyll-a 0.3 ug/I 0.219 ug/I No
Turbidity 0.1 NTU 0.28 NTU Yes
2. No Salinity Gradient Observed: (All Remaining Station Nos.)
Criteria Geom. Mean Exceeds Criteria?
Total Dissolved N 100.0 ug/I 158.03 ug/I Yes
Total Dissolved P 12.5 ug/I 13.80 ug/I Yes
Nitrate+Nitrite N 4.5 ug/I 16.48 ug/I Yes
Orthophosphorus 5.0 ug/I 6.22 ug/I Yes
3. Salinity Gradient Observed: (None Observed This Quarter)
24
TABLE 6. Summary of the geometric means for water quality parameters (ug/I unless otherwise noted)
as measured at marine stations fronting the Kukio development during the 111-month baseline study
period (August 1990 through November 1999). Underlined values exceed the proposed Department of
Health regional standards.
Site No. of Nitrate Ammonia Ortho
No. Samples N N TDN P TDP Si DON DOP
3 17 31_13 9.08 147.99 7.77 16_31 592.05 70.02 7.42
4 17 9.98 3.67 92.06 4.04 12.01 195.05 70.32 7.79
5 17 6.55 3.92 98.68 3.70 12.24 182.42 84.15 8.36
6 17 4.25 3.71 93.39 3.64 10.66 108.82 82.34 6.84
14 35 68.23 12.69 170.11 8.46 14.50 1214.79 84.76 5.67
15 34 19.27 7.36 114.40 5.61 12.09 395.32 77.50 6.02
16 20 8.05 5.53 101.32 4.11 11.23 211.43 77.80 6.48
17 17 3.86 3.69 86.75 3.31 10.70 127.38 76.15 6.96
18 17 236.11 25.49 399.33 t 5.47 22.57 3254.21 77.29 4.76
19 11 66.50 11.36 223.43 7.45 15.51 959.04 104.22 7.07
Grand Geometric
Means 17_14 7.03 132.68 5.32 14_18 372.39 79.15 7.38
Site Turbidity Salinity Oxygen Temp.
No. (N'I'O) Chl-a (°/oo) (°C) pH
3 0.16 0.365 32.947 103 26.0 8.03
4 0.10 0.172 34.144 102 26.0 8.11
5 0.11 0.140 34.197 103 26.0 8.11
6 0.10 0.144 34.261 102 26.0 8.13
14 0.17 0.325 32.733 103 26.3 8.16
15 0.13 0.180 33.867 102 26.3 8.14
16 0.11 0.135 34.126 102 26.6 8.13
17 0.10 0.136 34.258 102 26.5 8.15
18 0.44 0.670 29.017 102 27.0 8.09
19 0.17 0.415 31.578 103 26.4 8.09
Grand
Geometric
Means 0.14 0.220 33.120 102 26.2 8.11
25
TABLE 7. Results of the Wilcoxon Two-Sample Test comparing the means for each Department of
Health parameter in the "preconstruction" (n=18) to "during construction" (n=15) periods. All means are
ug/I unless otherwise noted.
Preconstruction During Construction Significantly
Sample Group Parameter N Mean N Mean Different?
Anchialine Nitrate 278 2087.29 297 2972.39 Yes P>0.0001
Pools and Ammonia 278 23.19 297 47.71 Yes P>0.0001
Wells TDN 278 2310.71 297 4016.30 Yes P>0.0001
Ortho-P 278 94.33 297 101.84 No
TDP 278 102.95 297 203.69 Yes P>0.0001
Silica 278 27296.20 297 26844.28 No
Turbidity (NTU) 273 0.43 297 0.83 Yes P>0.0001
Chl-a 169 0.416 194 3.049 Yes P>0.0001
Salinity (°/oo) 278 4.034 297 4.050 Yes P>0.0001
Oxygen Sat) 278 90.4 287 88.4 Yes P>0.0001
Temp (°C) 278 23.3 297 24.9 Yes P>0.0001
pH 278 7.93 297 8.05 Yes P>0.0001
Marine Nitrate 175 71.89 199 51.55 No
Waters Ammonia 175 11.31 199 5.35 Yes P>0.0001
TDN 175 169.65 198 188.61 Yes P>0.0001
Ortho-P 175 7.23 199 6.45 Yes P>0.01
TDP 175 16.77 198 13.99 No
Silica 175 1095.63 199 756.63 Na
Turbidity (NTU) 175 0.17 199 0.18 No
ChI-a 175 0.360 199 0.263 No
Salinity (°/oo) 175 33.223 198 34.153 Yes P>0.0001
Oxygen Sat) 175 102.3 199 100.7 Yes P>0.0001
Temp (°C) 175 26.3 199 26.1 No
pH 175 8.11 199 8.10 No
26
'T'ABLE 8. Results oCthe Student-Newman-Keuls (SNk) Test applied to water quality data
collected in the anchialine poets and wells of the Kukio project site since the start of construction
to address the question, "Has there been any significant change in measured parameters since the
start of construction?" In the body of the table are given the arithmetic means for a given
parameter on that date. Means are expressed in ug/1 unless otherwise noted. Bolded letters with
the same designation show means and sample dates that are related; changes in letter designation
show where significant differences exist. Overlaps in letters indicate a lack of significant
differences; in such cases, only the extremes may be significantly different.
1. Nitrate Nitrogen (P>0.0001) 2. Ammonia Nitrogen (P>0.0001)
Date Mean Date Mean
Mar 2002 4805.70 A Jul 2000 90.00 A
Oct 2002 4467.60 A B Jul 2002 76.73 A
Jul 2002 4284.80 ABC Nov 2003 65.82 A
Dec 2001 3456.90 A B C p Mar 2003 52.38 A
Nov 2000 3038.00 8 C D Sep 2003 52.34 A
Sep 2003 2720.40 BCD Nov 2000 49.95 A
Mar 2003 2716.70 BCD Jan 2001 47.44 A
Nov 2003 2598.40 BCD Oct 2002 45.25 A
Jan 2001 2554.80 BCD Feb 2001 44.85 A
Jun 2003 2520.00 BCD Mar 2002 40.58 A
Jun 2001 2513.30 BCD Dec 2001 38.05 A
Feb 2001 2388.70 BCD Apr 2000 36.87 A
Oct 2001 2236.20 C D Oct 2001 32.56 A
Jul 2000 2078.50 C D Jun 2001 32.13 A
Apr 2000 1995.50 D Jun 2003 23.92 A
Comments: General upward trend thru time which may Comments: No chronological order suggesting no
be due to landscape/golf grow in but concentrations have increase related to development.
decreased in 2003.
