DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY – HURRICANE LALA RECOVERY PLAN UPDATE
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY – HURRICANE LALA RECOVERY PLAN UPDATE
The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply (DWS) thanks its customers and the public for their patience and understanding as DWS continues its assessment and recovery efforts following the catastrophic rainfall and flooding caused by Hurricane Lala, which significantly damaged DWS water system infrastructure in the Nā‘ālehu–Wai’ōhinu area.
Current Status and Recovery Priorities
DWS has restored water service to approximately 95% of customers in the Nā‘ālehu–Wai’ōhinu water system. Recovery efforts remain focused on restoring water service to the approximately 5% of customers who remain without water service at their homes in Wai’ōhinu Homestead and portions of the South Point Road service areas, representing approximately 60 accounts.
Water storage serving the Discovery Harbour area has continued to stabilize, allowing DWS crews to shift additional attention toward the South Point Road area. Storage at the South Point tank is also maintaining adequate levels, allowing crews to progressively work farther along the system to identify and repair damaged sections of waterline.
Mountain House Spring Restoration – DWS’ Top Priority
Restoring Mountain House Spring to the water system remains DWS’ top priority. Mountain House Spring is a critical water source for the affected area, and returning this source to service is a key component of DWS’ overall recovery strategy.
DWS’ contractor has begun assessing road access and the work necessary to reach and repair damaged sections of waterline from the Mountain House Spring source. DWS continues to coordinate with the contractor as this work progresses. Based on DWS’ preliminary assessment, the work will include significant repairs to infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala. Repairs are expected to include but not be limited to the following:
- Restoration of access roads necessary to reach and repair damaged water system infrastructure;
- Replacement and repair of damaged waterlines, including pipelines up to 12 inches in diameter; and
- Construction of necessary structures to support and elevate replacement waterlines above drainageways that were washed out by floodwaters.
Additional Wai’ōhinu Pipeline and Road Repairs
In addition to the Mountain House Spring restoration, DWS continues to address significant pipeline and road damage in the Wai‘ōhinu area.
These repairs are an important part of restoring the integrity and reliability of the water system following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Lala. DWS will coordinate this work with the Mountain House Spring restoration and other emergency repairs to maximize progress toward restoring reliable water service to all affected customers. Because of the extent of the damage, including washed-out roads, drainageways, and waterlines, some repairs will require substantial construction and coordination. DWS will provide additional information as recovery efforts progress.
Temporary Water Supply
While permanent repairs are underway, DWS is pursuing temporary measures to assist customers who remain without water service, including:
- Deployment of potable water tankers to the Wai’ōhinu Homestead and South Point Road areas for customers’ use; and
- Installation of temporary waterlines from the DWS Wai’ōhinu Homestead area to the Wai’ōhinu Houselots tank, where feasible.
Water Conservation
Customers in the affected water system are asked to conserve water during this emergency recovery period. Water conservation measures include:
- Refraining from irrigation or landscape watering.
- Refraining from vehicle washing.
- Repairing leaks on private plumbing systems.
Additional water-use restrictions may be implemented, as necessary, to help maintain available water supplies and system stability while emergency repairs are underway.
Water Quality
The Precautionary Boil Water Notice remains in effect. Customers should continue to follow the notice until DWS officially announces that it has been lifted.
DWS appreciates the continued patience and cooperation of affected customers. Stabilization of water storage in portions of the system is allowing recovery efforts to progress into additional affected areas, while work continues on source restoration, damaged waterlines, temporary water supply options, and water-quality monitoring.
DWS will continue to provide updates as significant recovery milestones are reached.
