After months of planning and preparation, the Citizen Science Project at Kahalu‘u Bay is successfully underway! With generous support from Kona Labs Analytical, the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, and the Environmental Protection Agency, Citizen Scientists are now collecting water samples twice weekly to monitor chemical and biotic parameters in the water and to expand on testing already done by the Department of Health.

The first training sessions were held on Tuesday, October 14th and Thursday, October 16th with Kahalu‘u Bay ReefTeach volunteers. Dr. Richard DeVerse of Kona Labs demonstrated proper sample collection and documentation. ReefTeachers then had the opportunity to practice sampling in each of the sample locations.  Over the last two weeks, student ReefTeachers from West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA) and The Foundation School at University of the Nations have joined the effort to become Citizen Scientists.

Participants collect samples on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at three predetermined sites in the bay. Citizen Scientists are responsible for collecting water samples using proper sampling protocol learned during training. Once collected, water samples are labeled and observations about water clarity, tide level, and weather conditions are annotated. Samples are then transported to Kona Analytical Labs for analysis; samples are not only tested for traditional water quality parameters but are also screened for washing detergent fluorophores and human pharmaceuticals.

We are hopeful this nearshore water quality monitoring will help determine the effects of the surrounding coastal development on the water in Kahalu‘u Bay, including the effects of surface run-off and subsurface flow of pollutants into the shallow bay ecosystem. Over time, this data could also help to identify fluctuations and trends in water quality that may be associated with human activities.

This community-based environmental monitoring is a great opportunity for participants of all ages to learn how to properly collect water samples and, more importantly, understand the lab results and their implications. If you would like to become a Citizen Scientist or would like to learn more about this project, contact Cindi Punihaole at cpunihaole@kohalacenter.org, or contact Caroline Neary at cneary@kohalacenter.org.