3. Total Dissolved Nitrogen (P>0.0001) 4. Orthophosphorus (N.S.)
Date Mean Date Mean
Oct 2002 7028,70 A Nov 2003 120.86 A
Mar 2002 5864.30 A B Jul 2000 116.50 A
Jul 2002 5196.60 ABC Oct 2002 109.07 A
Dec 2001 4507.00 BCD Apr 2000 104.80 A
Oct 2001 4023.20 BCD Sep 2003 104.80 A
Jun 2003 3987.30 BCD Mar 2003 104.45 A
Sep 2003 3732.00 C D Jan 2001 104.43 A
Nov 2003 3403.00 C D Nov 2000 103.33 A
Jun 2001 3382.60 C D Jun 2003 100.61 A
Nov 2000 3330.30 C D Feb 2001 100.30 A
Mar 2003 3293.80 C D Jul 2002 94.63 A
Feb 2001 3053.40 C D Mar 2002 90.43 A
Jan 2001 2771.80 D Oct 2001 90.19 A
Jul 2000 2603.20 D Jun 2001 84.65 A
Apr 2000 2367.10 D Dec 2001 83.58 A
Comments: Like nitrate, a general upward trend thru Comments: No chronological order suggesting no
time that may be related to landscape/golf grow-in but Increase related to development.
has decreased in 2003.
27
TABLE 8. Continued.
5. Total Dissolved Phosphorus (P>0.0007) 6. Silica (P>0.0001)
Date Mean Date Mean
Jun 2003 322.58 A Oct 2002 29,849.00 A
Dec 2001 298.57 A B Nov 2000 28,816.00 A
Nov 20D3 266.74 ABC Jul 2000 28,795.00 A
Oct 2002 246.13 BCD Jan 2001 28,340.00 A
Jul 2002 244.90 BCD Feb 2001 28,182.00 A
Sep 2003 235.12 BCD Apr 2000 27,170.00 A
Mar 2002 195.56 C D E Jun 2001 26,793.00 A
Oct 2001 186.89 D E Mar 2002 26.673.00 A
Jun 2001 177.81 D E Jul 2002 26,441.00 A
Mar 2003 148.40 E Jun 2003 26,343.00 A
Feb 2001 142.48 E Nov 2003 26,140.00 A
Jul 2000 129.03 E Sep 2003 25,998.00 A
Nov 2000 114.99 E Mar 2003 25,811.00 A
Apr 2000 114.76 E Oct 2001 25,221.00 A
Jan 2001 113.90 E Dec 2001 24,444.00 A
Comments: Significant upward trend thru time Comments: Silica related to groundwater flow
probably related to golf/landscape grow-in but which may be possibly be related to irrigation rates.
appears to be declining in late 2003. 2003 data are in the lower third of the data.
7. Turbidity (NTU) (P>0.0001) 8. Chlorophyll-a (P>0.0008)
Date Mean ~ Date Mean
Dec 2001 5.08 A Sep 2003 7.683 A
Oct 2001 0.93 B Jun 2001 5.725 A
Jun 2003 0.82 B Jul 2002 4.293 A
Jul 2002 0.74 B Dec 2001 4.106 A
Jul 2000 0.74 B Oct 2002 4.015 A
Feb 2001 0.72 B Jun 2003 3.446 A
Mar 2003 0.65 B Nov 2003 2.787 A
Sep 2003 0.53 B Mar 2003 2.660 A
Jun 2001 0.41 B Mar 2002 1.968 A
Nov 2003 0.41 B Oct 2001 1.842 A
Apr 2000 0.41 B Jul 2000 1.636 A
Mar 2002 0.40 B Apr 2000 1.432 A
Oct 2002 0.23 B Nov 2000 0.610 A
Nov 2000 0.20 B Jan 2001 0.469 A
Jan 2001 0.20 8 Feb 2001 0.262 A
Comments: Turbidity has no relationship with the Comments: No evidence of chl-a being related to the
development but is related to tide state and surf. development (no chronological order).
7$
TABLE 8. Continued.
9. Salinity (ppt) (n.s.) 10. % Oxygen Concentration (P>0.01)
Date Mean Date Mean
Nov 2003 4.682 A Jun 2003 94.4 A
Feb 2001 4.635 A Mar 2003 92.6 A
Jan 2001 4.624 A Jan 2001 91.9 A
Mar 2003 4.564 A Nov 2000 90.1 A
Jun 2003 4.293 A Nov 2003 89.3 A
Mar 2002 4.029 A Apr 2000 88.9 A
Apr 2000 3.964 A Jun 2001 88.5 A
Sep 2003 3.913 A Mar 2002 86.3 A
Nov 2000 3.887 A Jul 2002 87.9 A
Jun 2001 3.883 A Feb 2001 87.0 A
Jul 2000 3.869 A Oct 2001 85.9 A
Jul 2002 3.837 A Oct 2002 85.7 A
Oct 2001 3.812 A Dec 2001 84.3 A
Dec 2001 3,786 A Jul 2000 64.3 A
Oct 2002 3.542 A Sep 2003 84.1 A
Comments: Salinity related to groundwater flow and Comments: Oxygen values are normal and no
tide state at the time of sampling. evidence of decline related to development.
11. Temperature (°C) (P>0.0001) 12. pH (n.s.)
Date Mean Date Mean
Jun 2001 27.0 A Dec 2001 8.19 A
Sep 2003 26.8 A Sep 2003 8.13 A
Jun 2003 26.6 A Jun 2001 8.12 A
Oct 2002 26.6 ~ A Jun 2003 8.12 A
Oct 2001 26.6 A Oct 2001 8.12 A
Nov 2003 26.1 A Mar 2002 8.11 A
Jul 2002 26.0 A Mar 2003 8.07 A
Mar 2003 24.5 B Feb 2001 8.06 A
Dec 2001 23.8 B C Nov 2000 8.01 A
Jul 2000 23.8 B C Jul 2002 8.01 A
Mar 2002 23.3 B C Nov 2003 8.00 A
Feb 2001 23.1 B C Oct 2002 8.00 A
Apr 2000 23.1 B C Apr 2000 7.97 A
Nov 2000 22.7 C Jul 2000 7.93 A
Jan 2001 21.4 D Jan 2001 7.88 A
Comments: Temperature is related to seasonal changes Comments: Changes in pH not related to
and to the time of day that sampling occurred. development.
