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Join the City and County of Honolulu for educational workshops on stormwater quality Best Management Practices (BMPs). This will be an in-person event. Please join us at the Hawai'i Convention Center and register using the VFairs platform.
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Contractors, developers, stormwater management professionals, landscape design and maintenance professionals, planners, watershed management and conservation professionals, agricultural professionals, natural resource managers, and property management and maintenance professionals will find useful stormwater related information. This year's breadth of presentation topics has expanded to include:
Exciting Partnership Announcement!
This year, we are proud to partner with the American Public Works Association (APWA) to bring even more valuable insights to our workshop. In addition to our three tracks focused on stormwater presentations, we are introducing a fourth track dedicated to APWA speakers, featuring expert discussions on public works, infrastructure, and sustainable solutions.
Location: Hawai’i Convention Center
Audience: Contractors, developers, stormwater management professionals, landscape designers, planners, conservationists, agricultural professionals, natural resource managers, and property managers.
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Ala Wai Watershed: Targeting Flood Risk with Green Infrastructure
This presentation highlights a collaborative effort to reduce flood risk in Honolulu’s Ala Wai Watershed, where a major storm could impact 3,000+ properties and cost $318M in damages. With nearly half of residents below the ALICE threshold, the project uses GIS-based modeling to identify high-impact locations for green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) on private properties—especially in vulnerable communities. Learn how this initiative is driving change through data-driven strategies and free “stormwater housecalls.”
Lauren Roth Venu
3Rwater
Lauren Roth Venu is an ecopreneur, a TEDx speaker and published author, who is deeply committed to deploying innovative solutions for climate resiliency.In 2006, she formed Roth Ecological Design International to address the disparity between development practices and the preservation of ecological and water systems through the design of regenerative solutions to manage water.
Her continued passion for greening urban centers drove her to form 3Rwater which developed the Follow the Drop mobile app and data platform that helps cities and citizens collect stormwater data while also activating communities to become climate-prepared by increasing access to green infrastructure solutions and being storm prepared.
Some of Lauren’s accolades include being named Top Emerging Designers by Pacific Edge Magazine, Top 40 under 40 by Pacific Business News, and finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year for Clean Tech. She is also serving as a Founding Advisor to the World Bank Youth Water Accelerator program as well as continues to serve in public service advisory roles to support sustainability in global ecosystems and communities.
The City and County of Honolulu’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Pilot Project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of retrofitting GSI BMPs in urban areas to effectively manage stormwater. Focused on City-owned rights-of-way in high-visibility locations like Downtown and the Ala Wai Canal, the project involves cross-disciplinary collaboration with various City departments, property owners, and technical professionals. The design process takes into account numerous constraints, such as visibility, water treatment capacity, safety, and community impact. Currently in progress, the project aims to show that GSI can be incorporated in urban settings, with the hope that it will inspire future GSI projects in areas previously considered unsuitable for stormwater capture and treatment.
Innovative Capillary Stormwater System: Passive, Sustainable, Resilient
Discover a cutting-edge stormwater system that captures, stores, and reuses water using natural capillary action—no pumps needed. With 95% void space, this passive design supports green infrastructure, reduces runoff, and enhances drought and heat resilience. Learn how it integrates into diverse landscapes to create a more sustainable urban water cycle.
Reagan Rouble
ABT Drains
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Reagan Rouble relocated to Denver, CO where she earned her EIT certification and began working for ABT, Inc., a leading manufacturer of stormwater management systems, as a Water Resource Engineer for the Western US. This role has allowed her to expand on her passion for sustainability and design by consulting with design professionals on innovative stormwater solutions, emphasizing water conservation, green infrastructure, and LID.
FAST: Hands-On Stormwater Planning with GIS Tools
This interactive workshop introduces the FAST (Flowpath Assessment and Stormwater Technology) method, allowing participants to model stormwater impacts and green infrastructure solutions in real O‘ahu neighborhoods. Using ArcGIS, LiDAR, and CommunityViz, attendees will explore scenarios and share insights on how this tool can support planning, pollution prevention, and flood mitigation.
Juli Beth Hinds
Birchline Planning LLC, Jacobs
Amy deBay
Birchline Planning LLC
Patrick Lach
Birchline Planning LLC
Smart Ways to Reduce Outdoor Water Use
Learn how simple steps—like fixing leaks, installing rain barrels, and using smart irrigation—can help homeowners cut outdoor water use by up to 15%, saving money and protecting our streams and ocean from pollution and runoff.
