Pollution at Kaelepulu Pond

1. Pollution problems:
   1. Mangrove forest infested with cattle egrets and their smelly droppings
   2. Large-scale algae bloom:
      1. Provide food source for waterbirds -- hunt for water bugs on algae
      2. Gives off distinctive ordor as it decomposes
      3. Stench of thousands of tilapia drifing belly-up through algae
      4. Kailua residents believe algae bloom to be ugly and should be cleaned up
   3. Residence & developments added pollutions:
      1. Pet feces
      2. Yard fertilizers
      3. Pesticides
      4. Cancer-causing chemicals

2. Pollution are a result of:
   1. The large and efficient watershed and wetland -- perfect condition for algae and dead tilapia
   2. Past sewage spills from faulty pump stations & urban runoff from streets
   3. Big amounts of rain fall

3. Possible Solutions:
   1. 2/22/92
      1. $50,000 for permanent habitat on wetlands to lure egrets back to pond
      2. cutting away mangrove -- egrets who are causing much of the stench will leave their habitat
   2. 1/26/95 - suggested by residents:
      1. Need runoff plan to stop sedimentation;
      2. Screens on the culverts & storm drains;
      3. Barricades to keep large debris from washing in

**State regularly test oxygen levels in area -- no health problems -- only public nuisance.

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