~ c1
TABLE 9. Synopsis of grand means of nitrate »itrogen, total dissolved nitrogen,
orChophosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus in coastal mo~iitoring wells iriland of the
anchialine system at Kukio in the preconstruction and during construction periods (in ug/1). Also
included are the grand means of these parameters from Pond 16 (site 20) as well as the grand
means from samples of the two upland irrigation wells (sample No. 63). These latter numbers
from site 63 (n=8) are probably representative of the undisturbed groundwater at Kukio assuming
a straight, downhill flow of groundwater to the sea. At the foot of the table are given these means
from anchialine pools located makai of the wells.
Total Total
Nitrate Dissolved Dissolved
Location Nitrogen Nitrogen Orthophosphorus Phosphorus
We1163 Undisturbed 1,910.57 3,262.75 132.95 497.86
Groundwater
Well 24/73 Baseline Means 2,314.51 2,501.82 126.29 131.98
North Constr. Means 3,760.21 4,613.83 190.71 289.85
Pond 16 Baseline Means 2,453.85 2,652.56 116.69 123.56
North-Mid Constr. Means 3,898.23 5,707.50 136.26 281.25
Well 23/72 Baseline Means 2,937.89 3,220.30 93.47 100.60
Middle Constr. Means 7,361.91 9,059.48 103.48 266.97
Well 22/71 Baseline Means 2,779.30 3,080.60 89.33 105.56
South-Mid Constr. Means 3,31.6.11 4,236.40 93.92 196.98
Well 21/70 Baseline Means 2,462.50 2,660.89 88.32 96.06
South Constr. Means 3,569.22 4,4]0.94 90.71 210.96
Baseline Grand Mean 2,589.61 2,823.25 102.82 ] 11.55
(Wells)
Construction Grand Mean 4,501.86 5,580.16 119.7] 24].19
(Wells)
Percent Increase
Over Baseline (Wells) 48% 98% 16% 116%
Anchialine Baseline Means 2,012.14 2,231.74 89.93 9928
Ponds Constr. Means 2,796.38 3,813.23 85.31 180.16
;t)
TABLE 10. Summary of the percent change in nutrient concentration over a six hour period of
natural evaporation from three trays (A, B and C) established at Kukio on 0900 hours, 4
September 2003. See text for details on the experimental design. All values are in ug/1 unless
otherwise indicated.
Percent Change from Start to Finish
Tray Nitrate Ammonia Ortho
No. N N TDN P TDP Si Chl-a Sal Temp pH
A +4.6 -42.3 -12.4 -10.9 +15.7 -5.1 +98.4 +5.1 +33.6 +2.0
B +7.9 -86.9 +3.3 -5.5 +0.9 -2.3 +183.5 +5.5 +32.4 +1.7
C +11.5 -81.9 +7.5 -1.5 +7.3 +22 +156.7 +11.6 +39.3 +2.6
Grand
Mean
Percent +g.0 -58.3 -0.5 -6.0 +8.0 +1.7 +146.2 +7.4 +35.1 +2.1
31
TABLE 11. Summary of the quadrat counts for native shrimp in select anchialine pools at
Kukio, North Kona, Hawaii in the "during construction" phase. Tide was low ranging from +9 to
+12 cm in both the April and July 2000 surveys and -S to +15 cm in March 2003 which resulted in
few shrimp present in some of the shallower pools of the system. In November 2000, January,
February, June, October, December 2001, March, July and October 2002, June, September and
November 2003 surveys the tide was higher (from +15 to +72 cm). Note that pond numbers
below correspond to sample sites as given in Figure l; "TL" indicates that the tide was too low to
allow censusing.
Pond Species Apr00 Ju100 Nov00 Jan01 Feb01 Jun01 Oct01
1 H. rubra overgrown overgrown overgrown overgrown overgrown overgrown overgrown
2 guppies abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant
7 guppies abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant -abundant
8 H. rubra TL 40/O.tm~ 280/0.1m~ 175/0.1m~ 180/0.1m'
M lohena TL
guppies abundant abundant
9 No aquatic fauna
guppies present
H. rubra 30/0.1m~ 4/0.1mZ 6/0.1m~ no shrimp
10 guppies abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant
11 guppies present present present present present present present
12 guppies present present present present present present present
13 guppies present present present present present present present
20 H. rubra 37/0.1 m' 35/0.1 m~ 32/0.1 m~ 35/0.1 mZ 65/0.1 m~ 125/0.1 m~ 125/0.1 m'
Pond No. Species Dec01 Mar02 Ju102 Oct02 Mar03 Jun03
1 H. rubra overgrown overgrown overgrown overgrown overgrown overgrown
2 guppies abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant
7 guppies abundant abundant abundant abunadnt abundant abundant
8 H. rubra 60/O.1m2 27/0.1m~ 31/0.1m~ 47/0.1mZ
M lohena
guppies abundant abundant
9 No aquatic fauna
guppies present present present present present present
H. rubra no shrimp 6/0.1m~
10 guppies abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant abundant
11 guppies present present present present present present
12 guppies present present present present present present
13 guppies present present present present present present
20 H. rubra 100/0.1mz 200/0.1m~ 80/0.1m~ 225/0.1mz 20010.1m' 120/0.1m`
27 H. rubra 4/0.1 m~ 28/0/1 mz 43/0.1 mz 61/O.tm2 43/0.1 m' 60/0.1m~
74 guppies present present present present present
H. rubra 3/0.1 m~ 6/0.1m~
75 H. rubra 40/0.1 m2 26/01m~ 37/0,1m~ 35/0.1m~ 80/0.1m~
guppies present
32
'CABLE ll. Continued.
