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March 17, 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Carroll is now broadcasting on the Internet at www.talk808.com. Listen live on Sunday mornings, 9-11 a.m.
- We want to hear from you. Call 808-782-6627 to participate.
Carroll and guest, former State Senator Melodie Aduja, now a member of the Environmental Caucus, discuss the degradation of our water quality in Hawaii. Melodie first talks about the many cesspools and septic tanks along the Windward Coast of Oahu that are now, finally, a big concern of the Hawaii Department of Health. Melodie also talks about the quality of the water under the Red Hill fuel tanks, the many injection wells around the islands, and several other water quality problems in Hawaii.
It's not just global warming that is a problem. Overflowing septic tanks introduce harmful chemicals into the oceans. Silt and trash flow into the ocean from streams that are not maintained. Sewage overflows are a constant threat. Illegal dumping is occurring all over the islands. No wonder we are losing our coral and our fish are disappearing.
Melodie is particularly concerned about the quality of water under the Red Hill fuel tanks and is getting ready to file a formal complaint. Documentation tells us, leaks have been ongoing since the 1940's. Yes, there are chemicals in the water, and the acceptable limits have been changing over the years. The Environmental Protection Agency and Hawaii Department of Health have not clearly established safe levels for drinking water. That is a concern.
Carroll asks, what happens if unacceptable levels of chemicals are found in the water? Are there any plans to address that aspect of the problem and develop alternate sources? The Honolulu Board of Water Supply needs to step up and protect our drinking water.
Melodie notes, environmental issues always seem to take third place. While talk goes on, the degradation of our environment is increasing. We need to do something now.
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