Watershed-Based Plans | Surface Water Protection Branch

Watershed-Based Plans

Directional arrows traveling downward from mountaintops and out towards the ocean — Rainwater carries pollutants from mauka to makai when it rains. (Kaʻaʻawa Valley, Oʻahu)

Watershed Planning & Nonpoint Source Pollution

A Watershed-Based Plan is a work plan for achieving water resource protection and nonpoint source pollution reduction goals in a specific watershed. In addition to serving as a valuable resource for land stewards, it is a requirement for projects to receive Clean Water Act Section 319 Grant Program, which is administered by the Surface Water Protection Branch (SWPB).

The Hawaiian Islands have 558 watersheds, but only 22 watershed-based plans have been approved. If you have a project idea that requires funding, check if your watershed has an approved watershed-based plan using the list or map below. Approved plans can also be accessed on the Surface Water Protection System Viewer.

Developing a Plan

The watershed planning process involves characterizing existing conditions, identifying and prioritizing problems, defining management objectives, and developing and implementing protection or remediation strategies. It is an extensive process and is best executed in partnership with multiple community stakeholders.

Resources for developing watershed-based plans include Hawaiʻi Watershed Guidance and the EPA’s Resources for Watershed Planning. The SWPB provides technical assistance to community-based organizations creating their own plans. The SWPB and United States Environmental Protection Agency must approve a watershed-based plan in order for a given watershed to receive funding.

Map of Section 319-Eligible Watersheds

Apply for Section 319 grant funding!

Watershed-Based Plans

Below is a list of watersheds with approved watershed-based plans. Watersheds with a TMDL are noted; the full TMDL reports are available on the Clean Water Branch’s Integrated Report and TMDL webpage.

Hawaiʻi

Pelekane Bay (Kawaihae watershed)
- Pelekane Bay Watershed Management Plan (2005)
Waikoloa-Waiʻulaʻula Stream
- Waiʻulaʻula Watershed Management Plan (2011)

Maui

Kahoma and Kauaula Watersheds
- Alternative Watershed Plan for Kahoma and Kauaula Watersheds
Southwest Maui (includes Hapapa, Wailea, Moʻoloa)
- Southwest Maui Watershed Management Plan (2019)
West Maui (includes Honokōwai, Wahikuli, Kahana, Honokahua and Honolua)
South Central Maui
- Pohakea Watershed Plan Final Report (2023)
- Ma’alaea Bay Watersheds Management Plan (2023)

Kaua’i

Hanalei Bay (includes Hanalei, Waikoko, Waipa, and Waioli)
Nawiliwili Bay (includes Puali, Huleʻia, and Nawiliwili)
- Restoration and Protection Plan for the Nawiliwili Watershed (2004)
- TMDL (2008)

Moloka’i

Kawela
- Alternative Watershed-Based Plan for the Kawela Watershed, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi (2019)

O’ahu

Ala Wai (includes Mānoa-Palolo, Makiki, and Ala Wai)
- Management and Implementation Plan (1998)
  - Volume I
  - Volume II (Appendices A-C, Appendices D-J)
- Ala Wai Canal TMDL (2002)
Honoʻuliʻuli
- Watershed-Based Management Plan for Honouliuli Watershed (2013)
Kaiaka Bay (includes Kiʻikiʻi and Paukauila)
- Kaiaka Bay Watershed-Based Plan (2018)
- N. and S. Fork Kaukonahua Stream TMDL (2009)
Kapakahi Stream
- Kapakahi Stream Watershed Plan (2006)
Koʻolaupoko (includes watersheds from Kualoa to Makapuʻu)
- Koʻolaupoko Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (2007)
- TMDLs
Maʻiliʻili
- Maʻiliʻili Watershed Management Plan (2014)
Waikele
- Waikele Watershed Plan
- Waikele Watershed Plan with appendices
Wailupe Stream
- Watershed Based Plan for Reduction of Nonpoint Source Pollution in Wailupe Stream Watershed (2010)
  - Appendix A
  - Appendix B

Kaho’olawe

Kaulana and Hakioawa
- Watershed Based Plan for Kaulana and Hakioawa (2006)
Kamōhio
- Watershed Based Plan for Kamohio (2022)

Additional Resources

Below are additional resources that may be referenced in the development and implementation of watershed-based plans.