Steven Norstrom
Board of Water Supply
Dane Perrott
Board of Water Supply
This presentation will explore the evolution of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), focusing on its development in Hawaii and beyond. It will highlight how GSI has adapted to regulatory, environmental, and climatic changes over time, with a focus on long-term sustainability, maintenance, and resilience. The session will showcase examples from Hawaii and other U.S. regions, comparing past designs to modern, innovative solutions. Key developments, such as the CCH DPW GSI Details and the Hawaii Statewide LID manual update, will be discussed to inspire future GSI design choices and implementations.
Jay Stone
Bowers and Kubota
Keo Sanches
Bowers and Kubota, Jacobs
Jesse Williams
Bowers and Kubota, Jacobs
Dustin Atchison
Bowers and Kubota, Jacobs
Dustin serves as Jacobs’ Global Technology Lead for Stormwater and Watershed Management, with over 24 years of experience (16+ at Jacobs/CH2M) in water resources and stormwater management.
Dustin integrates green infrastructure with grey solutions that work for clients, protect the environment, and enhance communities, through the development of master plans, guidelines, education and implementation of stormwater solutions.
Dustin also enjoys applying his skillset to ecosystem restoration projects including stream and wetland restoration and culvert fish passage replacement projects. Outside of work Dustin is typically finding ways to play on or around water.
Tiffany McEachen
Bowers and Kubota
Tiffany is a water resources engineer and senior project/program manager at Jacobs, with over 25 years experience across the US (including supporting projects in Hawaii over the last 9 years) providing professional engineering and consulting, leading teams developing, delivering, and managing stormwater, MS4, GSI, water quality and wastewater infrastructure projects and programs.
Tiffany works with the City and County of Honolulu’s Storm Water Program developing and maintaining tailored technical resources and training for the roles and needs of public and private project managers, engineers, inspectors, construction managers, municipal maintenance workers, plans reviewers, and others.
A case study from Pierce County, WA, highlights the reassessment of a data-limited Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Clarks Creek, a high-value stream with a healthy salmon population. Initially listed as impaired for low dissolved oxygen (DO), the original TMDL was based on limited data and modeling. A 5-year reassessment, incorporating additional data and advanced modeling, revealed that traditional stormwater treatment would not effectively address the creek’s issues. The updated approach focuses on improving stream aeration, targeted plant removal, and refined management strategies, strengthening the technical foundation for future water quality protection efforts.
Clifton Bell
Brown and Caldwell
Clifton Bell is Brown and Caldwell’s Technical Leader for Water Quality, and has more than 30 years of experience in water quality management, modeling, and planning. A former hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, he focuses on linking the scientific, regulatory, and implementation aspects of water quality challenges.
Clifton support BC clients nationwide to design watershed management programs. Clifton has a B.S. in geology from William & Mary, and an M.S. in environmental engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a licensed professional engineer and certified professional geologist.
Local governments face increasing challenges in managing multiple water resource priorities, such as flood resilience, water quality improvement, aging infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, all while contending with climate change and limited funding. A Comprehensive Watershed Master Plan (WMP) aims to create an efficient framework that addresses these challenges, ensuring regulatory compliance, improving stormwater infrastructure, and enhancing water quality. The plan integrates flood resilience, public health, economic development, and community outreach, while also considering environmental factors like climate change and sea level rise. The WMP includes evaluating watershed conditions, developing capital improvement projects, and planning for long-term management, with a focus on balancing competing needs and achieving multiple environmental benefits.
Jeff Herr
Brown and Caldwell
Jeff Herr joined Brown and Caldwell as their National Stormwater Leader in 2008. He has 40 years of consulting experience throughout the US in stormwater retrofit treatment, watershed improvement and MS4 and TMDL compliance, and stream and lake restoration, from planning through design and implementation.
Jeff has also performed substantial research on stormwater BMP performance efficiencies used to refine local and state stormwater regulations. Jeff is a registered Professional Engineer in multiple states.
The South Kohala District on Hawaii Island faces significant flood risks due to intense rainfall and urban development, overwhelming flood protection infrastructure. This presentation focuses on a comprehensive flood study by Brown and Caldwell for the County of Hawaii Department of Public Works, with an emphasis on community involvement. The study assesses current hydrologic and hydraulic conditions to develop effective flood control strategies. Key aspects include updating flood boundaries, advanced modeling to predict flood extents, and the invaluable contributions of local residents who provided videos, photos, and written testimony to aid in model calibration and identify flood-prone areas. The study also evaluates potential flood control measures, considering feasibility, cultural impact, and costs, to develop sustainable mitigation solutions.
