Oahu Watershed Management Plan

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) has begun the development of the district-wide watershed management plans. These plans will be used to meet the requirements of preparing a county water use and development plan under the State of Hawaii Water Code and City and County of Honolulu ordinance.

The State Commission on Water Resources Management (Commission) oversees the development of the County water plans under the State Water Code. Learn more about the Hawaii Water Plan.

In keeping with the mission of "Water for Life - Ka Wai Ola" , the BWS will develop watershed management plans for each of Oahu's eight planning districts through a planning process that will emphasize:

  • Community participation and consultation
  • Holistic management of watershed resource
  • Alignment with important State and City policies and programs
  • An action orientation: Implementation of important watershed management programs
  • Ahupuaa management principles
oahu development plan areas

Goal

The overall goal of these plans is to provide short-, mid-, and long-range guidance for the sustainable management and use of Oahu's valuable and finite surface and ground water resources in meeting demands consistent with City land use plans.

Objectives

  1. Promote sustainable watersheds
  2. Protect and enhance water quality and quantity
  3. Protect Native Hawaiian rights and traditional customary practices
  4. Facilitate public participation, education, and project implementation
  5. Meet future water demands at reasonable costs

The preliminary schedule for development of the eight watershed management plans is: