QUESTION: We are residents of Windward Harbour in Kailua. The Kawainui Canal runs alongside our complex, alongside Times Coffee Shop, and, if I’m not mistaken, continues all the way down to Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The canal is overrun with bushes to the point where it is backing up like a dam. Toward Times Coffee Shop, the debris is thick enough to walk on the water. That area is designated as a wildlife refuge, but I can’t imagine how the wildlife are surviving in that mess. What’s worse is since the canal is jammed with overgrown vegetation, the vegetation rots and the odor is unbearable and getting worse. Who is responsible for maintaining it?
ANSWER: That stretch of Kawainui Stream between Kailua Road and Hamakua Bridge is part of the Hamakua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
David Smith, Oahu branch manager of DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, explained that what’s happening now, including the rotten odor, is part of the natural cycle of that wetland area.
"The water in the stream is extremely full right now due to the recent heavy rains," he said. "When Kailua floods, the water actually flows backward in the stream and into Hamakua Marsh, which acts like a flood control basin. It also collects all manner of debris that is mobilized by the floodwaters. When the rains subside, we go in and clean it up."
The vegetation growing in the stream is a native ground cover called Bacopa.
While Smith said native birds like it, it is being cleared out because it admittedly "has become somewhat overgrown."
Unfortunately, the smell is something you might have to learn to live with.
It’s "a seasonal phenomenon associated with the hydrology in the wetland," Smith explained. "Each year in October and November, the hydrology in the wetland flips, and the sulphur dioxide gas that is usually held underground bubbles to the surface and emits its characteristic ‘rotten egg’ or ‘raw sewage’ smell."
Combined with the light wind conditions of late, you’re not alone in complaining about the unpleasant smell.
"We ask your patience until the wind returns," Smith said. "It is a natural condition, and there is nothing we can do about it. It is one of the few downsides of having a natural marsh adjacent to downtown Kailua."
MORE ON NUTSEDGE
Speaking from experience, homeowner Jon Shimamoto has two other suggestions for dealing with the pesky purple nutsedge weed described in the Nov. 15 "Kokua Line" (see is.gd/PEfbb0).
He said he found Ortho Ready-to-Use Nutsedge Killer for Lawns in a 24-ounce spray bottle to be just as effective as the other treatment suggested and less costly.
"If your yard is heavily infested, you will need to get a couple of bottles," he said. "Unfortunately, this product is not available in a concentrate form for pump sprayers."
Another product Shimamoto said he found effective is Amdro Image, "which comes in a concentrate which requires a pump spray and is more economical for larger yards." He said this product is formulated for use on grasses typically found in Hawaii.
The two products can be found at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores, he said, while Image also is available at City Mill.
MAHALO
To the young lady in line at Foodland Farms in Aina Haina who offered to load a bag of rice into my husband’s car for him. Thanks also to the young man who offered his assistance. They keep our belief in the goodness of people alive. — A Very Senior Citizen
MAHALO
To the person who returned my lost wallet. We need more people like you who took the time to mail it back to the person and did not take ANY money from the wallet. I really appreciate your gesture and your effort to send it back to me. God gives you many blessings. — Patricia Hoyt
———
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
