NANAKULI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Nanakuli community members think the City’s plan to remove the sand plug at the mouth of Ulehawa Stream is a first step toward solving a stinky problem.
Work is only expected to last one or two days but residents said other area problems persist.
The sand plug at the mouth of Ulehawa Stream is meant to manage the flow of water from the mountains into the ocean, but the Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board chair said it is also the perfect trap for large debris and floating litter. KHON2 heard from residents that the smell is far from pleasant.
“Because when it builds up, you know, they can smell it. It smells terrible. Not to mention you have people illegally dumping in the stream,” Samantha DeCorte said.
City crews will use heavy equipment starting on Monday, June 24 to remove the sand plug entirely, along with as much debris and litter as possible.
Elected officials said it is needed, but consistent dredging of the canal is necessary as well.
“All I’ve been asking the county and the folks involved is to have a consistent, constant schedule so residents in that area can know when to expect a constant cleaning of the canal,” said Rep. Darius Kila.
Officials are asking folks to stay away from the work area on Monday, as well as the ocean immediately outside of the sand plug due to the potential for strong currents from the newly-opened stream.
“The hard part too, is the bad actors who treat the canal as their trash and dumpsite,” Rep. Kila said. “Yeah, it is dangerous.”
There are also signs of other issues. The City enforced a one-week closure of Ulehawa Beach Park to clear tent encampments and trash from a one-mile stretch of beach on the east side of the sand plug.
“As you can see, the beach is clear, it’s nice, it’s enjoyable. Some families are looking to come out again,” DeCorte said.
The west side of the plug has a different story.
“Right over on the other side, you know, we have our houseless community that has basically just moved down,” DeCorte said. “We’re making progress on that end. But as you can clearly see, visibly, there’s a pile-up.”
“We’ve made strides in getting houseless folks off the beach and returning public spaces to the community, so we continue to work down,” Rep. Kila said.
Removal of the sand plug is expected to start at 8:30 a.m. and last until 2:30 p.m. on Monday and is scheduled to wrap up by Tuesday, June 25.