Question: Recently several of us noticed that there are new signs posted on the bathhouse at Ala Moana Beach Park declaring it illegal to use shampoo, soap or conditioner at the beach showers since the runoff may enter the ocean at some point (which it actually does not; it evaporates before reaching the ocean). Also, several swimmers said that folks have mentioned this law to them and given them "stink eye" while they were showering with soap/shampoo. I have been swimming at Ala Moana since 1982 and have always used soap and shampoo after swimming, as do the vast majority of swimmers, and have never heard of such an absurd law. 

Considering how bad the water cleanliness is there in the ocean already, using an antibacterial soap is almost mandatory after swimming. Also, many people like to swim before going to work or during their lunch break, and there is no way they want to put on their work clothes without first using soap to get clean. The environmentalists may argue that the shower runoff damages the ocean water, but what about the hundreds of folks lathering themselves with suntan lotion and sun protection oils/liquids and then going into the water or showering off?

Answer: The city Department of Parks and Recreation says the ban on soaps and shampoos is to get in line with federal regulations.

For now the signs are posted only at Ala Moana Regional Park, serving as a pilot while the language, etc., is finalized. The signs went up in early May.

The ban is part of a project the Parks Department, working with the city Department of Environmental Services, has launched to identify physical improvements to 70 city park sites that could reduce contamination, and the potential for contamination, from storm water discharges, explained Parks Director Michele Nekota.

It was designed to bring park facilities into compliance with the city’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, which is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act, she said.

Prohibiting the use of soap and shampoo at outdoor showers at beach parks is aimed at reducing contamination or potential contamination from "shower wash water" runoff into seepage pits and/or directly to the beach and ocean, she said.

Nekota said the city already prohibits the discharge of any pollutants into state waters, under Section 14-22.23(a) of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.

That section says, "It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or cause to be discharged any pollutant into any drainage facility which causes a pollution problem in state waters, or causes a violation of any provision of the city NPDES permit or the water quality standards of the State of Hawaii."

"Outdoor shower wash water is not exempted from the city’s NPDES requirements," Nekota said.

The Honolulu Police Department would be responsible for enforcing the new ban.

MAHALO

To Mayor Caldwell and the fine people at the Department of Parks and Recreation who fixed the showers at Kaimana Beach and the Barefoot Beach Cafe. I’m among the 900 or so Waikiki Rough Water swimmers, numerous tourists and loads of local families who appreciate being able to wash off after we get out of the ocean. There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in God’s ocean followed by cool running water that shakes off the salt! — Amy Brown

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.