The University of Hawaii and the Waikiki Aquarium will be working together to upgrade the aquarium’s water system within the next five years.
The move, which aims to provide protection to nearshore waters, is part of the Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) — an agreement with the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
“We appreciate the cooperation from both the University of Hawaii and Waikiki Aquarium to resolve these environmental issues and commend the University of Hawaii for its commitment to correct the violations identified by the health department,” said Keith Kawaoka, deputy director of environmental health, according to a news release from the Hawaii Department of Health. “The terms of the AOC ensure the Waikiki Aquarium remains in compliance with the terms of the permit and help prevent potential water pollution that jeopardizes nearshore waters in the future.”
The AOC additionally allows the Waikiki Aquarium to craft a proposal and execute a health department-approved $90,000 project that will be beneficial for the environment, according to the news release.
The aquarium has exceeded the allowable limits for regulated parameters under its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. These discharges were accumulated from Waikiki Aquarium's tanks and exhibits from 2014 to 2018, according to the Hawaii Health Department’s assessment.
The responsibility of ensuring the coastal and stream waters are being protected is under Hawaii's DOH. The people’s health also relies on the state’s clean water and should remain inhabitable for sea life and swimmable for people.