The Story of Ala Wai Canal's Impact on Honolulu's Valuable Land
Back in the 1920s, a group led by businessman Walter Dillingham decided to dig a 1.5-mile long channel called the Ala Wai Canal through the Waikiki area in Honolulu. This involved draining wetlands that had been used for taro farming for many years. Their plan was to create a new neighborhood that resembled the coastal areas of Southern California.
Dillingham Takes Action
In 1920, Dillingham's company, Hawaiian Dredging Co., won the contract to dig the canal. They followed plans provided by the City Planning Commission. The digging was done with a large machine called "Kewalo," which looked like a huge dinosaur and was about 50 feet tall. However, there were issues. The machine couldn't fit in the initially planned 60-foot wide canal. To accommodate it, the canal was widened to 150 feet. Still, there wasn't enough material to fill the wetlands, so in 1923, the canal was widened again to 250 feet.
By 1923, the "Kewalo" machine was making progress. The canal intercepted the Apuakehau Stream, diverting dirty water away from the swimming beach. The canal was finished in 1927, with one end connecting to the ocean at Waikiki Beach. The planned eastern outlet at Kapiolani Park was never built due to concerns about pollution flowing back onto the beach and financial constraints.
Challenges Over the Years
Over time, the Ala Wai Canal faced several challenges and issues:
1917: Plans made to drain wetlands, rice paddies and taro patches in and around Waikiki by digging canal.
1918: Government begins acquiring land, forcing out farmers.
1921: Hawaiian Dredging Co. begins digging.
1928: Digging complete. Waikiki heralded as "Venice of the Pacific."
1929: It was deemed unsafe for swimming.
1965: Canal overflows, floods Waikiki.
1967: Consideration of a second ocean entrance due to flooding.
1976: Found to frequently exceed federal limits for harmful bacteria.
1983: Sewage dumped into the canal during a blackout.
1991: Health department posted warnings against fishing and swimming.
2002: Canal underwent its third dredging.
2006: A massive sewage dump resulted in a man's death due to infection.
Curious Creatures and Conclusions
Over the years, strange creatures have been found thriving in the canal's sewage-filled waters. The canal's history is marked by attempts to manage flooding, pollution, and health risks, with ongoing challenges and concerns.
Sources:
M. Honore. (2018). How The Ala Wai Canal Puts Honolulu's Most Valuable Real Estate at Risk. CivilBeat.
S. Cocke. (2013). Ala Wai Canal: Hawaii's Biggest Mistake? CivilBeat.
D. Thompson. (2017). "It Came From The AlaWai: 6 Strange Creatures that Thrive in Waikiki's Sewage-filled Canal." Honolulu Magazine.
Dual Outlet System for the Ala Wai Canal
Technological advances in flood risk management and pollution treatment systems can be utilized to maintain the infrastructure of a dual outlet for the Ala Wai Canal.
The Vital Role of a Two-Outlet System for
Ala Wai Canal's Restoration
The Power of Tidal Flow
Tides are a result of Earth's gravitational interactions with the moon and the sun. In the context of the Ala Wai Canal, this tidal rhythm can be harnessed to address pollution and flooding. By strategically designing a two-outlet system, the foundation aims to:
Enhance Water Quality: Tidal flow acts as a natural flushing mechanism, helping to circulate and oxygenate the water. This process reduces stagnation and the buildup of pollutants, thereby improving water quality and the overall health of the canal's ecosystem. Cleaner water means a healthier habitat for aquatic life and a more inviting environment for recreational activities.
Mitigate Flooding: One of the most pressing issues is flooding in the Waikiki area. A two-outlet system would facilitate better water flow, reducing the risk of overflowing during heavy rain and storm events. The ebb and flow of tides can provide a controlled release of excess water, preventing inundation and safeguarding the surrounding community.
Restore Ecosystem Balance: Tidal flow introduces a dynamic rhythm that mimics natural processes. This rhythm supports the restoration of the canal's ecosystem by helping to remove excess nutrients, support diverse aquatic life, and promote the growth of beneficial vegetation along its banks.
Symbiosis of Nature and Engineering
The two-outlet system not only acknowledges nature's influence but also demonstrates the potential for a harmonious coexistence between human engineering and the environment. By aligning with the natural tidal patterns of Waikiki, this innovative solution taps into an ancient dance between the land, sea, and sky.
A Call to Action
As we contemplate the significance of this proposal, it's vital to remember that the restoration of the Ala Wai Canal goes beyond its physical transformation. It speaks to our responsibility as stewards of the environment and custodians of our shared history. The Blue Ala Wai Canal Foundation's mission to integrate flood control measures with ecological restoration exemplifies a visionary approach that can serve as a blueprint for revitalizing waterways around the world.
Join the Movement
Supporting the installation of a two-outlet system for the Ala Wai Canal is an investment in the future. By donating, volunteering, or advocating for this initiative, you become part of a movement that seeks to restore a natural balance, enhance community resilience, and set a precedent for responsible environmental stewardship. Together, we can ensure that the Ala Wai Canal regains its status as a vibrant and thriving ecosystem while safeguarding the community against the specter of flooding.
In harnessing the power of Waikiki's tidal flow, we are not only restoring a canal but also reigniting a connection between human ingenuity and the rhythms of nature – a connection that can guide us toward a more sustainable and harmonious future.