Puakō, on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island, is in great need of a wastewater treatment plant, according to a team of researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo studying the impact of local sewage systems on coastal water quality.

Distribution of nutrient pollution in coastal waters and coastal reefs in proximity to Hawaiʻi Island developments has been documented by a group of University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo researchers, students and community partners.