"Getting to Know" Ahuimanu Stream

On Saturday, February 19, 2005, community members joined KBAC and Kaipo Faris, the stream expert, in getting aquainted with Ahuimanu Stream. The Streamwalk started on Hui Kelu Street, above the water pumps. The groups followed a trail in the midst of ancient loi terracing to a beauitiful rock wall and pool. Here, Kaipo told us about the life and travels of the native o'opu and hihiwai.

O'opu There are three species of o'opu that can climb this steep rock wall. The only requirement is that it must be wet. Using their pectoral fins for suction, they shimmy their way up, to the cool waters they love best.

We learned how Ahuimanu Stream (which means bunches of birds) used to be called Ahulumanu, which means brown water, probably so named from the loi patches.

Next, we went to the conlfuence where Ahuimanu, Waiola, and Kahalu'u Streams meet. Here we learned how concrete channelization effects stream life and can inhibit the progression of the o'opu and the hihiwai up the stream. As expected, water temperatures were much higher here. We discussed alternatives to channelization and different ways of retrofitting them. Some ideas include building islands and planting trees where possible to provide shade and thereby cooling the water. Channels can also be retrofitted to be a 'low flow' channel.

We ended the streamwalk with some refreshreshments and a discussion about what we could do to improve water quality. Some ideas were to be a voice of opposition whenever stream channelaztion is proposed. We also talked about picking up litter when hiking and keeping our cars in good maintenance. And with that, we drove away in our cars from another successful streamwalk.

If you think these walks sound interesting or look like fun, why not sign up for the next one?