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For Immediate Release
October 13, 2023

Honolulu Board of Water Supply and More than 15 Other Government and Nonprofit Organizations Bring Attention to the Value of Water at “Imagine A Day Without Water” Family Event at Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area

HONOLULU — Lush Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area will form the backdrop of the Board of Water Supply’s “Imagine a Day Without Water” family event on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be a day filled with fun educational activities that focus on the value of water for those of all ages. Admission is free.

The park is located at 380 Walker Avenue, which is next to Wahiawā Reservoir, popularly known as Lake Wilson. In Hawaiian, Wahiawā means a “place of noise,” but those who attend the event will find the serene location quiet and calming. Smack dab in the middle of Oʻahu, the park is hidden from main roads and has remained one of the island’s environmental treasures, known for outdoor recreation, such as fishing and picnicking.

“It’s worth the drive from town to experience this unique place,” said Ernest Lau, Manager and Chief Engineer, with the Board of Water Supply. “We’re excited to be partnering with more than 15 state and county agencies and community organizations to raise awareness about water security, now and for future generations.”

Those partnering with the Board of Water Supply for this event include the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services, Department of Facility Maintenance, Honolulu Fire Department, and Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency; Hawai‘i Island Department of Water Supply; the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Commission on Water Resource Management, Division of Aquatic Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Division of State Parks; Honolulu Moanalua Lions Club; Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee; Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership and Waiʻanae Mountains Watershed Partnership; American Water Works Association; Hawai‘i Water Environment Association; Sierra Club of Hawai‘i; Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi; Eco Rotary of Kaka‘ako; and Genki Ala Wai Project.

“Whether it’s potable water from the tap, recycled water, stormwater, wastewater, it’s all one water,” Lau said. “We’ll show how all water is connected, why it’s important to understand the value of all water, and how we can all do our part to conserve fresh drinking water.”

The Honolulu Fire Department will also be there to provide practical tips about how to help protect homes and communities from wildfires as the effects of climate change increase.

There will be an array of activities and exhibits at the Imagine a Day Without Water event, including workshops on rain barrel catchment systems for residential properties; a xeriscape plant craft activity; the chance to fish in Lake Wilson with the purchase of an annual freshwater fishing license; an opportunity to create Genki balls to help remove pollutants from soil and water; and many other fun games with prizes. Ronnie’s Food Truck will be onsite for families to enjoy a picnic at the park.

For more information about the Imagine a Day Without Water event, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com/onewaterhawaii.com.

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Contact:

Kathleen Pahinui 
Information Officer 
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Phone: (808) 748-5319