This presentation will offer valuable insights into the challenges and innovative solutions for flood management in the region, showcasing the importance of comprehensive planning and community involvement in mitigating flood risks.
Michelle Sorensen
Brown and Caldwell
Jaren Hiller
Brown and Caldwell
The Hollenbeck Park Lake Rehabilitation Project in Los Angeles serves as a model for funding multi-benefit stormwater projects that address water quality, flood risks, and community space enhancements. The 21-acre park and lake, located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, faced poor water quality and flooding issues due to urban runoff. The rehabilitation, funded with $25.3 million from LA County’s Safe Clean Water Program, integrates stormwater treatment, habitat restoration, and public space improvements. The project exemplifies how municipalities can leverage dedicated funding to meet regulatory requirements while providing social, economic, and environmental benefits. It aligns with the city’s One Water LA Plan and highlights the importance of regional collaboration, innovative funding mechanisms, and strategic development in ensuring sustainable stormwater infrastructure
Sunshine Saucedo
Carollo Engineers
Sunshine Saucedo is the Southern California and Hawaii Stormwater Planning Lead at Carollo Engineers. With six years of experience, she specializes in integrated water planning and design, including stormwater capture, groundwater replenishment, PFAS removal, sea level rise adaptation, and One Water initiatives.
She has supported and led multiple stormwater projects under LA County’s Safe Clean Water Program, in addition to work on a range of infrastructure e'orts. A proud ʻIolani School alumna, Sunshine holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources from UCLA.
The City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) works to enhance community resilience against flooding and other natural hazards. One key initiative is improving participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), which offers flood insurance discounts for proactive flood risk management. Currently, Honolulu is a CRS Class 8 community, earning a 10% discount on insurance premiums. This presentation will outline best management practices for reducing flood risk beyond current regulations, including stormwater retention and updated design standards. Case studies and a stormwater modeling study in Waikīkī will demonstrate how these strategies can be applied locally to improve flood mitigation efforts and potentially enhance the City’s CRS rating, increasing overall community resilience.
Chloe Obara
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Climate Resilience Collaborative
Chloe works for the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) where she serves as the Flood and Resilience Specialist for the Hazard Mitigation and Long-Term Disaster Recovery program.
She holds a masters in Earth Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she used modelling software to identify locations of storm drainage failure in Waikīkī under scenarios of sea level rise and rainfall. Chloe’s kuleana within CCSR is maintaining and improving the City & County of Honolulu’s participation in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.
Integrated Planning (IP) offers municipalities a cost-effective alternative to traditional gray infrastructure upgrades required by EPA consent decrees. By incorporating green infrastructure projects, such as native watershed forest protection, municipalities can achieve greater social, economic, and environmental benefits. On Oahu, the degradation of native watershed forests contributes to nutrient pollution and elevated turbidity. Recent advancements using the InVEST tool to quantify increased erosion help compare the benefits of forest protection against gray infrastructure solutions. This presentation highlights examples of watershed forest protection projects in Oahu, emphasizing their potential cost savings and benefits, and encourages stormwater and wastewater planners to consider these solutions in Integrated Plans.
Alex Yescas
HDR, Inc.
Alex has 25 years of experience in planning, design, and construction of award-winning stormwater and flood control projects across the US. He is a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, a Certified Floodplain Manager, and an Envision Sustainability Professional.
Alex has led and supported several large stormwater programs to improve stormwater quality and conveyance that includes the City of San Diego’s Stormwater WIFIA Program, Los Angeles County’s Safe, Clean Water Stormwater Program, and the Ca Department of Water Resources’ Statewide Flood Risk Program. Alex is HDR’s VP/West Region Leader for Water Resources and is based out of San Diego.
Dragi Stefanovic
HDR, Inc.
Dr. Stefanovic brings 35 years of experience in water resources engineering for a wide range of clients (federal, state, municipal and private sectors).
His primary area of technical expertise involves the integration of surface-water hydrology, multi-dimensional hydraulic and sediment-transport modeling and river mechanics with fluvial geomorphology to solve flooding, sedimentation, trash capture, river stability, and scour/erosion mitigation problems.
Dr. Stefanovic developed a correlation between anticipated trash yield and computed sediment volumes to estimate trash volumes by storm return interval to support trash load reductions in major waterways. Dr. Stefanovic is HDR’s National Tech Advisor Sediment Transport & Scour and is based out of San Diego.
Post-construction BMP requirements in MS4 permits are becoming more stringent with each new permit cycle. This presentation will explore the evolving requirements for Post Construction BMP programs across the country, focusing on areas where these regulations are tightening and municipalities must adapt their strategies for development, implementation, and maintenance. Although there will be no hands-on activities, the session will actively engage the audience in discussion.
