Kailua Bay Advisory Council

In July 2000, a Community Needs Assessment Survey was mailed to a general KBAC mailing list of 230 individuals, organizations and agencies. Respondents were asked to respond to the survey by August 1^st, 2000, and informed that once the responses were tabulated that community round table sessions would be scheduled.

The purpose and intent of the survey was to

· Update the VWQMP mailing list

· Determine community awareness, need and interest in GIS/GPS technology and training,

· Better understand and identify the needs of the community were in order to address the following program goals and objectives:

o Develop and deliver training/community outreach materials tailored to Ko’olaupoko

Coordinate with networks of volunteer organizations
Find New Avenues for community volunteerism

o Participate in community outreach /public education efforts

The mailing list used was a general KBAC mailing list compiled by the previous coordinator. The list was distributed to the Council prior to the July mailing for review and editing as needed. No recommendations and or changes to the mailing list were submitted prior to the mailing.

Survey Responses

Of the surveys mailed, only twenty (20) responses were returned. Fifteen surveys packets were returned as undeliverable, and in all but one of those cases, follow-up efforts determined that the addressees were either no longer at that address and had no forwarding contact information or were no longer in the islands or associated with the group or agency.

While the survey was initially designed to measure community awareness and need related to use and interest in GIS mapping and data technology, the survey also tried to identify other needs that might be serviced by the Program. An initial result of the survey helped to determine that the previous perception that GISGPS technology was an important or critical need and or desire in the community might have been overestimated and the need for education, training, organizational support and funding were of a higher interest and priority to those who responded.

Action Taken

Water Quality Assessment Project/LaMotte Smart Spectro

Based on the survey results and contractor’s earlier findings, it was proposed that the KBAC sponsor a water quality assessment project in Ko’olaupoko utilizing the support of paid student interns under the direction of select professors and science staff from interested windward universities and colleges. The effort to established memorandums of understanding with these institutions is on going. Additionally, a LaMotte Smart Spectro and several pocket testers were purchased to assist with the water sampling analysis and for training of volunteers. At the moment, the monitoring equipment is on loan to Lanikai Elementary who is completing a water quality assessment of eight sites in Kawai Nui Marsh and Maunawili Valley.

Building Community Partnerships & Trust

The survey responses also resulted in the contractor phoning and meeting with individuals and community groups that had not responded directly to the survey. This follow-up effort revealed that there was a lack of trust among community groups and individuals towards the KBAC. Consequently, the contractor focused much of his effort rebuilding and nurturing relationships and potential partnerships in preparation for future volunteer training, monitoring, and collaborations. Community groups and organizations with whom the contractor met include, but are not limited to the following:

Youth for Environmental Services, Lanikai Elementary & LET Academy, HUI KALO (Taro Farmer's Association), He'e'ia Ahupua'a Restoration Council, Ahupua'a Action Alliance, Taro Center (Windward Community College), Kawainui Heritage Foundation, DLNR, Re: Kawainui Marsh Master Plan, Windward Oahu Soil & Water Conservation, KEY Project, Lisa Ferentinos, Waimanalo Heath Center; Sonya Evenson, Hui Malama O Ke Kai; Kaneohe/Kahalu’u Vision Community, Kaneohe Rotary; Aha Hui Malama I Ka Lokahi; Enchanted Lakes Elementary School, State OEQC & DLNR CWRM, National Resource Conservation Service, USGS NAWQA, State Water Commission, Hawaii Stream Bioassessment Working Group and Malama Hawaii.

Identifying & Developing Educational/Training Resources and Curriculum

In the interest of identifying and developing educational and training resources and curriculum the contractor also participated in and supported field trials and stream surveys in conjunction with the Terrell Kelly of USDA National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Stream Visual Assessment Protocol; Dr. Anne Brasher of USGS HINAQWA Stream Bioassessment Survey, Carl Everson, of the CTAHR/UH Manoa, Dr. Chuck Burrows of Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation and Elementary School instructors at both Lanikai Elementary and Enchanted Lakes Elementary Schools. These efforts have laid the foundation for the development of educational/curriculum models and training protocols for K-12 and volunteer monitor use.

