Groups fund study on using machine to clean up Ala Wai

A coalition of nonprofit organizations in Hawaii has surpassed its fundraising campaign goal to fund a feasibility study on a machine targeted to remove trash from the Ala Wai Canal.

As of Saturday, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, 808 Cleanups and the Surfrider Foundation had raised more than $7,300, three weeks since they launched their campaign to raise $6,500 to fund the study.

Clearwater Mills LLC is scheduled to arrive in Hawaii on Aug. 16 to analyze installation of a water wheel trash interceptor at the makai side of the canal bridge to help tackle the endless pollution problem in the canal and prevent debris from entering the ocean.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by late October.

The organizations will continue to raise funds to get a head start on funding the installation and maintenance of an interceptor. “This is simple technology and the (pollution) problem is obvious,” said Kahi Pacarro, executive director of Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.

If the interceptor is deemed unfeasible, the three nonprofits will divvy up the extra funds to go toward outreach efforts and beach cleanups.

After every heavy rainfall, debris such as plastic bags, cigarette butts and empty plastic water bottles flow into the canal and into the ocean.

According to Pacarro, preliminary costs to install a tidal and solar-powered water wheel trash interceptor is estimated at $900,000. The machine — similar to one used at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor — would operate around the clock, collecting trash from the water and discarding debris into a 20-yard dumpster.

At a July 6 news conference at the Waikiki Yacht Club, Pacarro said the water wheel has effectively removed more than 400 tons of trash from Inner Harbor since the machine was installed in 2014.

Surfer David Kuwada, 46, of Kaimuki has observed trash in the ocean accumulate over the past three decades with the growth of Hawaii’s population. He often picks up debris floating around Ala Moana Bowls, a popular surf spot he frequents weekly.

The nonprofit groups often organize beach cleanups to address pollution. Earlier this month, 480 volunteers picked up nearly 1,000 pounds of trash in Waikiki from Kaimana Beach to the Ala Wai.

Kuwada, a regular beach cleanup volunteer, said at the news conference that Ala Wai would greatly benefit from a water wheel trash interceptor.

“I really hope the project comes through,” he said.

To make a donation toward the water wheel trash interceptor project, visit bit.ly/29iIpfj.