Principal Investigators:

• Stephanie Molloy, Ph.D., Department of Natural Sciences, University of Hawaii, Hilo
• Patricia Macomber, MPH, Department of Natrual Resources and Environmental Management, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Funding Source: County of Hawaii
Project Duration: January-December 2008

Project Summary:

This study will evaluate the microbial water quality of rainwater catchment systems in the subdivision of Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) on the Island of Hawaii. HPP is the second largest private subdivision in the United States with over 8800 building lots, however there is no public water or sanitation system. Residents rely on either private wells or rainwater catchment systems for their potable water. Because private water supplies are not regulated, there is little information on the microbial quality of the water or the health risk associated with its use. Traditional water quality indicators (total coliforms and E. coli) may grow in water storage tanks and so non-traditional indicators (bacteriophages and Clostridium) and pathogens (Leptospira and Aeromonas) will also be directly tested for in this study. This project also initiates a new collaboration between the investigators and their organizations, resulting in better information for the public. S. Molloy, UH Hilo, is a microbiologist instructor/researcher and P. Macomber, UH Manoa, is an extension educator involved in educating the public regarding management of rainwater catchment systems. Having direct knowledge of the water quality of these catchment systems in the local area will greatly enhance the ability to advise the public on best management practices for their water catchment systems in order to protect human health.

This project is a cross-regional collaborative endeavor between the University of Hawaii and the Universities of Guam, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

The overall goal of the project is to enhance the decision-making capabilities of public and private sector managers involved with invasions by alien species. click here for more information...

Evaluating the health of Hawaii's dry forest ecosystems. Developing an effective Bradyrhizobium inoculant for koa. Genetic improvement of Leucaena for agroforestry. click here for more information...

Evaluation of Best Management Practices to Protect Water Resources at the Hanalei Watershed. click here for more information...

Large-scale Assessment of Hawaiian Dry Forest Decline and Restoration Potential with GIS (2004 ~ current)

Multi-sensor Translation of EOS Reflectance and Vegetation Index Products for Long Term Continuity with AVHRR (2004 ~ current)

Use of Airborne Remote Sensing for Uncertainty Assessments in Regional Extrapolation of Ground LBA Ecology Measurements with MODIS Data (2001 ~ current). click here for more information...