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)