Richard Price
EA Engineering
After a 20-minute presentation and hands-on app demonstration, participants will learn how to download and use the app to accurately measure their home’s rainwater footprint. They’ll gain the knowledge to determine the optimal size and type of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) for their property, and will be able to complete their rainwater assessment independently once they return home
Cyrus Howe
Hawaiʻi Green Growth
Lauren Roth
Hawaiʻi Green Growth
Updates on the Ala Wai Watershed Restoration and Revitalization Project will cover the application of a Systems Thinking approach to address issues throughout the watershed, from the mountain to the near-shore coral reef. The project is divided into five subprojects, including cyberinfrastructure for ecosystem monitoring, alien species harvesting, the Genki Ala Wai Project, engaging academia, and coral reef ecosystem monitoring. A five-year update on the Genki Ala Wai Project will highlight the expansion of test sites using Effective Microorganisms® (EM) Technology for bioremediation, improving water quality in the Ala Wai Canal. Data from the Blue Water Task Force and observations of marine species show the significant positive impact of these efforts, especially on water quality in the Ala Moana Beach Park area.
Kenneth Y. Kaneshiro
Hawaii Exemplary State Foundation
Although he spent some time at various institutions across the US mainland as well as abroad, Ken is a local boy, born and raised in Hawaii and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he received his Bachelorʻs, Masterʻs and Ph.D. degrees. He was then hired as a member of the UH Faculty as a Research Scientist for nearly 6 decades and eventually retired as an Emeritus Researcher at the end of 2023.
Ken led the establishment of the Center for Research and Training (CCRT) within the Pacific Biosciences Research Center in 1993. He also led the development of a new Graduate Specialization in Ecology, Evolution and Conservaton Biology (EECB) which is an interdisciplinary program bringing together faculty and graduate students from 5 Colleges and Schools at UH Manoa as well as from UH Hilo.
He continues in his role as Director of CCRT but also serves as President/CEO of the Hawaii Exemplary State Foundation (HESF). HESF is the administrative organization for the Genki Ala Wai Project which is the topic of our presentation today.
The strategic mission of the HESF is “...to implement a comprehensive systems approach to empower communities of thrive socially, culturally, economically and environmentally through the integraton of traditional knowledge and modern scientific technologies in order to formulate solution strategies within the global commons.”
The Genki Ball project using the EM (Effective Microorganisms) Technology is just one of the tools we are deploying to enhance the water quality of the Ala Wai Watershed ecosystem from the top of the Koolaus into the nearshore coral reef ecosystem. We will be presenting some of the up-to-date data demonstrating the effectiveness of this tool.
Hiromichi Nago
Hawaii Exemplary State Foundation
Hiroʻs ancestral roots come from Gushikawa in Okinawa, Japan.
He grew up in an environment of naturally grown foods and this led Hiro to earn a bachelorʻs degree in horticulture from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
While living and working in Okinawa in the early 1990ʻs. He was inspired by Prof. Teruo Higa, that promoting the benefits of Effective Microorganisms® aka EM®, and getting away from the overuse of chemicals would be his life mission. From his introduction to EM Research Organization (EMRO) in 1995, he opened the EMRO HAWAII branch office to support the Hawaii operations. Then reorganized as a locally owned company EM HAWAII, LLC since 2006, and has 30 years of experience with EM Technology®.
EM•1®, the active "ingredient" in Genki Balls, has been used for more than 40 years in over 100 countries to ferment & digest organic matter, improve water quality and restore ecosystems.
In 2019, together with Mary Ann Kobayashi, a retired DOE Science Curriculum specialist with 40 years of service launched the Genki Ala Wai Project as a collaboration under the non-profit Hawaii Exemplary State Foundation (HESF), introducing Genki Balls (EM Bioremediation Mudballs) to engage schools and organizations in environmental restoration efforts.
This session provides an update on the Ola Waikīkī project, which focuses on improving water quality in the Ala Wai Canal through nature-based solutions. Over the past year, five local organizations and six pilot projects have been selected to demonstrate green stormwater infrastructure strategies. The presentation will showcase these projects, highlight the organizations leading the efforts, and share key insights from community feedback on green stormwater approaches. Join us to learn how local partnerships and innovative design are advancing a cleaner, healthier Ala Wai.
Melanie Lander
University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program
Melanie Lander is a Community Planning & Design Extension Agent with the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program. She focuses on mitigating climate change-induced impacts on coastal urban areas, stormwater runoff and wastewater system failures.
