Hawaii, an idyllic paradise known for its lush landscapes and pristine beaches, is teetering on the brink of a water crisis. The third-largest of Hawaii's six major islands, Oahu, is grappling with a triple threat to its sole freshwater source, a situation that could spell disaster if not addressed promptly.
The island, despite being surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, relies heavily on an underground aquifer for its freshwater supply. This aquifer, replenished by a natural process that takes approximately 25 years for a single drop of water to travel from the sky to the underground reserve, is under threat.
Recent years have seen a decrease in rainfall, leading to significant droughts, and repeated jet fuel leaks and PFAS chemical spills have contaminated water systems. This has severely limited the availability of water for locals, many of whom argue that the burgeoning tourism industry is exacerbating the situation.
"We are in a water crisis, that has to be made very clear," Wayne Tanaka, director of Sierra Club of Hawai’i, told CBS News. He warned that if the reasons for this crisis aren’t soon addressed, "We may come to a point where we have to decide … who gets water and who doesn’t."
The entire island of Oahu is currently considered "abnormally dry," according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. While desalination of ocean water could be a potential solution, it is not the preferred method due to its high energy consumption, which contradicts Hawaii's goal of reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Climate change is also playing a significant role in this crisis. As global temperatures continue to rise, Hawaii is experiencing longer dry spells, particularly since the 1980s, according to state climatologist Pao-Shin Chu.
The crisis is already having a tangible impact on the island's residents. Anthony Deluze, a farmer on Oahu, has seen a significant drop in the water table over the past five years, reducing the available freshwater and making it increasingly difficult to maintain his crops.
In addition to the scarcity of water, the quality of the available water is also a concern. Contamination from jet fuel leaks and chemical spills has further limited the availability of clean water.
The situation is dire, and as Healani Sonoda-Pale, a member of advocacy group O’ahu Water Protectors, puts it, "We are on the verge of a greater catastrophe."
Meanwhile, on the mainland, Los Angeles County is considering a Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment (SCEA) for a proposed development project on Wilshire Boulevard. The project aims to construct a mixed-use residential and commercial building with 81 dwelling units, retail space, and restaurant space. The proposal also includes measures for environmental mitigation and monitoring.
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