Why are frequent opening of the stream mouth beneficial?
- Opening the berm between Kaelepulu Channel and Kailua Bay, timed to the tides so that the connection stays open for several days, will bring back the natural water flow that existed before the flood control levee was built.
- Flooding occurs when the stream level rises above 3.3 ft MLLW. Monthly removal of the sand plug limits flood risk to only when the plug builds higher than 3.3 ft.
- More frequent openings allow fish larvae to enter the estuary and adult fish and plankton to travel out into the nearshore ocean enhancing both ecosystems.
- More frequent openings increase salinity and support oyster growth within the estuary.
- Tidal fluctuation in water surface are conducive to the health of waterbird habitat.
- More frequent openings in the summer prevent the estuary from falling to very low surface elevations as a result of evaporation.
- Tidal flow during monthly openings interrupts stagnation that can cause fish die-offs, horrible smells, and conditions that lead to avian botulism.
