Ola i ka wai a ka ʻōpua.
There is life in the water from the clouds.
March 9th, 2023
It doesn’t take more than a quick glance at the leeward and windward climates of our Islands to see the dramatic effect that water has played in shaping our natural environment. Fundamental to all forms of life, freshwater was especially revered in old Hawai‘i. Under the ahupua‘a system there were even special caretakers of the water, kahuwai, who worked to ensure the resources remained abundant.
However, over the course of the past three decades, Hawai‘i has experienced a significant decrease in rainfall. Average yearly rainfall is declining across all the islands while demand swells, creating increased pressure on our state’s watersheds.
At Kuilei Place, we’re taking the initiative to minimize our building’s water usage by incorporating an advanced water-treatment system on site. By using this proven technology, we’re able to reduce the amount of water used on the property.
So, how does it work?
By focusing on the building’s greywater, the term for the water coming from washing machines, showers, and bathroom sinks. We’re able to treat and reuse this resource using a specialized filtration process, bringing it to the state’s highest grade of recycled water. This allows it to be used again within the building.
Energy-efficient and environmentally minded, Kuilei Place is able to reuse this reclaimed water to irrigate our lush gardens, verdant landscaping, and open spaces. These efforts ensure that our forward-thinking residence doesn’t have to solely rely on water from the county. And by taking this creative approach to lightening our environmental impact, we’re proving that residential towers can work to be a part of the solution. The less water we use, the more we’re able to reduce our impact on local infrastructure, freeing up millions of gallons of freshwater to be used across the island. By preserving this important resource, we’re working to build a future for Honolulu where generations can flourish for decades to come.