The watershed empties into the Ala Wai canal, which collects runoff water, pollutants, and microbes. Through the narrow canal opening, these constituents are dispersed into the coastal ocean between the Ala Moana beach park and Waikiki. Using an existing 3D hydrodynamic model, we have developed a microbial model to understand the ecology of pathogen microbes in the Ala Wai (including Vibrio vulnificus, Clostridium, and Enterococcus). Models serve to provide context and predictions for the observations in this program. This will be an integral component of the student-led observation effort by allowing students to integrate their observations with forecasts. The forecasts will be integrated into the PacIOOS framework such that the students will be helping to provide an important tool for stakeholders on the island.
A student-led water quality observation and sampling network at the University of Hawaii