WAIKIKI BEACH SHOWERS

From: Kurano, Matthew
Sent: Friday, June 30, 2017 10:06 AM
To: 'Carroll Cox' <photos@estudioshawaii.com>
Cc: Wong, Alec Y (alec.wong@doh.hawaii.gov) <alec.wong@doh.hawaii.gov>
Subject: RE: Waikiki Outdoor Showers Complaint

Carroll,
In response to the email you included me on (below) and a similar question that our Communications Office received:

As we understand, beach showers are explicitly provided to allow ocean users to rinse off after getting out of the water. The beach showers are not intended to be used for bathing with soaps, or to be used as laundry or sink facilities. Given that the showers are only provided to rinse off, it has historically been the CWB’s position that the discharges are not regulated, though we encourage the agencies that provide the showers to allow for percolation or other non-obtrusive practice. That said, between shoreline erosion and an increased recognition that beach users do use soap after swimming, the consideration to not regulate the beach shower water may be revisited. We have evidence that the shower water discharges at multiple locations throughout the island/state, and the best practice is for the shower water to be disposed of through drywells/French drains, etc. We also have anecdotal evidence that the shower waters may be degrading the receiving waters.

With this recent public concern raised, the DOH Clean Water Branch will be re-evaluating this issue, contacting the responsible property owners to discuss solutions, and consider options which could include implementing best practices to reduce discharges.

Thank you,
Matt