Pond No. Species Sep03 Nov03
1 H. rubra overgrown overgrown
2 guppies abundant abundant
7 guppies abundant abundant
8 H rubra
M. lohena
guppies abundant abundant
9 No aquatic fauna
guppies present present
H. rubra
10 guppies abundant abundant
11 guppies present present
12 guppies present present
13 guppies present present
20 H. rubra 175/0.1 m~ 150/0.1 mz
27 H. rubra 30/0.1mZ 48/0/1m~
74 guppies present present
H. rubra
75 H. rubra 90/0.1 m~ 130/0.1 m~
guppies present present
i
FIGURE 1. Outline map of Kukio Bay and coastal anchialine pools showing the approximate
locations of the 26 original and four new (as of November 2000) water quality sampling sites for
which sampling commenced in August 1990. Stations are located in anchialine pools, brackish
water observation wells and in the near shore waters of Uluweoweo Bay. Note that station 1 just
outside of the north property boundary was dropped because heavy vegetation hampered sample
collection. It no longer has surface water present. Also note that a well sites (nos. 21, 22, 23 and
24) have been moved due to loss during grading operations or due to placement of roadways and
have been redrilled as sites 70 (for 21), 71 (for 22), 72 (for 23) and 73 (for 24). In the October
2001 survey where old wells remained, both sites were sampled. Stations SO through 91 were
added to the locations sampled in October 2002, March and Jwie 2003. Locations are
approximate and the shoreline is stippled. Map courtesy ofPBR Hawaii, lnc.
34
pp gp ~7l%
V V y
so ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ • 73
~ 2 •24
~~~~•85
POND ]1 p
PoNe ]P ~
4
5 82
3 0 6 7 ~ • 83 POND is
31 ~ 20 72
Porn as ~ .23
8 ~ x.81
Po 1P
POPn 1/ '
PONn 15
19 ND 9
25 d PoN~ a, y2
n a
POHn 90 ifO P~n'iONO 6 ~ ~\:1
POND ] P~(S/~
POND P' 1 O
ON~IIDPI ]
/ `j~~ 74
1 ~J c, ~
1~ 11 75`
~ t~d'b2G'~C"' ~
2 6~ PoNn , _
i 70
~ 13 12 1 21
1 ~ a_
15
16
17 ~ ANCHIALJNE POND/WETLAND
32 SUR4ET OF KUKI
NORTH KONA, HAwu~, 1uwAq
TI/KI Jrd Oh, 7-2-04:05 3 16
33 a 100' ioo'
cauaMC
18
APPF,ND7X 1. Summary of the water quality parameters as measured at 46 sites at Kukio on 20
March 2003. Twenty-three samples are from anc}ualine pools, 8 are from coastal monitoring
wells, one from a higher elevatiat well, and 14 from the adjacent ocean. For ocean samples the
underlined geometric means exceed the Kona coast Department ofI3ealth water quality standards
for surface samples (but see detailed discussion of noncompliance). All values are in ug/1 unless
otherwise indicated, ND =below detection limits.
Nitrate Ammonia Ortho
Site No- N N TDN P TDP Si DON DOP
Marine Samples
3 221.06 7.00 295.82 12.09 13.64 3245.48 67.66 1.55
4 171.92 8.96 275.94 12.40 12.71 3061.52 95.06 0.31
5 1.26 0.98 60.20 4.65 7.44 94.92 57.96 2.79
6 0.84 1.26 77.98 4.03 6.82 125.16 75.88 2.79
14 293.16 7.00 317.38 16.43 22.94 2900.24 17.22 6.51
15 104.44 5.18 128.52 9.92 11.16 1268.12 18.90 1.24
16 41.44 5.04 68.46 6.20 8.06 764.96 21.98 1.86
17 0.42 1.96 60.62 4.65 7.44 193.20 58.24 2.79
18 116.34 12.46 152.04 7.13 9.61 1457.96 23.24 2.48
19 29.12 4.48 65.38 5.89 8.06 748.16 31.78 2.17
30 0.28 0.98 65.94 4.03 8.99 708.08 64.68 4.96
31 0.28 1.26 70.98 4.08 8.99 131.04 69.44 4.96
32 0.42 2.24 77.28 5.89 8.99 161.28 74.62 3.10
33 0.28 0.84 69.16 4.96 10.23 99.68 68.04 5.27
Geometric
Mean 7.39 7.39 97.98 6.76 9.51 454.27 42.08 2.43
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 2291.86 74.95 3142.72 122.51 195.61 27480.93 775.90 73.10
7 1835.25 115.72 2429.28 113.96 161.51 26873.70 478.31 47.55
8 2032.82 68.29 2338.56 77.70 118.73 26049.82 237.45 41.03
9 3025.08 21.19 3361.12 109.40 140.43 26420.06 314.85 31.03
10 2255.46 28.24 2590.84 41.32 84.32 24078.47 307.14 43.00
11 3117.04 7.45 3288.60 68.60 95.79 25180.99 164.11 27.19
12 2283.18 18.15 2707.88 39.10 94.55 24955.01 406.55 55.45
13 583.77 24.08 1239.84 2.28 76.57 22264.40 &31.99 74.29
20 3687.93 17.30 4541.88 144.21 182.90 28375.36 836.65 38.69
74 3099.79 59.54 3323.18 69.09 102.30 24855.25 163.85 33.21
75 3112.92 15 83 3446.38 64.18 103.85 25197.60 317.62 39.67
80 2085.76 35.96 2597.42 25.34 74.09 21891.17 475.70 48.75
81 3248.93 41.34 4372.76 134.98 187.86 27043.24 1082.49 52.88
82 2808.81 47.95 3152.10 139.02 161.20 24899.81 295.34 22.18
83 1696.65 115.38 25D6.70 111.30 150.97 26410.04 494.68 39.67
84 1743.01 80.56 2254.70 100.60 131.44 26427.30 431.13 30.84
85 3385.10 22.19 4469.64 158.29 177.01 27765.42 1062.36 18.72
86 2708.13 72.44 3107.72 124.25 168.64 28294.14 327.15 44.39
87 3520.01 18.96 4498.06 170.20 189.41 27475.&2 959.10 19.21
88 3376.33 130.42 4050.48 117.12 124.62 27465.50 543.74 7.50
89 2735.29 80.79 3255.42 138 21 206.46 27536.14 439.34 68.25
SO 2450.05 104.04 2977.10 129.88 184.14 27445.27 423.01 54.26
91 2698.89 26.34 3059.98 144.12 185.07 269^<411 334.75 40.95
36
APPENI?IX 1. Continued.
Nitrate Ammonia Ortho
Site No. N N TDN P TDP Si DON DOP
Well Samples
70 3112.86 1.21 3832.92 68.58 109.43 24727.18 718.84 40.85
71 3244.45 79.20 4115.44 72.86 142.60 24986.73 791.80 69.74
72 5097.45 1.22 5535.32 132.50 149.73 23903.21 436.65 17.23
73 3903.27 3.17 4426.24 195.36 229.71 26820.77 519.80 34.35
25 2023.98 68.94 2435.86 111.62 168.33 26166.76 342.93 56.71
26 294.25 226.24 941.50 131.40 154.07 22830.45 421.01 22.67
27 3170.01 16.17 4011.00 81.43 125.24 22527.01 824.82 43.81
63 834.15 0.96 1326.78 8.41 28.52 2573.56 491.67 20.11
92 3389.34 0.52 4095.84 98.45 223.82 26678.43 705.98 125.37
Turbidity Salinity Oxygen Temp.
