Current water quality measurements within storm drain discharge locations on military bases on Oahu indicate the Army will not meet standards for (a) Total Suspended Solids (TSS); (b) Nitrogen (N); and (c) Phosphorous (P). Assessments suggest that exceedances are from erosion of non-vegetated areas on base, including housing facilities. As part of an overall remedy, the Army needs to develop a more permanent program to address this water quality issue that involves storm water education at the schools based on Army installations on the island of Oahu.

The project introduces stormwater education to elementary and middle public school students, their families, and staff living and working on Wheeler Army Airfield and Schofield Barracks. The primary objective is to ameliorate negative impacts to water quality originating on Army installations on Oahu, but also on other military facilities since personnel and their families are often relocated, through introducing and emphasizing best management practices at school, home, and work. A directly related goal is to increase awareness and understanding of stormwater-related problems in the watersheds of central Oahu, particularly that of Waikele Stream which is identified as a watershed at risk by the State of Hawai'i and is located, in part, on Army installations. An outcome of an increased awareness and understanding of stormwater and ways to prevent pollution is improved water quality and reduced environmental degradation.

The Environmental Center is collaborating with Bishop Museum and others to determine relevant and effective stormwater education materials and curriculum activities. A review of existing materials related to watershed education in elementary and secondary schools, in conjunction with State of Hawai'i Content Standards for Science, is being used for project development with input from science educators and content specialists.