Water filling stations will be installed at 15 parks in Hawaii in an effort to reduce single-use plastic water bottles, according to state officials.
The Division of State Parks received a federal grant of $100,396 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program for the water bottle filling stations. Currently, the state has one filling station at Diamond Head State Monument, which is heavily used by hikers.
Visitors will be encouraged to bring their refillable water bottles to the parks. The grant will be used to purchase 19 water bottle filling stations at 15 parks in Hawaii over the next three years.
The water filling stations will be available at:
>> Hawaii island: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kekaha Kai State Park, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Wailoa Center at Wailoa River State Recreation Area.
>> Kauai: Haena State Park, Kokee State Park and Wailua River State Park.
>> Maui: Waianapanapa State Park.
>> Oahu: Ahupuaa o Kahana State Park, Diamond Head State Monument, Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, Makiki Valley State Recreation Area, Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Sand Island State Recreation Area and Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area.
Comments from the public about the project should be provided by Nov. 30 to Martha Yent, State Parks Interpretive Program, 1151 Punchbowl St. No. 310, Honolulu, HI 96813; or by email to Martha.E.Yent@hawaii.gov.