Cleaning up the broken pipes, metal waste and other debris from the ocean off the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority is more than a pipe dream for Mark Barville.
Cleaning up the broken pipes, metal waste and other debris from the ocean off the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority is more than a pipe dream for Mark Barville.
The experienced Kona spearfisherman vowed this week to be “a bull dog” about his mission until it’s accomplished.
Over the past couple months, Barville has been documenting the debris offshore Keahole Point — an area he’s been freediving since 1985. He’s taken video and photos of “the massive damage” done to “tens of thousands of live coral heads” by broken pipes, structural steel and trash. He has reported the destruction and his concerns to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and NELHA. His reason is simple: “My love of the reef.”
When the surge picks up, Barville said the loose, heavy items roll over, break and crush coral in his “most favorite place in the world.” Such debris can be found in the area from the nearshore waters to 90-foot depth, and left untouched, it’s “a growing concern,” he added.
“For many years, those pipes, cables, chains and structural materials, both giant and small, have been left behind,” Barville said. “Lots of people know about this marine debris, but nothing on a large scale has been done. It’s such a disappointment. I feel like the government has failed us.”
Barville has been trying to find out whether any authority is investigating who made the decision to leave the debris in the water and why. He wants to know what consequences exist for “the utter lack of responsibility in this matter” and the damage done. Barville is disturbed by the “unbelievable destruction” caused over the last year by the pipes, which he has watched gradually fall apart for at least five years.
DLNR is aware of the reported pipes and is investigating the matter, said Deborah Ward, the agency’s spokeswoman. Further information was unavailable at press time.
NELHA has spoken with Barville and is aware of the coral destruction. The pipe and metal structure Barville photographed and submitted to NELHA belonged to Ocean Farms of Hawaii, one of its first big tenants in the late ’80s. The aquaculture enterprise went bankrupt in 1993 and did not remove its pipe, said NELHA Executive Director Gregory Barbour.
NELHA has a bid open for pipeline maintenance and refurbishing services within this area of concern. The project will likely begin within a month, also when the contracted company will remove any nearby abandoned debris. This additional service is intended to help protect the environment, Barbour said.
Asked if NELHA would help remove debris in other areas, Barbour said he was unsure about the debris Barville was referencing, but was willing to take a look into what could be done. Barbour also stressed none of the abandoned pipeline or materials belongs to NELHA.
Barville said more should be done about “the injustice.” He claims at least half a dozen broken pipes, rotted beams, steel girders, straps, bolts, nuts, connectors, and more are contributing to “an enormous mess.” However, Barville also said the area was filled with stunning juxtaposition of beauty and horror, destruction and renewal, happiness and sadness. He described the vibrant marine life found there and coral growing on or under human-made structures.
Still, removal is his mantra — one he plans to keep saying to NELHA and other state agencies until action is taken. Barville is continuing to record the problem and make it public in an attempt to inspire change. He is also removing whatever he can from the reef — something many of his friends also do. Barville said he’s already removed large nets, thousands of feet of fishing line and about 600 pounds of lead fishing weights, as well as broken beer bottles.
“In kindergarten, you learn when you make or see a mess, you clean it up. I want all the trash removed,” he said. “I would do it, but most of the debris is really heavy to lift by myself. I don’t have the proper equipment, large boats and winches, to haul it up. Also I think other underwater man-made structures in the area should be monitored and those in disrepair should be taken out immediately or replaced.”