HONOLULU — The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is adopting a broad set of conservation measures to reduce water consumption this summer.

What You Need To Know

  • The initiative follows the Honolulu Board of Water Supply’s call for residents to reduce water consumption by 10% to reduce strain on the island’s water aquifers in the wake of the Red Hill water-contamination crisis and to avoid mandatory restrictions as water use increases during the summer months
  • DPR hopes to exceed the 10% reduction via conservation measures across its parks and facilities

  • Measures will include significantly reducing field irrigation and supplemental watering; scheduling watering during twilight hours where possible, identifying the “thirstiest” parks and monitoring their water consumption to detect possible subterranean leaks and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures during comfort-station renovations

  • The department is also investing in longer-term conservation measures by implementing plumbing improvements and/or efficient irrigation control at 29 parks; two parks will also undergo major piping repairs

The initiative follows the Honolulu Board of Water Supply’s call for residents to reduce water consumption by 10% to reduce strain on the island’s water aquifers in the wake of the Red Hill water-contamination crisis and to avoid mandatory restrictions as water use increases during the summer months.

“When we began looking at ways to assist in this island-wide, kākou effort to conserve our precious water supply, we wanted to focus on broad and impactful measures for all of our parks to maximize our efforts in an equitable manner,” said DPR director Laura Thielen. “It is truly amazing how our islands are naturally designed to store fresh water, and it is everyone’s kuleana to safeguard that environmental resource. We appreciate the understanding and kokua of park users as these measures will likely result in noticeable changes to their parks, such as drier fields or less green grass.”

DPR hopes to exceed the 10% reduction via conservation measures across its parks and facilities.

This will include significantly reducing field irrigation and supplemental watering; scheduling watering during twilight hours where possible, identifying the “thirstiest” parks and monitoring their water consumption to detect possible subterranean leaks and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures during comfort-station renovations.

DPR also plans to plant fewer “thirsty” plants while focusing on xeriscaping and efficient planting cycles; using more efficient “drip” irrigation; and increasing inspections, maintenance and upgrades of irrigation systems.

The decorative fountains at Kapiolani Park and Thomas Square will only operate during limited evening hours (6 to 10 p.m.), a reduction of about 75% of their normal run times.

DPR will also work with the Honolulu Fire Department to make more efficient use of water during HFD training at city parks. This will include shooting water onto landscaped areas instead of hard surfaces.

The department is also investing in longer-term conservation measures by implementing plumbing improvements and/or efficient irrigation control at 29 parks. Two parks will also undergo major piping repairs.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.