Site No. (NTL)) Chl-a (°/oo) (°C) pH
Marine Samples
3 0.46 0.406 31.214 100 25.9 8.22
4 0.43 0.259 31.506 100 32.6 8.13
5 0.17 0.175 34.753 100 26.5 8.18
6 0.20 0.170 34.760 100 28.6 8.19
14 0.40 1.042 31.589 100 27.4 8.24
15 0.32 0.435 33.366 100 26.7 8.23
16 0.23 0.228 34.085 100 28.7 8.20
17 0.20 0.191 34.702 100 26.7 8.20
18 0.39 0.373 33.135 97 25.8 7.90
19 0.59 0.364 34.128 101 27.7 8.22
30 0.11 0.160 34.758 100 26.5 8.22
31 0.07 0.174 34.763 100 28.7 8.21
32 0.12 0.167 34.754 100 26.5 8.23
33 0.10 0.191 34.764 101 27.6 8.22
Geometric
Means 0.22 0.263 33.708 100 27.5 8.18
36
APPENDIX 1. Continued.
Turbidity Salinity Oxygen Temp.
Site No. (NTU) Chl-a (°/oo) (°C) pH
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 1.10 11.951 3.932 99 23.2 8.16
7 1.31 4.217 3.610 99 25.4 8.16
8 0.49 2.518 3971 98 25.5 8.23
9 0.20 0.460 3.555 99 24.5 8.09
10 0.29 1-133 5.172 98 25.7 8.08
11 0.12 0.092 5.080 98 24.8 8.16
12 0.45 3.310 5.168 99 25.0 8.26
13 2.70 11.297 5.273 97 25.9 8.35
20 0.13 0.139 2.936 98 23.7 8.22
74 0.21 0.180 5.045 99 26.0 8.37
75 0.09 0.707 5.032 98 25.3 8.09
80 0.54 2.130 5.135 97 24.8 8.19
81 0.34 0.853 3.246 98 24.5 8.16
82 0.87 5.917 4.113 98 24.6 7.94
83 0.78 2.517 3.524 97 25.0 8.24
84 0.64 0.967 3.583 98 25.1 8.27
85 0.34 0.267 3.040 99 25.4 8.09
86 0.82 1-819 3.256 97 24.6 8.18
87 0.83 1.391 3.354 95 21.7 7.78
88 0.97 1.766 3.224 94 22.5 7.82
89 1.09 4.564 3.633 96 22.8 7.96
90 1.17 2.303 3.656 97 25.1 8.04
91 0.52 0.682 3.926 96 24.9 8.18
Well Samples
70 0.89 - 5.025 98 24.3 7.91
71 0.41 5.023 94 23.2 8.08
72 0.54 2.871 92 22.9 7.81
73 0.23 - 2.551 97 22.8 7.72
25 1.29 - 3.472 45 24.8 7.67
26 0.41 19.415 20 25.6 7.74
27 0.18 5.840 88 25.2 8.14
63 0.27 - 0.195 89 32.8 7.54
92 0.23 - 4.814 93 23.7 7.68
' Note: Chlorophyll-a samples not collected from wells.
37
r+PPENDl7{ 2. Summary or ihe~.vater reality parameters as measw~d at 45 sites at Ku&,c cn 24
June 2003. Twenty-tlu ee samples are fiom anchialine pools, S are from coastal mo1>itoring wells,
one from a higher elevation well, and 14 from the adjacent ocean. For ocean samples the
m1de19ined geometric means exceed the Kona coast Department of Health water quality standards
for surface samples (but see detailed discussion of noncompliance). All values are in ug/1 unless
otherwise indicated, ND =below detection limits.
Nitrate Ammonia Ortho
Site No. N N TDN P TDP Si DON DOP
Marine Samples
3 14.00 6.58 122.78 5.89 11.78 374.08 102.20 5.89
4 8.68 3.50 108.50 5.27 12.40 21196 96.32 7.13
5 14.70 4.06 t 12.00 5.27 12.71 296.80 93.24 7.44
6 4.48 1.96 106.26 5.58 12.09 145.04 99.82 6.51
14 235.20 8.96 364.56 10.23 20.77 2376.36 120.40 10.54
15 192.92 9.94 336.42 9.30 18.91 2173.D8 133.56 9.61
16 94.50 8.54 274.26 6.82 14.26 1199.52 171.22 7.44
17 7.98 1.82 209.86 4.34 12.71 198.52 200.06 8.37
1 B 176.26 20.30 338.80 7.75 16.74 2503.48 142.24 8.99
19 19.88 616 201.46 5.58 13.64 446.32 175.42 8.06
30 6.12 3.08 172.90 5.27 12.71 179.48 161.70 7.44
31 5.32 1.68 167.58 4.34 12.71 154.56 160.58 6.37
32 5.74 2.52 169.40 4.34 12.71 156.52 161.14 8.37
33 2.52 2.80 168.42 4.34 13.02 131.60 163.10 8.68
Geometric
Mean 18_61 4.44 186.83 5.79 13_87 399.95 137.45 7.97
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 1211.84 15.26 1919.26 70.99 272.18 26935.16 692.16 201.19
7 1611.26 26.32 2645.72 87.11 268.77 25452.56 1008.14 181.66
8 1002.40 24.22 1823.64 12.90 215.45 26251.40 797.02 203.36
9 3238.90 12.88 4086.74 104.78 285.51 28161.84 834.96 180.73
10 1697.36 19.04 2950.36 63.86 217.00 24590.44 1233.96 153.14
11 2993.76 1.26 3933.86 76.57 241.18 25326.00 938.84 164.61
12 2392.46 9.94 2781.94 50.22 208.94 24886.96 379.54 158.72
13 620.06 45.36 1068.76 1.86 157.17 23322.32 403.34 155.31
20 3357.34 10.22 18894.96 143.53 995.72 27826.96 15527 40 852.19
74 3120.32 ND 3925.04 76.88 243.35 24943.52 804.72 166.47