Community Round Table Discussions

The Council decided to postpone community round table discussions until it had satisfactorily addressed issues and concerns related to organizational structure, the strategic and master plan. It was observed by the Council that until these items of business were complete and it had something to offer the community, round table discussions were premature.

Recommendation

While follow-up efforts to update, confirm and verify contact information for non-respondents is on-going pursuant to the Contract Addendum, it is recommended that rather than attempting to complete the survey at this time, that further survey efforts be held-off until the future of the program has been determined and a new coordinator retained. The rationale supporting this recommendation is based on the idea that this survey was designed to assist the current Coordinator in determining the community’s level of interest and awareness regarding GPS/GIS technologies and training, as well as to design a work plan for the previous year. Current discussions suggest that if the program is funded and a new coordinator retained, that the direction and priority of the program will differ from that of the past requiring different, more appropriate survey questions.

Exhibit A: Cover Letter:

Kailua Bay Advisory Council

^{Empower
Community for Improved Water Quality in Ko'olaupoko}

Aloha:

On behalf of the Kailua Bay Advisory Council's Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program, thank you for taking a moment to assist us in updating our mailing list and completing the attached survey.

The mission of the Kailua Bay Advisory Council is to Empower Community for Improved Water Quality in Ko'olaupoko. To facilitate KBAC in achieving its mission, the KBAC Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program has two major goals:

1) Coordinate and encourage measures that can be implemented to engage volunteers in community activities to keep streams and waters clean, and

2) Develop public education programs for pollution prevention.

By completing and returning the enclosed needs assessment survey, you will assist us in our efforts to better achieve these goals and assist others in the community who share the same concerns and interests in improving water quality in Ko'olaupoko. Please complete, fold and mail the survey back to us via the address provided by August 1^st, 2000. Once the surveys have been received and processed, a series of round table discussions will be conducted to further clarify community needs and to identify potential strategies and partnership opportunities for those interested in doing so.

Thank you again for your anticipated cooperation and assistance in this effort to better understand and acknowledge the work that is being done in Ko'olaupoko to improve water quality. Please feel free to contact me at 366-7320 if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Ramsay Taum

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program

Enclosure: Self Addressed Survey

Exhibit B: Sample Survey


1. Contact Name			2. Contact Title/Position

3. Organization/Agency/Company Name			4. Mailing Address

4. City		5. State		6. Zip Code

7. Telephone Number	8. Fax Number		9. E-Mail Address		10. URL/Web Page Address
11. What is the Purpose or Mission of your organization?
12. Please identify the target group or community you serve.
13. Do you provide special products or services to the community? Please explain.
14. Do you rely on support from volunteers? (Circle) YES NO
15. Please select an area(s) in which your organization could use the greatest support? Administration Community Relations Organization Development Fundraising Project Coordination Data Management Grant Proposals/RFP’s Water Quality Monitoring Training Other:________________________________
16. Do you currently incorporate GIS or GPS technology in your effort? YES NO
17. If funding, training and the technology were made available, would you consider incorporating GIS/GPS technology in your effort? YES NO If no, please explain: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
18. Does your organization conduct or participate in any water quality monitoring in Ko’olaupoko? YES NO If yes, please take a moment to identify the kind of monitoring, activities or parameters for which you are sampling for. Macro-invertebrates Physical Monitoring Stream Restoration Beach Clean-ups Chemical Sampling Turbidity Clarity GPS/GIS Mapping Temperature Other:_______________________________.
19. What is the most important water quality issue to your organization, and is there a way that KBAC might facilitate or partner with your organization to address that issue?
20. Have you produced a special report, or study on water quality? YES NO
21. If yes, please name the report(s)/study(ies).
22. How can the public access the information? Public Libraries Direct Mail Internet Other _____________________________________________
23. Do you wish to remain on our mailing list? YES NO

Kailua Bay Advisory Council

Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program

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