Melanie has recently contributed to Hawaii-based planning resources, including the Hawaii Cesspool Prioritization Tool and Maui Environmentally Sensitive Areas Atlas. She is currently co-leading the project Ola Waikīkī, which will bring green stormwater infrastructure demonstration sites to the Ala Wai Watershed.
Dolan Eversole
Hawaii Sea Grant College Program
Dolan Eversole currently serves as the Waikīkī Beach management coordinator through the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, in partnership with the Waikīkī Beach Special Improvement District Association. Eversole served as the NOAA Coastal Storms Program, Pacific Islands Regional Coordinator from 2010 to 2015, covering all the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Island (USAPI) territories including American Samoa, Guam, CNMI, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The Coastal Storms Program (CSP) provides outreach and coordination support to the region by supporting vulnerability assessments, and by identifying technological and socio-economic solutions to reduce their vulnerability through measures that improve adaptation and community resilience.
Eversole is a Coastal Geologist by training having earned his degrees in geology and geophysics at UH Manoa. He has completed coursework for the University of Hawaiʻi’s certificate in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance offered through the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at UH Manoa. Eversole served from 2003 to 2010 as a technical and policy advisor to the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL), of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) on coastal issues including coastal hazard mitigation, coastal management policy, coastal resource conservation, emergency management and climate change adaptation.
In addition to his technical and regional experience, Eversole draws from years of experience as an ocean recreation enthusiast and ocean lifeguard that has complimented his position as a coastal geomorphologist working within the state of Hawaiʻi.
This presentation explores the impact of trash on urban watersheds, focusing on its role in sediment capture and downstream transport. Trash negatively affects water quality, habitats, and aesthetics, and can contribute to flooding. The talk highlights strategies for capturing both trash and sediment, with case examples from watersheds discharging onto beaches, including a challenging transboundary watershed in Tijuana, Mexico. Key insights from trash cleanup and sediment dredging activities over the past decade will be shared, offering solutions for managing these pollutants in various watershed types.
Emma Yuen
DLNR D
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) offers benefits like stormwater management, flood mitigation, and beautification, but its impact varies based on different stakeholders, including contractors, asset managers, operators, and the public. This session reviews different GSI facility types and emphasizes the importance of considering diverse perspectives when planning and designing GSI solutions. While GSI can improve public spaces, it may also lead to unintended challenges, such as hindering transit access or increasing maintenance costs. The goal is to ensure that GSI solutions are both effective and considerate of the needs of all community members involved.
Jesse Williams
Bowers and Kubota, Jacobs
Emily Stone
Jacobs
Emily Stone is an environmental scientist and planner with Jacobs with experience in project planning and development, education and outreach, and community engagement. She works with the City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Division to develop storm water education and training to the public and City staff. Emily enjoys working towards environmental and sustainable solutions aligned with community needs in Hawaii.
Keo Sanches
Bowers and Kubota, Jacobs
Dustin Atchison
Bowers and Kubota, Jacobs
Dustin serves as Jacobs’ Global Technology Lead for Stormwater and Watershed Management, with over 24 years of experience (16+ at Jacobs/CH2M) in water resources and stormwater management.
Dustin integrates green infrastructure with grey solutions that work for clients, protect the environment, and enhance communities, through the development of master plans, guidelines, education and implementation of stormwater solutions.
Dustin also enjoys applying his skillset to ecosystem restoration projects including stream and wetland restoration and culvert fish passage replacement projects. Outside of work Dustin is typically finding ways to play on or around water.
This presentation focuses on the construction stormwater inspection process, offering insights from Third-Party Inspectors and the Storm Water Quality Division. It aims to prepare homeowners, contractors, and ESCP Coordinators for stormwater compliance inspections throughout a project's lifecycle. Key topics include effective implementation of construction stormwater control measures, ensuring documentation is up-to-date, reviewing site maps, and understanding the roles and responsibilities of authorized representatives. The goal is to help attendees be prepared for inspections and ensure their projects meet stormwater compliance requirements.
Branden Ibara
Jacobs
Branden Ibara is an environmental scientist at Jacobs here in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is currently an inspector with the Third-Party Construction Inspection Program directed by the Department of Facility Maintenance Storm Water Quality Division of the City and County of Honolulu. His area of inspection covers Kapolei, Ewa Beach, Royal Kunia, and Mililani.
He has over 15 years of environmental science experience in Hawaii. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Global Environmental Science from the University of Hawaii: Manoa. He also has a Master of Divinity from Wayland Baptist University: Hawaii.
