Hawai'i Regional Sediment Management Relevant, Ready, Responsive, Reliable. Proudly serving the Armed Forces and the Nation now and in the future.

Bellows AFS Breakout Session

BREAKOUT SESSION OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the breakout session was to discuss and expand, if necessary, the proposed problem statements and identify alternatives, opportunities, and issues of consideration for the planning and design of the potential demonstration project.  Here are the results that the participants came up with.  If you would like to add anything to these topics, please feel free to contact us.

PROPOSED DEMONSTRATION PROJECT LOCATION:

The proposed demonstration project is located at the northern most end of Bellows Air Force Station (AFS) in front of the cottages.  The project is approximately 3,000 linear feet.Erosion fronting Bellows AFS cottages

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

  • Erosion threatening cottages;
  • Shoreline armoring tying up sand supply; and
    • What is the armoring protecting?
    • Sand supply is the backshore sand
  • Down shore area used for Marines training.  This area is being affected by the sand being tied up behind the armoring.  Need to provide "range sustainability to get military decision-makers on board.

OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Build partnerships with Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Bellows Air Force Station, National Guard, Navy, City & County of Honolulu, etc.
  • Bellows AFS pier dump site (installation restoration study)
    • Opportunities for the information from the study to be shared with the RSM team
    • Opportunities for the RSM team to educate the AFS
  • Recreate original environment/system in models for analysis
  • Perform pilot project on specific areas
  • Military recreational and relaxation facility (R&R) - provides incentive to preserve the area
  • Ko'olau Poko Watershed - Priority pollution cleanup area by EPA/DOH
    • Some small amount of funding possible, but unlikely.

ISSUES:

  • Need to protect lateral access
  • Need to add reefs into the models
  • Revetment has affected other shorelines nearby
  • Streams
  • Is there a conflict with military training?  Need to ensure training can continue.
  • Habitat - endangered species in the area (ex. sea turtles [honu])

ALTERNATIVES:

  • Move the AFS cottages back
  • Let AFS return to a natural state of sand dunes - DoD-owned land
  • Move shoreline armoring back
  • Streams - are they a sand sink or a sand source?
  • Waimanalo jetty removal?
  • Sediment builds up in streams
  • Recycle sand in front of revetment