Department of Agriculture

These services include the areas of:

• personnel
• fiscal
• budget and management
• property management
• automotive maintenance
• information processing
• office and duplicating services

To contact the Administrative Services Office, call (808) 973-9567.

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HDOA INCENTIVE AND SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM 2014

 

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Maintaining Hawaii’s Water Quality

… We all share in that Responsibility!

After the Storm, … What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain flows over saturated or impervious ground surfaces. Stormwater flows over a multitude of surfaces including parking lots, buildings, landscapes, etc. As it flows, the runoff collects contaminants, which often times include pesticides, fertilizers, soil, pet waste, cleaners, oils, bacteria, viruses and various other pollutants. If you were not aware, the water that is carried away from streets, etc. via storm drains to prevent flooding, is not treated and flows directly to our local waterways and the ocean. Illicit discharge is regulated by the Federal Government and is defined as any discharge to the storm water system that is not composed entirely of storm water.

The Effects of Pollution

Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.

• Sediments can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow and destroy aquatic habitats.
• Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can’t exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.
• Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards.
• Debris – plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, etc., washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life.
• Household hazardous wastes like pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.
• Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

 

Stormwater Pollution Solutions

Agriculture

Lack of vegetation on streambanks can lead to erosion. Excess fertilizer and pesticides can poison aquatic animals and lead to destructive algae blooms. Livestock in streams can contaminate waterways with bacteria, making them unsafe fro human contact.

• Keep livestock aways from streambanks and provide a water source away from waterbodies.
• Store and apply manure away from waterbodies and in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides according to label instructions to minimize pollution.

Commercial

Dirt, oil, debris that collects in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local waterbodies.

• Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains.
• Cover grease storage and dumpsters, and keep them clean to avoid leaks.
• Report any chemical spill to the local hazardous waste cleanup team.

Construction

Erosion controls that aren’t maintained can cause excessive amount of sediment and debris to be carried into the stormwater system. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be deposited into local waterbodies.

• Divert stormwater away from disturbed

Following is a summary of what we at the Department of Agriculture are doing to “Maintain Hawaii’s Water Quality”:

Good House Keeping:

• Maintain the outside areas regularly by sweeping and mopping, and never disposing of wash water in storm drains.
• Minimizing the use of cleaning solutions and agents. When necessary, we are to be certain waste water is collected in a catchment system such as a wet-vac, etc.
• Maintaining litter and debris by placing trash and recycling receptacles in advantageous locations.

Spill Prevention:

• Labeling, storing and properly securing all containers.
• Disposing of chemicals and containers via approved disposal services and/or facilities.
• Using approved methods such as dry absorbent materials (cat litter, saw dust, etc.) to contain chemical spills, and then properly dispose.
• Maintaining clean-up materials and labeling of their location and proper use.

Vehicle Washing and Cleaning:

• When washing State vehicles, use DAGS approved facilities or a commercial car wash. If vehicles are washed onsite, wash water must be contained and properly disposed of.

Preventive Maintenance:

• Inspect and maintain storms drains, catch basins, gutters, etc., keeping them free of litter and pollutants.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment regularly for leaks, repair as needed, keeping them in good working order.

Employee Education:

Help keep our watershed, streams, natural water basin and ocean clean and pollutant free!

You can make a difference!