Pilot project tackles Capitol
pool algae problem

Answer: At the beginning of the year, the state Department of Accounting and General Services began a pilot project to test different enzyme treatments to control algae in the reflecting pools.

Two companies -- Williams and Associates Inc. and H20 Sales and Service Inc. -- were hired by the state to treat the algae.

State Comptroller Russ Saito said one vendor treated the Ewa-side pools while the other treated the Diamond Head-side pools with enzymes. The enzymes are biological agents that eventually kill the algae.

Since the pilot project started, the pools have been much clearer and the odor reduced. However, algae is still forming.

"It's a natural phenomenon. If you have lots of water and sunlight, algae is going to grow," Saito said. Also, the water in the pools is brackish water from wells, which contains more nutrients than fresh water. Algae feed on the nutrients.

Officials will use water samples to determine which vendor was more effective in treating the algae. The winner will face off against a third vendor, Organa Agriculture Hawaii Inc., for two months.

The state hopes to pick a vendor by the end of summer and seek funding from the Legislature next year.

Meanwhile, officials are continuing to look into structural improvements for the pools. Improvement costs are estimated at more than $5 million. Cracks were observed in the membrane of the pools, causing leaks along the corridors in the basement.

Saito said they are determining whether the pools pose health and safety concerns.

"We're not in imminent danger," he said.