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DaviD
Professor Adam
Marine Biology
27 September 2023

Abstract:
A local solution to combat ocean acidification is to prevent runoff water from
contaminating the shoreline. In Kihei precisely, seasonal floods wash tons of water into the
ocean, bringing animal waste, carcasses, and other hazardous materials along. Preventing the
floodwaters from going into the sea and destroying property is vital. One of the ways to mitigate
runoff water is through water diversion systems.

Ocean Acidification:

Ocean acidification is the decrease in the ocean’s pH due to human-caused factors such as
increased carbon dioxide levels in the sea. Ocean acidification is especially harmful to
ecosystems like Hawaii because the ecosystem is subject to other stresses and because of the
amount of endemic species in the islands. Decreases in the ocean’s pH will cause most organisms
that use calcium carbonate to struggle to survive, and it may lead to the extinction of many
species.

Problems Caused by Runoff:

Runoff freshwater brings many problems for shoreline ecosystems. It can carry dirt,
animal feces, and other debris. Murky waters can last weeks and foster dangerous conditions for
humans and marine life. This excess of nutrients causes algal blooms, where algae reproduce
excessively. This explosion can kill corals and phytoplankton, which are vital to moderate carbon
dioxide and ocean pH levels. Algal blooms in themselves are a contributor to ocean acidification.
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An article by NOAA states, “The decay of these coastal blooms promotes bacterial respiration
resulting in increased CO2…” (Sommer, 2023). In other words, runoff directly and indirectly
impacts ocean acidification through algal blooms, fueling a cycle that is even more harmful than
runoff.

Water Diversion Systems:

The first proposal of this project is to build water diversion systems. Much of the water
that comes into North Kihei comes from the Kulanihakoi and Waipuilani gulches. Water is
funneled in significant amounts through these gulches and has consistently destroyed property.
Water diversion systems aim to reduce the amount of water flowing through the gulches and
make it available for use. An example is a rampart, A curved concrete wall that bisects the gulch.
This water would be channeled into a holding pool, where debris could settle to the bottom and
the water pumped out for use. Each gulch will require multiple ramparts to ensure a progressive
decrease in flood water.
Regarding South Kihei and Wailea, where there are no gulches, the best water diversion
method may be implementing flood walls. Flood walls are meant to spread out flood water to
reduce its effects. If flood walls were to be constructed, there would need to be a primary
floodwall for Maui Meadows, which would deflect most of the water. Secondary walls would be
required near Piilani highway to keep water from continuing further downwards while allowing
it to dissipate.

Conclusion:

Flood runoff is a sizable local contributor to ocean acidification, but there are ways to
combat it. Algae blooms are especially harmful to our coastal ecosystems and fuel ocean
acidification. Water diversion systems can help us protect people, property, and the planet by
spreading flood waters.
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Works Cited

JOHNSON, A., & HARRISON, M. (2018, April 29). The increasing problem of nutrient
runoff on the Coast. American Scientist.
https://www.americanscientist.org/article/the-increasing-problem-of-nutrient-runoff-on-th
e-coast#:~:text=Degraded%20water%20quality%20is%20the,for%20humans%20and%2
0other%20organisms.
Brief flood mitigation. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2019, September 10).
https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/flood-mitigation#:~:text=Forms
%20of%20Flood%20Mitigation&text=They%20include%20floodwalls%2Fseawalls
%2C%20floodgates,%2C%20subdivision%2C%20and%20building%20codes.
US Department of Commerce, N. O. and A. A. (2012, August 1). What is ocean acidification?.
NOAA’s National Ocean Service.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html#:~:text=Ocean%20acidification%2
0refers%20to%20a,CO2)%20from%20the%20atmosphere.
How nature can help prevent flooding. The Wildlife Trusts. (n.d.).
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/nature-can-help-prevent-flooding#:~:text=Traditional%20f
lood%20defences%20like%20flood,flow%20out%20into%20the%20floodplain.
Topographical Map of Maui. topographic-map.com. (n.d.).
https://en-us.topographic-map.com/map-l5s34s/Maui/?center=20.68924%2C-156.42604
&zoom=16&popup=20.70628%2C-156.42846
Sommer, L. (2023, August 29). Another struggle after the Maui fires: Keeping toxic runoff out of
the Ocean. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2023/08/29/1196424210/maui-fires-lahaina-runoff-ocean-coral-reefs
#:~:text=%22The%20runoff%20from%20these%20fires,to%20protect%20the%20coastal
%20communities.%22&text=Claire%20Harbage%2FNPR-,Long%20tubes%20of%
20organic%20matter%20are%20being%20installed%20around%20storm,the%20runoff
%20in%20burned%20areas.