Hawaii Administrative Rules
Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitle 1 - GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 54 - WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Section 11-54-7 - Uses and specific criteria applicable to marine bottom types

"Sand beaches" means shoreline composed of the weathered calcareous remains of marine algae and animals (white sand), the weathered remains of volcanic tuff (olivine), or the weathered remains of lava (black sand). Associated animals are largely burrowers and are related to particle grain size, slope, and color of the beach.

"Lava rock shorelines" means sea cliffs and other vertical rock faces, horizontal basalts, volcanic tuff beaches, and boulder beaches formed by rocks falling from above or deposited by storm waves. Associated plants and animals are adapted to the harsh physical environment and are distinctly zoned to the degree of wave exposure. "Solution benches" means sea level platforms developed on upraised reef or solidified beach rock by the erosive action of waves and rains. Solution benches are distinguished by a thick algal turf and conspicuous zonation of plants and animals.

"Artificial basins" means dredged or quarried channels or harbors, and harbor-associated submerged structures. Many organisms can attach to the vertical structures, but the soft, shifting sediment' bottoms of harbors may only be colonized by a few hardy or transient species.

"Nearshore reef flats" means shallow platforms of reef rock, rubble, and sand extending from the shoreline. Smaller, younger flats projected out as semicircular aprons while older, larger flats form wide continuous platforms. Associated animals are mollusks, echinoderms, worms, crustaceans (many living beneath the surface), and reef-building corals. "Offshore reef flats" means shallow, submerged platforms of reef rock and sand between depths of zero to three meters (zero to ten feet) which are separated from the shoreline of high volcanic islands by lagoons or ocean expanses. Dominant organisms are bottom-dwelling algae. Biological composition is extremely variable. There are three types: patch, barrier, and atoll reef flats; quite different from one another structurally. The presence of heavier wave action, water more oceanic in character, and the relative absence of terrigenous influences distinguish offshore reef flats. "Protected reef communities" means hard bottom aggregations, including scattered sand channels and patches, dominated by living coral thickets, mounds, or platforms. They are found at depths of ten to thirty meters (thirty-two to ninety-six feet) along protected leeward coasts or in shallow water (up to sea level) in sheltered lagoons behind atoll or barrier reefs and in the calm reaches of bays or coves. "Wave-exposed reef communities" means aggregations, including scattered sand channels and patches, dominated by corals. They may be found at depths up to forty meters (approximately one hundred thirty feet) along coasts subject to continuous or heavy wave action and surge. Wave-exposed reef communities are dominated biologically by benthic algae, reef-building corals, and echinoderms.

"Soft bottom communities" means poorly described and "patchy" communities, mostly of burrowing organisms, living in deposits at depths between two to forty meters (approximately six to one hundred thirty feet). The particle size of sediment, depth below sea level, and degree of water movement and associated sediment turnover dictate the composition of animals which rework the bottom with burrows, trails, tracks, ripples, hummocks, and depressions.

Class II - All soft bottom communities.

The location and boundaries of each bottom-type class shall be clarified when situations require their identification. For example, the location and boundaries shall be clarified when a discharge permit is applied for or a waiver pursuant to Section 301(h) of the Act is required.