Branden was born and raised here on Oahu and is a life-long resident of Kaneohe, Hawaii. He is married and is the father of two. Branden enjoys watching sci-fi and anime, gardening, working out, and coin collecting.
The Department of Facility Maintenance has been working with stakeholders since 2019 to develop a Storm Water Fee (SWF) for Oʻahu to support the island's stormwater management needs. The proposed fee will apply to properties with 300 or more square feet of impervious surface, such as rooftops, driveways, and parking lots. The SWF will fund the Storm Water Enterprise Fund, ensuring dedicated revenue for managing and maintaining the island's stormwater system, which includes activities like stream cleaning, beach mouth openings, and stormwater pollution control.
The SWF fee will be based on the amount of impervious surface on each property, which serves as a proxy for the stormwater runoff it generates. The department has developed a rate model to assess different rate structure options and service levels. The model takes into account stormwater operation and maintenance services, as well as capital projects for controlling stormwater volumes and addressing pollutants. The proposal includes stakeholder engagement with residents, businesses, and community groups to gather input and assess the potential impacts on different property types. The goal is to create a more equitable and sustainable funding system for stormwater management on Oʻahu.
Laurens van der Tak
Jacobs
Laurens van der Tak is a water resources engineer with more than 34 years of experience including supporting the City and County of Honolulu over the last 6 years.
Laurens helps public and private clients to address stormwater and water resource issues including climate vulnerability assessments and adaptation, green stormwater infrastructure, flood and sewer system modeling, water supply planning modeling and user-fee-funded stormwater utility enterprises.
Laurens is a native of Washington, DC, based out of Jacobs’ Silver Spring, MD office, also serving as the Americas Water Resilience Director for Jacobs.
Juli Beth Hinds
Birchline Planning LLC, Jacobs
Cami Kloster
Jacobs
New Orleans faces significant flooding challenges due to its geography, climate, aging infrastructure, and rising threats like sea-level rise and extreme precipitation. A current study focuses on integrating blue-green stormwater infrastructure (BGSI) with traditional grey infrastructure to manage flooding in the Lakeview, Lake Vista, and Lake Shore neighborhoods. The study uses hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to assess flood risk and identify priority areas.
A BGSI toolbox was developed in collaboration with city partners, incorporating practices like wet ponds, dry detention basins, underground detention, bioretention areas, and permeable pavements. These solutions aim to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and mitigate urban heat islands. This approach exemplifies how combining nature-based and traditional solutions can enhance urban resilience and adaptability in the face of future flooding challenges.
Key learning objectives include understanding how to integrate BGSI with traditional systems, evaluate and prioritize flood risk reduction projects, and optimize community impact, partnership opportunities, hydraulic benefits, and cost-effectiveness.
Dustin Atchison
Bowers and Kubota, Jacobs
Dustin serves as Jacobs’ Global Technology Lead for Stormwater and Watershed Management, with over 24 years of experience (16+ at Jacobs/CH2M) in water resources and stormwater management.
Dustin integrates green infrastructure with grey solutions that work for clients, protect the environment, and enhance communities, through the development of master plans, guidelines, education and implementation of stormwater solutions.
Dustin also enjoys applying his skillset to ecosystem restoration projects including stream and wetland restoration and culvert fish passage replacement projects. Outside of work Dustin is typically finding ways to play on or around water.
Emily Stone
Jacobs
Emily Stone is an environmental scientist and planner with Jacobs with experience in project planning and development, education and outreach, and community engagement. She works with the City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Division to develop storm water education and training to the public and City staff. Emily enjoys working towards environmental and sustainable solutions aligned with community needs in Hawaii.
Monica Stochl
Jacobs
The stormwater regulatory landscape is evolving to address growing concerns about water quality and environmental protection. Recent trends show agencies moving towards stricter and more comprehensive regulatory frameworks. Key changes include:
1) EPA Actions: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing stormwater permits under its residual designation authority for previously uncovered commercial, industrial, and institutional sources.
2) Supreme Court Rulings: Key decisions are shaping the interpretation of the Clean Water Act, particularly in relation to groundwater and surface water connections, and enforcement of discharge permits.
3) Emerging Contaminants: Increasing focus on new pollutants, like PFAS, microplastics, and 6PPD-quinone, which will influence future stormwater regulations and permits.
These changes, driven by both judicial decisions and evolving regulatory priorities, highlight the need for municipalities and industries to stay ahead of stormwater compliance challenges.
Ross W. Dunning
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
Ross Dunning is Kennedy Jenks' stormwater practice leader and senior technical resource for Clean Water Act permit support and drainage and treatment design based in Federal Way, WA.
