West Kaua‘i Soil & Water Conservation District
After years of lobbying by determined landholders around Waimea, the West Kaua‘i SWCD was founded in 1953. Today, West Kaua‘i SWCD serves the agricultural community through conservation planning, technical assistance and public outreach.
West Kaua‘i SWCD Board & Staff (L-R):
Monika Mira, Lex Riggle, Howard Greene, Peter Tausend, Adam Killermann, Amanda Skelton,
Alan Muraoka & Marj Stanphill
(missing: Roy Oyama, Joseph Soares, Keith Smith, David Smith, Kevin McMahon
& Gary Ueunten)
Meeting Information
West Kaua‘i SWCD generally meets on the
3rd Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the National Tropical Botanical Garden Education Center in Lāwa‘i.
Agricultural producers interested in applying for Cooperator status should complete a
Cooperative Agreement 
, call our office at (808) 245-6513 ext. 108 and speak to our Conservation Specialist.
Conservation Planning
West Kaua‘i SWCD works with our Cooperators to prepare conservation plans for county permitting exemptions, to qualify for USDA programs and in an effort to support sustainable land use. All conservation plan is created to meet the producer's unique business goals and special concerns. All agricultural producers are encouraged to apply for Cooperator status. Contact our office at (808) 245-6513 ext. 107 for further information.
2006 Cooperator of the Year
Gary Ueunten with WKSWCD Chair Peter Tausend
Permitting & Exemptions
District-approved conservation plans allow Cooperators access to a number of benefits, including an exemption from the county grading, grubbing and stockpiling ordinances. Click here for permitting information.
Cooperator of the Year 2006
Each year, the Kaua‘i SWCDs recognize a farmer or rancher that has shown exceptional use of responsible conservation and management practices. West Kaua‘i chose Gary & Glenna Ueunten of Lāwa‘i as their Cooperator of the Year 2006. Click here to learn more about the Ueuntens and their farm.
Public Outreach Activities
The Kaua‘i SWCDs believe in the power of education, so our Districts aim to support one outreach activity every month of the year. Some of our regular community activities include:
West Kaua‘i SWCD
Outstanding Water Conservationist 2007
Greg Williams of Kaua‘i Coffee Company
Pictured (L-R): Peter Tausend, Lex Riggle, Greg Williams, Bob Farias Jr., Boyd Gayagas & Ted Inouye
- Conservation Awareness Contest: The Kaua‘i SWCDs sponsor this competition for island high school students. Through the contest, partipants learn about soil science and conservation within agriculture.
- Outstanding Water Conservationist of the Year: Kaua‘i SWCDs each recognize one producer who makes outstanding efforts to conserve water using alternate sources and innovative irrigation methods. Click on the picture to the left for the story.
- Kaua‘i "Water Festival": The Kaua‘i SWCDs volunteer for the Kaua‘i Department of Water “Water Festival,” an environmental education program for fifth graders, focusing on the importance of conservation and water-saving methods.
- County Farm Bureau Annual Fair: Every year, Kaua‘i SWCDs are invited to host a booth at the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair. Our booth displays our activities and role in resource conservation.
- Cooperator of the Year: Kaua‘i SWCDs recognizes one producer each who makes an outstanding effort to conserve resources.
- SWCD Annual Report: Every year, the Districts inform the public about our role in natural resources conservation, activities and accomplishments. Click here to read our 2007 Annual Report.
- Community Meetings: The Kaua‘i SWCDs regularly participate in community meetings, like the NRCS "Local Work Group" meetings, to provide our input on natural resources conservation.
Special Projects
Training Videos - "Demonstration and Training in Critical Area Stablization Techniques on Agricultural Roads and Unprotected Waterways"
Thanks to 2003 EPA 319(h) funds, the Kaua‘i SWCDs produced a series demonstration videos, now available to the public. This training program teaches Hawai‘i farmers how to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation caused by run-off from agricultural roads and faulty irrigation systems. Topics covered include: roads, importance of drainage, outlets, standing water, and road banks. Producers looking to alleviate topsoil erosion, stop rutting on on agricultural roads, and prevent nonpoint source pollution are encouraged to check out this video series. Contact our office for more information.