75 3163.16 3.78 3999.10 77.50 241.18 25728.36 832.16 163.68
80 2466.10 36.26 3001.74 63.24 237.15 24750.88 499.38 173.91
81 3144.40 24.36 4283.44 110.05 294.19 27933.92 1114.68 184.14
82 2926.14 16.80 3928.68 144.15 318.68 26760.72 985.74 174.53
83 2194.22 16.94 2686.04 97.96 279.93 27986.00 474.88 181.97
84 3429.58 9.10 4250.12 154.07 341.00 28966.28 811.44 186.93
85 2514.96 13.30 3474.66 126.48 310.93 27744.36 946.40 184.45
86 3245.48 11.20 4134.48 168.64 344.41 28088.48 677.80 175.77
87 3236.10 10.50 4212.74 177.32 354.33 27551.44 966.14 177.01
88 1468.18 33.32 2170.28 85.87 273.11 27504.12 668.78 187.24
89 2720.48 5.18 3717.42 154.38 332.01 27507.20 991.76 177.63
90 1936.20 13.86 2778.44 114 70 313.72 27704.60 828.38 199.02
91 969.22 9.38 1603.14 67.58 236.53 26482 40 624.54 168.95
3~
ANPENDI7~ 2. t'ontinued
Nitrate Ammonia Ortho
Site No- N N TllN P TDP Si DON DOP
Well Samples
25 2283.12 5.74 2726.78 103.65 263.19 27071.24 437.92 159.34
26 40.32 350.00 1157.38 144.46 334.80 23576.56 767.06 190.34
27 2786.70 5.46 3634.40 79.98 239.94 22914.08 842.24 159.96
70 3098.62 0.28 4380.74 77.81 574.12 24825.92 1281.84 496.31
71 3037.16 6.44 4492.04 80.60 577.22 25463.76 1448.44 496.62
72 5151.86 5.18 8526.00 129.27 314.34 23654.12 3368.96 185.07
73 3549.28 ND 4974.34 169.26 406.41 28746.20 1425.06 237.15
63 957.60 0.42 1862.56 20.46 72.85 2493.96 904.54 52.39
92 3513.8G ND 5444.32 103.85 307.52 27964.44 1930.46 203.67
Turbidity Salinity Oxygen Temp.
Site No. (NTU) ChI-a (°/oo) (°C) pH
Marine Samples
3 0.23 0.283 34.490 101 26.5 8.16
4 0.14 0.155 34.690 100 26.4 8.11
5 0.12 0.132 34.596 101 26.1 8.09
6 0.27 0.103 34.772 100 26.1 8.13
14 0.25 0.169 31.846 100 26.2 8.07
15 0.18 0149 32.389 100 26.9 8.05
16 0.21 0.157 33.549 101 26.8 7.98
17 014 0.103 34.717 100 26.2 8.13
18 0.52 0.498 31.850 100 28.0 7.88
19 0.38 0.238 34.435 101 26.1 8.15
30 0.17 0.089 34.726 101 26.5 8.10
31 0.14 0.088 34.754 101 26.3 8.10
32 0.15 0.097 34.743 100 26.1 8.11
33 0.08 0.085 34.793 101 26.1 8.11
Geometric
Means 0.19 0145 34.007 100 26.4 8.08
39
API'END7X 2. Continued-
Turbidity Salinity Oxygen Temp.
sste No. (NTV) c~1i-a ~°~oo) ~~ro~ ~°c> px
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 0.75 10.164 3.195 100 26.5 8.53
7 0.53 2.493 3.159 99 28.3 8.48
8 1.30 27.443 3.285 99 28.0 8.37
9 0.21 1.286 3.430 100 26.9 8.16
10 0.65 1.549 4.823 100 271 8.18
11 0.11 0.174 4.829 100 28.0 8.11
12 0.45 0.955 4.820 99 27 9 8.1 B
13 0.53 2.379 5.244 100 26.1 8.23
20 0.63 0.116 2.764 99 28.0 8.07
74 0.34 0.144 4.690 98 27.2 B.OS
75 0.29 0.681 4.715 99 27.3 8.04
80 0.75 4.210 4.747 95 27.6 8.17
81 0.24 1.063 3.311 98 26.1 B.O4
82 0.49 0.684 3.086 98 26.6 8.09
83 0.32 2.107 3.031 99 28.4 8.67
84 0.36 0.648 2.863 98 24.2 7.87
85 0.58 2.484 2.895 97 27.7 8.36
86 0.29 0.964 2.938 95 24.9 7.89
87 0.41 0.485 3.146 97 24.5 7.96
88 0.50 4.753 2.900 96 26.9 8.17
89 0.40 1.292 3.508 95 25.5 7.81
90 0.95 11.889 3.102 96 28.6 8.37
91 0.47 1.306 3.221 96 26.3 8.48
Well Samples
25 0.62 - 3.990 64 25.2 7.83
26 5.90 21.032 40 27.3 7.55
27 0.33 5.195 89 29.1 8.16
63 0.06 0.263 36.0 7.22
70 2.20 - 4.733 98 25.5 8.16
71 2.10 4.846 94 26.2 8.14
72 0 57 - 2.927 92 24.0 7.97
73 2.00 - 2.839 103 24.3 7.83
92 0.06 - 3.828 23 5 7.84
' Note: Chlorophyll-a samples net collected from wells.
40
APPENDI~Y 3. Summary of fhe water quality parameters as measured at 33 sites at Kukio or, 4
September 2003. Eleven samples are from anchialine pools, 7 are from coastal monitoring wells,
one from a higher elevation well, and 14 from the adjacent ocean. Tor ocean samples the
underlined geometric means exceed the Kona coast Department of Health water quality standards
for surface samples (but see detailed discussion of noncompliance). All values are in ug/I unless
otherwise indicated, ND -below detection limits.
