Popoi'a Street Storm Water Retrofit

After nearly two-years of permit delays, the Popoi'a Street Storm Water Retrofit project got underway on Tuesday September 4th, 2012 with a traditional oli from local wahine: 'Ilima, Haunani, Kamanu and Waimea.

This project is meant to capture pollution associated with storm water runoff and demonstrate how new building techniques and technologies can be used to protect stream and ocean health. 


The scope of the project replaces about 6,000 square feet of dirt with inter-locking pervious pavers to allow storm water infiltration. Additionally, native vegetation and small rain gardens will be installed to help filter additional polluted run-off. The finished area will have three interpretive signs with original art work created by Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School students.

The project is slated to last about 4-5 weeks, during that time, the parking area will be closed along Popoia Road for 2-3 weeks.  Thanks to our project sponsors, funders and partners: City and County of Honolulu, Buzz's Original Streak House, Futura Stone, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Hughes and Hughes Landscape Architects, Hui Ku Maoli Ola, Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School, State of Hawaiʻi: Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

The expected outcomes of this project include:
• Install native plants along 360 ft. of stream bank

•Decreased urban run-off entering Ka'elepulu Stream
• Increased community education and awareness of watershed issues

• Increase infiltration of storm water
• Install 5850 sq. ft. of permeable pavers

You can follow the daily project progress with photos posted on our Facebook page or read more about the project here.