EP 77 Water planner Barry Usagawa on caring for Oʻahu’s water from mauka to makai

In Season 5 of Land and People, hosted by Melissa Chimera and Clay Trauernicht, and produced by Kaheāwai Media, we turn our attention to Oʻahu and the water issues that have been top of mind for so many after 2026’s extreme weather, beginning with the Kona lows. Along the way, we’ll also hear from experts across Hawaiʻi whose knowledge spans everything from rapid response after climate events to long-term stewardship of wai, ʻāina, and communities.

In our Season 5 premiere, we’re joined by Barry Usagawa, Water Resources Program Administrator at the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.

Barry traces his connection to land and water back to his upbringing in Hilo, his father’s work as a forester, and more than four decades in public service. The conversation explores watershed stewardship, extreme rainfall and flood response, climate adaptation, and the value of community-led, mauka-to-makai management of water systems on Oʻahu.

Key takeaways:

• Healthy forests are essential infrastructure for reliable water.
• Extreme rainfall calls for long-term, integrated preparation — not just emergency response.
• Cultural knowledge and community leadership are central to sustainable resource management.
• Traditional practices based on Hawaiian ahupuaʻa management now guide the Board of Water Supply’s own approach

Chapters:

00:00 ~ Welcome to Season Five
04:12 ~ Meet Barry Usagawa
11:37 ~ A Career in Water Service
20:57 ~ Land Use, Water, and Watersheds
29:29 ~ From Water Supply to Watershed Stewardship
34:29 ~ Responding to Flooding and Emergencies
45:22 ~ Climate Adaptation Through One Water
57:14 ~ Community-Led Water Planning

Topics:

Watershed protection; public water systems; the Waiāhole Ditch case; flood preparedness; reservoirs and emergency response; climate adaptation; recycled water; seawater desalination; stream restoration; ahupuaʻa-based planning; community stewardship.

Credits:

Guest: Barry Usagawa
Hosts: Melissa Chimera & Clay Trauernicht
Producers: Kaheāwai Media (Tyler Sonnemaker & Landon Tom)