The History of Groundwater Management and Research in Hawaii

This paper reviews groundwater research studies with emphasis on modeling as a tool for management of Hawaii’s resources. Hawaii depends to a great extent on groundwater resources, and concern over availability of potable water has guided research regarding both water quantity and quality. Research is mainly aimed at understanding Hawaii hydrogeology, identifying aquifer parameters and modeling needs, and applying models in the management of resources. Use of models has advanced over the past ten years toward routine aquifer management, yet there is a great need to better characterize aquifer spatial data. Variability of hydrogeological conditions is a major hurdle for successful application of models. This paper also addresses legal, institutional, and economic issues pertinent to Hawaii’s pressing problems regarding water allocation. Areas of critical research needs are also identified.