Ross is an accomplished project manager with a broad range of civil engineering experience specifically focused on the fields of stormwater conveyance and treatment and he is abreast of the stormwater regulatory climate across the country.
His primary focus is helping transportation sector agencies and municipalities to navigate the maze of federal, state, and local regulations to find sound engineering solutions benefitting business and the environment.
Effective stormwater management requires a comprehensive approach that integrates the selection, installation, and maintenance of BMPs. By considering site-specific factors, employing best practices in installation, and committing to regular maintenance, we can maximize the effectiveness of BMPs and significantly reduce the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff. This presentation aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement and sustain successful stormwater BMPs, ultimately contributing to healthier and more resilient environments.
Doug Williams
Laulea Engineering
Mālama Maunalua (MM) is a non-profit dedicated to protecting Maunalua Bay through science, education, and hands-on restoration, focusing on mitigating the impact of stormwater runoff. The organization has worked with various partners to address both water and land issues affecting the bay.
In 2024, MM expanded its efforts across O'ahu, supported by new funding from initiatives like the Wai Maoli Hawai'i Fresh Water Initiative, NFWF, and NOAA. MM partnered with the City and County of Honolulu Division of Facilities and Maintenance and 3RWater to launch a Pilot Rainwater Capture Solution Incentive Program. This program provides free rain barrels, rain gardens, and trees to residents, particularly those in greater socio-economic need, marking the first such program in Hawaii to offer direct installation rather than rebates.
The initiative has garnered strong community response, and the goal is to develop a scalable model for other counties in Hawaii. This presentation will cover the program’s development, outreach, partnerships, and progress so far.
Pamela Weiant
Malama Maunalua
Dr. Pamela Weiant is Director of Science & Planning at Malama Maunalua. During her tenure with MM, she oversees restoration, research, and community projects on land and in the water to further the organization’s goal to protect and preserve Maunalua Bay.
She has been co-leading the Stormwater Capture Solution Incentive Project. She has a BA in Geography from Vassar College, a Master’s in Conservation Biology from Yale University School for the Environment, and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from University of California at Santa Barbara.
In response to the Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement (FFCA) with the EPA, the United States Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) evaluated recent development projects for Post-Construction BMP retrofits. The FFCA requires an inventory of projects completed since October 15, 2014, involving ground-disturbing activities, detailing factors like location, impervious area, stormwater pathways, and BMPs. Projects lacking BMPs were assessed for retrofit feasibility based on water quality, sustainability, cost, and potential impacts. A ranking system was developed to score 25 projects suitable for retrofitting, scoring over 50 out of 100 points. This presentation will cover the methodology, ranking system, and retrofit options to improve water quality and enhance sustainability for MCBH’s future development.
Katy Smith
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
In 2023 Katy Smith joined the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Environmental Compliance and Protection Division as the Program manager for the Storm water and Air programs, she serves as one of installation’s environmental engineers and is primarily responsible for the Storm Water permit and program ensuring the base’s environmental compliance with Federal, State, and local laws.
Ms. Smith earned a B.A. in Environmental Systems, with a focus in environmental policy from University of California San Diego in 2023. She has over 10 years of experience in the environmental field, including writing environmental policies, conducting environmental site assessments, investigations, and cleanups.
Ms. Smith was the in United States Marine Corps for 12 years, the last three of which she spent as the Ground Safety Officer for Marine Aircraft Group 13 managing the safety and environmental programs.
This session covers MS4 training requirements, focusing on who needs training, what content is required, and the training needs for each Minimum Control Measure (MCM). MS4s must train municipal employees, construction contractors, industrial site owners, and the public. Training can be difficult to manage due to its time-consuming nature, high costs, and tracking challenges. With modern Learning Management System (LMS) technology and stormwater-specific content from NMSA, cities can streamline the process, ensure compliance, and make training more efficient. This session will discuss how to save time, reduce costs, and easily track training for all required groups.
Seth Brown
NMSA - National Municipal Stormwater Alliance
The Surfrider Foundation and The University of Hawaii at Manoa are conducting a survey of water quality impacts to our nearshore environment from extreme weather events. Increased stormwater flow during large rain events often produce brown water in our nearshore. SRF is collecting water quality samples at intervals before, during, and following large storm events to study the impacts to water quality for impacts to both human and ecological health. The Surfrider Foundation has also built a significant rain garden in Kakaako which diverts potentially polluted runoff from a parking lot through a food forest oasis.
