A critical issue in the Hawaiian islands is a reliable supply of freshwater. Although rainfall, streamflow, and ground water generally are abundant in Hawaii, most islands are withdrawing water at rates close to the estimated yield of aquifers near the populated areas. In addition, most proposed urban development is in the dry, leeward areas of the islands. The USGS, in cooperation with State and local agencies, is conducting studies to quantify the availability of ground water in five of the six major islands of Hawaii. As part of these studies, the USGS has undertaken an exploratory drilling program on Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai.
Similar studies are underway for western Maui, and northeastern Kauai.
Impacts of Introduced Avian Diseases on Native Honeycreepers images size 56KB Figure 2. This species is currently restricted to high elevation montane rain forests on Kauai. Like other native honeycreepers, Anianiau are highly susceptible to avian pox and malaria, and they have disappeared from former low elevation habitats because of mosquito-transmitted avian diseases. The introduction to Hawaii of avian pox and avian malaria, along with the Culex mosquitoes, which spread these diseases, has had a severe impact on native forest bird communities. Scientists at the USGS Pacific Islands Ecosystems Research Center have taken a leading role in evaluating the effects of these diseases on highly susceptible Hawaiian honeycreepers, a unique and diverse group of native birds.