Nitrate Ammonia Ortho
Site No N N TDN P TDP Si DON DOP
Marine Samples i
3 7.63 4.83 164.38 5.63 8.68 174.10 171.92 3.05
4 5.61 3.08 170.80 4.42 7.75 125.35 162.11 3.33
5 2.76 1.07 216.86 3.58 8.68 169.85 213.03 5.10
6 2.82 1.36 205.66 3.57 7.13 94.23 201.48 3.56
14 12.81 4.30 188.02 4.39 10.54 295.35 170.90 6.15
15 7.48 4.05 242.20 3.55 8.06 22220 230.67 4.51
16 14.16 2.65 213.64 4.37 10.23 271.37 196.84 5.86
17 5.52 1.85 240.94 3.76 9.92 103.11 233.57 6.16
1 B 98.63 - 15.45 329.56 6.38 13.33 1906.72 215.48 6.95
19 10.59 3.82 222.16 4.10 10.85 198.96 207.77 6.75
30 5.27 1.24 230.58 3.14 8.99 101.82 224.07 5.85
31 3.67 1.33 233.38 3.01 9.61 72.99 228.38 6.60
32 18.59 2.16 214.90 4.31 10.23 314.19 194.15 5.92
33 3.79 1.10 186.06 2.99 8.68 78.65 181.1 B 5.69
Geometric
Mean 7.88 2.52 217.16 3.99 9.36 182.27 200.92 5.23
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 1031.38 32.90 2647.68 93.93 244.59 26874.40 1563.40 150.66
7 2427.46 32.76 3558.94 124.00 249.86 28292.04 1098.72 125.86
8 2200.38 51.24 3546.34 133.30 262.57 26614.84 1294.72 129.27
9 2544.36 54.18 3374.84 45.57 248.62 28134.68 776.30 203.05
10 2371.18 33.88 3542.00 56.11 189.10 24733.24 1136.94 132.99
11 3595.90 13.72 4653.88 99.20 213.59 26381.32 1044.26 114.39
12 2366.28 26.04 3596.18 53.94 178.25 23498.16 1203.86 124.31
13 808.22 33.46 2174.76 3.72 134.85 23241.68 1333.08 131.13
20 3488.38 5.46 4473.84 149.42 272.80 28436.24 980.00 123.38
74 3012.80 5.60 4632.60 93.31 211.11 22243.48 1614.20 117.80
75 3416.70 3.92 4452.70 124.31 229.09 27429.08 1032.08 104.78
Well Samples
25 1999.34 5.74 2654.26 77.81 224.44 27745.20 649.18 146.63
26 21.42 639.66 1166.06 138.88 294.81 30650.76 504.98 155.93
27 2654.68 3.64 3394.30 85.87 201.19 23052.12 735.98 115.32
63 1793.68 ND 2583.14 418.81 1486.76 12326.72 789.46 1067.95
70 3441.48 ND 4125.66 109.43 230.95 23460.92 684.18 121.52
71 3595.62 ND 4213.44 122.14 232.81 25701.48 617.82 110 67
72 6259.54 ND 6671.42 123.38 247.69 26591.32 411.88 124.31
73 3731.70 ND 4296.88 252.03 365 80 24886.68 565.18 113 77
41
AYYENDIX 3. Continued-
Turbidity Salinity Oxygen Temp.
Site Na. ~-rU) ct~-a (°/oo) (°C) px
Marine Samples
3 0.31 0 328 34.708 101 27.4 8.07
4 0.15 0.165 34.750 101 27.3 8.08
5 0.09 0.103 34.810 100 27.3 8.09
6 0.12 0136 34.808 99 27.1 8.10
14 0.59 0.201 34.537 98 27.6 8.00
15 0.23 0.190 34,591 100 27.4 8.04
16 0.14 0.163 34.574 - 100 27.3 8.04
17 0.09 0.131 34.799 99 27.2 8.10
18 0.31 0 332 32.705 101 28.0 8.03
19 0.15 0.176 34.683 100 27.4 8.08
30 0.07 0.102 34.788 101 27.3 8.01
31 0.08 0.097 34.763 100 27.3 8.11
32 0.15 0.123 34.529 101 27.4 8.10
33 0.07 0.106 34.812 99 27.4 8.13
Geometric
Means 0.15 0.155 34.541 100 27.4 8.07
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 0.77 7.694 3.827 100 27.9 8.21
7 0.43 2.989 3.228 98 27.7 8.34
8 0.31 2.536 3.611 101 28.1 8.17
9 0.73 58.801 3.364 100 26.7 8.07
10 0.44 3.484 4.134 99 28.0 8.33
11 0.16 0.261 3.901 100 27.6 8.29
12 0.35 1.791 4.417 101 27.8 8.32
13 0.27 6.689 4.809 100 28.3 8.37
20 0.30 0.166 2.839 99 23.9 8.01
74 0.13 0.047 3.837 90 28.6 8.16
75 0.17 0.055 2.901 87 29.0 8.23
Well Samples
25 0.23 - 3.744 12 25.9 8.07
26 4.10 - 6.724 2 27.9 7.58
27 0.20 - 5.401 85 27.4 8.28
63 0.04 - 1.502 39 41.5 7.44
70 0.33 - 4.228 85 24.6 8.21
71 0.23 3.913 76 24.3 7.99
72 0.20 - 3.266 91 23.8 7.95
73 0.23 - 2.296 88 25.5 7.78
' Note: Chlorophyll-a samples not collected from wells.
42
APYIsNllLX 4. Summary of~the wales quality parameters as measured at 34 sites at Kukio on 5
Nuvember 2003. Eleven samples are from anchialine pools, 8 are from coastal monita~ing wells,
one from a higher elevation well, and l4 from the adjacent ocean. For ocean samples the
underlined geometric means exceed the Kona coast Department of Health water quality standards
for surface samples (but see detailed discussion of noncompliance). All values are in ug/1 unless
otherwise indicated, ND =below detection limits.
