What is the name of your organization?
Kai Pono Solutions
What is the name of your solution?
The Makena Model
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
A low impact stormwater filtration device designed for urban retrofits, reducing pollution and enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Encinitas, CA, USA
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
United States
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
Stormwater pollution is a major environmental threat, especially in urban areas where runoff carries harmful contaminants into waterways. In the U.S., stormwater runoff is a leading cause of water pollution, contributing to toxic algae blooms, habitat destruction, and public health risks. Globally, billions of people rely on waterways impacted by polluted runoff, which contains heavy metals, microplastics, and other pollutants from roads and infrastructure.
Traditional stormwater filtration systems are expensive, difficult to implement, and often require major infrastructure changes. Our solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy filtration mechanism that integrates into existing stormwater systems. By capturing pollutants at the source, our technology prevents contamination before discharge, improving water quality, protecting ecosystems, and enhancing community resilience against increasing environmental challenges.
What is your solution?
Our flood-proof stormwater filtration system is designed for urban retrofits, improving water quality while integrating seamlessly into existing drainage infrastructure.
We install our system in curb inlets and storm drains, requiring construction for retrofitting but without disrupting underground utility lines—a major concern for urban stormwater projects. Our patent-pending apparatus effectively captures debris, microplastics, phosphorus, petroleum products, and other pollutants before they enter waterways, while never blocking or clogging the storm drain. Unlike traditional filters that can obstruct flow and create backups, our design ensures that stormwater continues to drain as intended, maintaining the existing drainage capacity.
Because our system is low-impact and cost-effective, communities appreciate that we provide a practical, scalable solution for cleaner waterways without requiring major infrastructure overhauls.
https://vimeo.com/901002608
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our solution serves urban environments, particularly cities with complex, aged infrastructure often described as "utility spaghetti." In these areas, retrofitting stormwater systems can be a challenge due to the dense network of underground utilities. Our system is designed to integrate seamlessly into these environments without disrupting existing utility lines, making it an ideal solution for cities with limited space and resources.
While we currently focus on providing this technology to cities, our long-term goal is to make it affordable for low-income communities. We recognize the direct correlation between poverty and pollution, and we aim to help underserved populations who face disproportionate exposure to water contamination and environmental hazards. By offering a scalable, cost-effective solution, we can improve the health of local waterways, reduce pollution, and enhance resilience in these vulnerable communities.
