Manager of Hui O Ka Wai Ola to speak at June 7 meeting
Hui O Ka Wai Ola (Association of The Living Waters) is a group of water quality champions that is dedicated to measuring and sharing the status of Maui Nui's ocean water. Comprised of community member volunteers, scientists, supporters, and partner groups, Hui O Ka Wai Ola recognizes the value of a clean ocean for all of Hawai'i's residents, visitors, and natural resources.
The state of Hawai'i sets limits for pollutants that, when exceeded, inform us when our water quality is degraded. The Department of Health (DOH) Clean Water Branch monitors coastal water quality at stations around the state and is encouraging more partnerships for quality assured monitoring. In response, since 2016, the Hui group has been regularly measuring coastal waters for pollutants that can harm our coral reefs and human health. Maui Nui a more comprehensive and timely understanding of its water quality. The presenter, Tova Callender, will share the highlights of the Hui findings from the past five years with an emphasis on what we know about West Maui, including outstanding questions and what we as a community can do to reduce pollutants reaching the ocean.
The state of Hawai'i sets limits for pollutants that, when exceeded, inform us when our water quality is degraded. The Department of Health (DOH) Clean Water Branch monitors coastal water quality at stations around the state and is encouraging more partnerships for quality assured monitoring. In response, since 2016, the Hui group has been regularly measuring coastal waters for pollutants that can harm our coral reefs and human health. Maui Nui a more comprehensive and timely understanding of its water quality. The presenter, Tova Callender, will share the highlights of the Hui findings from the past five years with an emphasis on what we know about West Maui, including outstanding questions and what we as a community can do to reduce pollutants reaching the ocean.
Growing up in rural Ontario, Canada Tova Callender developed an early appreciation for the natural world. After pursuing BSc and Master’s in Environmental Science and adventuring in Asia, she came to Maui in 2005 to work in sustainable agriculture. Since 2012, Tova has worked as the West Maui Watershed Coordinator, furthering the goals of the Ridge to Reef Initiative which seeks to reduce the pollution from land to improve marine ecosystem health. One of her favorite programs she assists in managing along with Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and The Nature Conservancy is Hui O Ka Wai Ola, working with the community to measure coastal water quality.