Nitrate Arnmonia Ortho
Site No. N N TDN P TDP Si DON DOP
Marine Samples -
3 16.80 12.18 184.24 8.37 17.36 647.08 155.26 8.99
4 15.68 4.20 161.56 7.13 13.95 472.64 141.68 6.82
5 13.72 3.50 109.06 6.20 12.40 393.68 91.84 6.20
6 5.46 2.66 102.90 5.89 11.78 149.80 94.78 5.89
14 171.78 11.62 275.66 10.85 22.63 2088.80 92.26 11.78
15 95.06 9.66 224.28 8.06 16.74 1330.56 119.56 8.68
16 31.92 5.32 136.78 5.89 12.71 577.36 99.54 6.82
17 5.18 7.56 137.20 4.96 11.78 127.68 124.46 6.82
18 199.22 19.16 369.32 10.54 24.80 2764.44 150.92 14.26
19 14.28 6.16 132.58 6.20 13.64 553.56 112.14 7.44
30 4.76 3.78 105.84 4.65 10.54 129.64 97.30 5.89
31 3.64 1.12 137.20 4.34 11.16 110.60 132.44 6.82
32 10.22 1.54 182.98 4.03 11.16 90.72 171.22 7.13
33 4.06 0.70 120.12 4.34 10.23 94.36 115.36 5.89
Geometric
Mean 16_48 4.44 158.03 6.22 13_80 363.16 118.89 7.54
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 1102.24 58.74 1853.04 109.95 266.29 26718.38 692.06 156.34
7 981.32 111.66 1822.10 94.12 260.71 26897.88 729.12 166.59
8 1503.14 94.83 2225.44 136.64 278.07 27772.03 627.47 141.43
9 3058.26 33.29 4019.26 133.63 306.28 29179.36 927.71 172.65
10 3162.65 18.49 4058.04 108.63 271.56 27054.16 876.89 162.93
11 3370.86 13.89 4130.42 112.80 263.19 26005.84 745.68 150.39
12 1774.22 40.89 2025.38 45.06 171.12 22814.40 210.27 126.06
13 537.20 50.70 958.86 5.30 138.26 22588.16 370.96 132.96
20 3499.30 30.94 4204.20 145.17 300.08 29261.96 673.96 154.91
74 3512.27 11.15 3876.04 101.47 240.87 27197.52 352.62 139.40
75 3140.25 24.23 4445.84 145.63 285 51 24512.32 1281.36 139.88
Well Samples
25 1592.55 21.91 2220.96 137.17 285.51 28547.40 606.50 148.34
26 9.62 685.86 1455.72 131.34 312.48 32711.84 760.24 181.14
27 2620,79 13.72 3325.28 169.57 273.11 21568.56 690.77 103.54
63 469.68 1.33 3594.22 471.43 1666.87 12995.64 3123.211195.44
70 2991.70 9.59 4165.42 127.64 260.71 23966.66 1164.22 133.07
71 2605.21 10.06 3786.72 106.57 243.35 21669.08 1171.45 136.78
72 6637 97 11.16 7271.32 115.85 278.07 27212.00 622.19 162.22
73 4033.58 1.90 4900.98 269.39 404.86 25517.53 865.50 135.47
92 3237.22 7.59 3912.72 100.37 265 98 25460 09 667.91 165 61
~3
Turbidity Salinity Oxygen Temp.
site No. ~rrTU) ebi-a ~°~oo) ~°io) (°e~ pH
Marine Samples
3 0.75 0.472 35.108 101 28.0 8.12
4 0.40 0.169 34.178 101 27.8 8.07
5 G.28 0.144 34.374 100 27.9 8.09
6 0.39 0.534 34.479 100 27.9 8.10
14 0.45 0.251 34.745 100 27.6 8.08
15 0.29 0.166 32.632 100 27.6 8.09
16 0.17 0.147 33.515 99 28.0 8.11
17 0.19 0.205 34.301 100 28.2 8.07
18 0.46 0.541 34.819 99 28.0 7.83
19 0.37 0.335 31.991 101 27.4 7.84
30 0.12 0.133 34.338 101 29.2 8.12
31 0.13 0.132 34.783 100 28.7 8.13
32 0.25 0.151 34.793 101 29.0 8.13
33 0.20 0.153 34.780 101 28.4 8.14
Geometric
Means 0.28 0.219 34.191 100 28.1 8.07
Anchialine Pool Samples
2 0.80 4.383 4.148 97 27.0 8.28
7 0.81 6.547 3.716 96 26.5 8.21
8 0.67 3.095 3.458 97 26.3 8.15
9 0.33 0.354 3.576 99 25.7 7.94
10 0.26 0.578 4.264 99 26.8 8.06
11 0.10 0.133 4.203 100 26.6 8.22
12 0.56 6.079 5.101 100 27.7 8.29
13 0.50 9.306 6.257 99 28.1 8.24
20 0.17 0.113 2.893 100 23.6 7.94
74 0.10 0.021 3.986 96 27.3 8.08
75 0.16 0.048 4.487 95 27.3 8.15
Well Samples
25 0.84 - 4.136 69 25.8 7.45
26 0.68 8.503 33 28.3 7.45
27 0.18 - 5.941 85 281 8.16
63 0.16 - 0.425 42.0 7.21
70 0.35 - 5.605 87 24.7 8.07
71 0.25 8.324 85 24.8 8.05
72 0.34 3.518 83 23.4 7 81
73 0.22 - 2.237 88 24.8 7.77
92 4.607 23.2 7 77
'Note: Chlorophyll-a samples not collected from wells
44
APPENDIX 5. Changes in nutrient concentration over a six hour period of natural evaporation
from tluee trays (A, B and C) established at Kukio on 0900 hours, 4 September 20103. Also
sampled was the pond water used to fill the trays as well as serve as a temperature bath for these
trays. See text for details on the experimental design. All values are in ug/] unless otherwise
indicated.
Tray Time Nitrate Anvnonia Ortho
No. (hrs) N N TDN P 'IMP Si
A 0900 2683.10 ~ 36.40 3930.08 65.41 193.13 28582.40
1200 2838.92 50.40 3516.10 57.35 209.87 29191.96
1500 2806.58 21.00 3444.70 58.28 223.51 27115.76
B 0900 2680.30 52.36 3424.26 62.62 218.55 28503.72
1200 2734.62 19.18 3465.84 62.93 212.97 26662.72
1500 2891.96 6.86 3536.54 59.21 220.41 27853.00
C 0900 2721.04 57.12 3453.38 61.69 211.11 28579.04
1200 2907.24 15.12 3541.02 64.48 217.31 27803.44
1500 3034.78 10.36 3712.10 60.76 226.61 29203.44
Pond 0900 2683.10 36.40 3930.08 65.41 193.13 28582.40
1200 2705.36 24.64 3448.90 72.54 229.09 26001.08
1500 2547.86 16.76 3369.24 56.11 223.51 25142.88
Tray Time Salinity Temp.
No. (hrs) Chl-a (°/oo) (°C) pH
A 0900 1.654 3.995 ~ ~ 24.4 8.18
1200 1.478 33.2 8.23
1500 3.281 4.198 32.6 8.34
B 0900 0.802 3.998 24.4 8.1 B
1200 1.450 4.101 33.1 8.25
1500 2.274 4.216 32.3 8.32
C 0900 1.413 3.996 24.4 8.18
1200 1.758 4.232 36.5 8.30
1500 3.627 4.460 34.0 8.39
Pond 0900 1.654 3.995 24.4 8.18
1200 0.902 4.191 28.4 8.21
1500 2.810 4.447 29.8 8.37
45