Pearl City's drainages into Pearl Harbor estuary fall under strict ROH Chapter 43, Article 11 stormwater rules prohibiting non-stormwater discharges to the city's MS4 system.
Sec. 43-11.12 covers connections to the city separate storm sewer, while Sec. 43-11.22 prohibits discharges other than stormwater into the MS4. Implementing Rules Relating to Water Quality are adopted under ROH 14-12. Pearl City drainages flow into Pearl Harbor, a sensitive estuarine and federally managed water body, so illicit discharges such as soapy wash water, pool drainage, paint rinse, or oil receive heightened attention. Commercial and residential activities alike must avoid discharging anything but clean rainwater and allowed exceptions into storm drains.
Discharging wash water, pool chemicals, paint, or oil into storm drains can result in administrative orders, civil penalties, and federal Clean Water Act attention.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle stormwater management.
See how Pearl City's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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