A Kapoho Vacationland resident concerned about environmental damage to small ponds within the private subdivision on Hawaii island after Tropical Storm Iselle is seeking assistance from the government to help clear away debris and possible chemicals.
A tidal surge from Iselle pushed debris into small ponds, known as anchialine ponds, within the Pahoa subdivision.
Chris Biltoft said at a recent community meeting, representatives from the county and state Department of Land and Natural Resources told residents that debris cleanup is the homeowners’ responsibility because the ponds are within private property.
Biltoft said the community has been doing what it can to clear debris from the ponds but needs help from experts, especially with possible hazardous fluids.
"We can do so much, but we need professional assistance with the cleanup of the anchialine ponds," he said.
Biltoft, 68, who has lived at Kapoho Vacationland for about four years, said the ponds could possibly be contaminated by chemicals from debris that include paint, weed killer and building materials pushed into the ponds by the storm surge from wrecked storage sheds. Damaged septic systems and an overturned Jeep stuck in one of the ponds add to his concern of possible leaching of fluid into the ponds.
"Something has to happen. The sooner the better. The longer it sits there, the worse it gets," he said.
Another community meeting is scheduled for Monday.
HOW TO GIVE AND RECEIVE HELP
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said the best way to help with Tropical Storm Iselle recovery efforts is through cash donations for those affected.
RECOMMENDED ORGANIZATIONS
» American Red Cross (Hawaii Chapter): 734-2101; www.redcross.org/hi/honolulu/
» Hawaii State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, Hurricane Iselle Long-Term Relief and Recovery Fund: Donations may be dropped off at any American Savings Bank; hivoad.communityos.org/cms/contact_hi.
» The Aloha United Way said it is supporting recovery efforts through an online giving site portal at auw.org. In addition to the collection of funds by Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Foodbank and Helping Hands Hawaii will be collecting food, water, clothing and toiletries. Food and water can be donated directly to the Hawaii Foodbank. Clothing and toiletries can be donated directly to Helping Hands Hawaii. Individuals and organizations that would like to work with Aloha United Way in this effort can visit auw.org and click on the "Big Island Recovery Effort" link on the home page, which will immediately direct them to an easy and secure way to make a donation.
» First Hawaiian Bank has established an Aloha for Puna fund to assist Hawaii island residents in the Puna region with relief and recovery efforts after Iselle. The bank has contributed the first $25,000 to the fund. Monetary donations are being accepted at all First Hawaiian Bank branches through Sept. 30. All contributions to the fund will be donated to the Hawaii Island United Way, directly benefiting affected residents through their member agencies in Puna. In addition to the monetary donation, First Hawaiian Bank customers affected by the storm are encouraged to call 643-5626 for assistance with loans and credit card payments.
RECOVERY CENTER
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the County of Hawaii have set up a Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center to help people whose property was damaged by Tropical Storm Iselle.
The center will be open at Mountain View Gym, 18 1345 A Volcano Road, Volcano, on Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, the county property tax office, and other state and county agencies will be on hand to help. For more information, contact the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency at 733-4300 or askcivildefense@scd.hawaii.gov.
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DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward said the cleanup is the homeowners’ responsibility, not the state’s. Residents have been advised to contact companies for assistance or the Department of Health, which will step in if there is an imminent health threat.
State health spokeswoman Janice Okubo said the Health Department has not received a request from the Hawaii County Civil Defense to provide assistance to the area. All response and relief efforts are being coordinated through civil defense, she said.
A county spokesman has said the focus has been on people’s needs: providing water, ice and other essentials.
The subdivision borders the Wai‘opae Tidepools, also known as the Kapoho Tidepools, a marine life conservation district. Officials said the tidepools, which were established by the state in 2003 as a marine life conservation district, was not impacted by the storm.
A small team from the Hawaii District’s Health Office conducted an assessment at the tidepools Tuesday in response to some calls from community members about possible public health hazards.
"They determined that there wasn’t an imminent health threat created by debris," Okubo said.
John Kahiapo, education specialist of the Division of Aquatic Resources who also visited the site, said the Clean Water Branch conducted water quality tests and found the marine sanctuary was safe and clear of any toxins. "Everything looks good," he said. "There’s a lot of fish swimming around."
The conservation district extends from the high-water mark at the shoreline, with the northern boundary next to the first two-story house on the beach north of the parking area, and extends south about 2,300 feet, according to the aquatic resources division’s website.
The tidepools are a known snorkeling spot due to its high population of juvenile fish and coral diversity. Taking of marine life or sand, coral and other geological features is prohibited. Commercial activities are also not allowed.
Kahiapo is concerned about a large, uprooted albizia tree that had rolled onto the rocks on the north side of the marine sanctuary. Officials were to discuss cutting the tree — estimated at 25 feet long with a base 20 inches in diameter — into sections to remove it as it could potentially damage the coral reef if it rolls into the tidepools.
