Windward O‘ahu Soil & Water Conservation District
Thanks to Waimanalo's conservation-minded land users in 1948, the Windward O‘ahu SWCD has pioneered sustainable agriculture on O‘ahu for nearly 60 years. Today, the Windward O‘ahu SWCD includes Cooperators from Waimanalo to Kahuku. We continue to support agriculture through conservation planning, water management planning and meter size recommendations, public outreach and general technical assistance.
Windward O‘ahu SWCD directors (L-R):
David Ringuette, Kapua Sproat-Fonoimoana, Rick Towill & Richard Garcia (missing: Paul Uyehara)
Meeting Information
Agriculture producers interested in becoming a Cooperator should attend a SWCD meeting. Windward O‘ahu SWCD meets on the
2nd Wednesday of each month at 5:45 pm at the UH Extension Center meeting room in Kāne‘ohe.
Please fill out all application materials 
prior to the meeting. Call our office at (808) 483-8600 ext. 354 to reconfirm the meeting time.
Conservation Planning
Windward O‘ahu SWCD focuses most of its energy on developing conservation plans for its Cooperators. We have serviced countless producers over the years, including nearly 100 new Cooperators since July 2006. Conservation planning in the Windward O‘ahu area has improved the health of our waterbodies, the fertility of our soils and the vitality of our agricultural businesses. Click on a thumbnail to learn about our conservation planning projects.
Permitting & Exemptions
Some conservation plans include practices that require permitting through various federal, state or county agencies. Cooperators with District approved conservation plans may also apply for permit exemptions to the City & County of Honolulu Grading, Grubbing and Stockpiling Ordinances. Depending on the practices you choose, you may need to apply for other permits. District Cooperators are required to acquire all necessary permits before starting work. Click here for permitting information or here for a print copy. 
Windbreak Options
Questions about windbreaks? The O‘ahu SWCD staff, along with the NRCS Plant Materials Center, compiled a list of Windbreak Replacement Options. Or click here for a print copy.
Water Management Planning
In addition to conservation planning, Windward O‘ahu SWCD offers Water Management Plans to Cooperators looking to improve their irrigation systems and practices. We also give Meter Size Recommendations to those seeking larger agriculture water meters from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. To apply, please fill in our Cooperator application and a Water Management Data Sheet. Call (808) 483-8600 ext. 354 for more information.
Public Outreach Activities
Windward O‘ahu SWCD has participated in a number of outreach projects throughout the years. Recently, we have focused on bringing attention to conservation and agriculture issues to a broader audience. Click on a thumbnail above to read about our recent outreach events.
Read The Oahu Outlook to learn more about our 2006-2007 projects.
Special Projects
Contact our office to learn about our special projects and volunteer opportunities.