|
Summary
Whether we care to admit it or not, every one of us contributes to the pollution of land and water, either directly or indirectly. Every little thing we do–from how much detergent we use to get our clothes brighter to dumping engine oil down the sewer–has an impact on the land and water. Consequently, everyone needs to take ownership in helping to protect and maintain the environment. Nowhere is this more vital than on Northshore Oahu in Hawaii, which includes pristine Mokuleia Beach. Considered one of the loveliest beaches in the world, Mokuleia is a model for mainland USA in terms of land management and water quality control.
While federal, state and local government agencies monitor and regulate water usage and discharge, it is the everyday activity of people that really affects water quality. In Clean Water Common Ground, native Hawaiians, local residents, and commercial land developers, as well as university, federal, state and local officials, examine the damaging effects taking place on the local environment. They examine the impact of land misuse and offer measures that are needed to stem the tide of environmental degradation. They also discuss ways in which the public, including children, can be made aware of this ever-growing concern.
A penetrating look at Hawaii’s struggles to address water quality issues in “paradise,” Clean Water, Common Ground contends that the responsibility of maintaining good conservation practice is upon each one of us. We must recognize the dramatic role water has in shaping our environment, and how it affects different species of animals and fish in the ocean. If we address the chief threats to our environment and determine the measures needed to tackle those threats head-on, we may be able to preserve both water and land for many generations to come. But we must act now.
DVD also includes a studio discussion, highlighting the key issues posed in the film.
Produced by:
Daniel S. Janik MD PhD
Former Water Quality Agent for Northshore Oahu, Cooperative Extension Service, Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa
Honored Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine
Former Water Quality Research Associate with the U. S. National Academy of Science at NASA Johnson and Ames Research Centers
Scientific advisor and water quality agent for the Kaiaka-Waialua Hydrologic Unit Area Project upon which this film is based.
|
