Achieving our future goals — from economic recovery to self-sustainability — depends on how well we manage our limited natural resources. It is with this in mind that we call on our Department of Health Clean Water Branch to thoroughly
Achieving our future goals — from economic recovery to self-sustainability — depends on how well we manage our limited natural resources.
It is with this in mind that we call on our Department of Health Clean Water Branch to thoroughly scrutinize Sunrise Capital’s request to flush up to 30 million gallons of wastewater effluent and treated shrimp remains into the ocean daily.
While we have heard assurances from company and state officials regarding filtration devices and other safeguards, we can’t help but be quite concerned about the serious potential for Westside water pollution on a massive scale.
If we fail to ensure adequate measures are in place to protect this fragile coastal environment, the consequences could be undoable and the trickle-down effect disastrous.
This aquaculture business — and, for that matter, all companies utilizing our natural resources here — must be held to high standards of accountability. That is not to say we don’t support this venture, we simply want to underscore the importance of being responsible stewards of the land — especially on an island.
Aside from taking care of the ‘aina just because it’s the right thing to do, Kaua‘i’s tourism-dependent economy could be dramatically impacted. If the wastewater ends up killing the reefs, for instance, snorkel and scuba companies would have to go elsewhere in search of sea life. This just means more local people out of work.
And let’s not even get into the possible effect on cultural traditions like fishing and surfing. Suffice it to say that these areas must be preserved for future generations to enjoy the same activities.
Kaua‘i residents like Derek Pellin have a right to be alarmed at this proposal based on past experiences. He recalls the “oily, filmy and stinky” water when the farm — owned by Ceatch USA at the time — was operating at full capacity from February 2000 to December 2003. Now that he can see the reef again, he and others want to keep it that way — and rightfully so.
Ultimately, we hope Sunrise Capital succeeds here. We just want the Clean Water Branch to do its due diligence in making sure the aquaculture company operates in a sustainable, eco-friendly way.