Daniel Amato
Surfrider Foundation
Dr. Daniel Amato is a water quality specialist working as an environmental scientist with Element Environmental, LLC. Working with all levels of government and private clients, Daniel has gained extensive experience with the implementation and assessment of stormwater BMPs related to construction, post-construction, industrial, and commercial operations.
As affiliate faculty in the Marine Biology Graduate Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and coordinator of the Blue Water Task Force for the Surfrider Foundation’s Oahu chapter, Daniel’s current research and volunteer-led work investigates the impact of anthropogenic activity and extreme storm events on coastal water quality and reef health in the nearshore waters of Hawaii.
Marvin Heskett
Surfrider Foundation
Marvin Heskett was raised with sustainability at the heart of family life. He is currently a practicing environmental consultant and an environmental chemist.
Marvin received a B.S. in biochemistry from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo and has worked as a mass spec. chemist, quality assurance officer, and laboratory director prior to taking on the role of a consultant.
As a consultant he has worked with the State of Hawaii Department of Health in innovating novel approaches to solving environmental problems throughout the Pacific Region. He has practiced stormwater program management for over ten years with an emphasis on improving Hawaii’s water quality.
The One Water approach integrates the water cycle, recognizing all water flows as potential resources, while a holistic stormwater management strategy addresses stormwater and wet weather flows from source to receiving water. This approach includes evaluating the performance, life cycle costs, and benefits of best management practices (BMPs). The Water Research Foundation (WRF) leads stormwater research, including the BMP Database, which provides performance and cost data on over 800 BMPs. WRF also developed the CLASIC decision support tool, used in case studies across various U.S. climate regions, to assess hydrologic performance, costs, and benefits of stormwater infrastructure. The growing trend of stormwater capture and use (SCU) is also explored, with studies showing its potential to contribute to a water-resilient future.
Harry Zhang
The Water Research Foundation
Jim Siriano
The Water Research Foundation
The One Water approach views the water cycle as an integrated system, considering all water flows as potential resources. A comprehensive stormwater management strategy addresses wet weather flows from source to receiving water, incorporating performance, life cycle costs, and benefits of best management practices (BMPs). The Water Research Foundation (WRF) leads stormwater research, including the BMP Database, offering data on over 800 BMPs. The WRF-developed CLASIC tool helps evaluate stormwater infrastructure across various U.S. climates, assessing hydrologic performance, costs, and benefits. Additionally, the growing trend of stormwater capture and use (SCU) is explored, with studies highlighting its role in building water resilience.
Jon Lowry
CDM Smith
Jon Lowry has over 23 years of experience developing and implementing innovative solutions for water resource projects and programs. He specializes in stormwater management, hydrologic assessment, and design of low impact development (LID) and non-LID stormwater treatment Best Management Practices (BMPs).
He also has extensive experience with the development and implementation of stormwater management programs for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit compliance.
Mr. Lowry’s other areas of engineering practice includes potable water and sewer system planning and design, construction management, asset management systems, MS4 maintenance programs, watershed studies, and environmental permitting and compliance.
Rhea Quezon
CDM Smith
Rhea Quezon is an Environmental Engineer with CDM Smith. She has two and half years of experience spanning Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, utility ratemaking, Lead and Copper Rule Revision compliance, source water planning, and stormwater design and permitting. She received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of San Francisco and holds a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University.
CDM Smith collaborated with Los Angeles County Public Works to develop a Green Streets Master Plan (GSMP) for unincorporated areas, identifying 110 sites for green infrastructure retrofits to meet MS4 permit requirements. Using GIS analysis and hydrologic modeling, 5 signature projects were selected to serve as examples for implementation. Preliminary designs included a variety of Best Management Practices (BMPs) like bioretention, pervious pavement, and underground facilities, tailored to different geological conditions. Additionally, CDM Smith supported the City of Los Angeles with stormwater diversion projects for the Stormwater Capture Parks Program, incorporating sustainable elements such as permeable pavement, solar grids, and EV charging stations. The projects aimed to improve water quality, recharge groundwater, and provide community benefits. This presentation highlights green street site screening, selection, design, and how parks can serve as green infrastructure, offering multiple benefits to communities.
Russ Vadenais
CDM Smith
Russ Vadenais is a water resources engineer with eighteen years of experience in stormwater management practices including drainage design, green stormwater infrastructure, water quality protection, erosion control, stormwater treatment, and stormwater guidance manual development.
He is experienced in low impact development (LID), hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality modeling, pollutant source control, water quality sampling and data analysis, and BMP performance monitoring. Russ is a registered Civil Engineer in the States of California and Nevada and a Project Technical Leader for CDM Smith.
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