Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply Hurricane Lala recovery update
Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply thanks its customers and the public for their patience and understanding as it continues assessment and recovery efforts following catastrophic rainfall and flooding caused by Hurricane Lala, which significantly damaged water system infrastructure in the Nā‘ālehu-Wai‘ōhinu area.
Current status and recovery priorities
Crews continue to make progress restoring water service throughout the Nā‘ālehu-Wai‘ōhinu water system. About 98% of customers now have water service.
Recovery efforts are focused on restoring water service to the about 2% of customers who remain without service in the Wai‘ōhinu Homestead service area.
Crews restored water service to all customers along South Point Road.
Increased water use put additional demand on the South Point tank as service restoration continues, causing storage levels to decline significantly.
Hāʻao Spring and Mountain House Spring supply water to the South Point tank under normal operating conditions. However, Hāʻao Spring is the only source now available to refill the tank because of significant damage to the Mountain House Spring waterline.
The department is supplementing the South Point tank with potable water hauled from another water system to help maintain adequate water storage.
Flow restriction devices were installed and will continue to be installed on customer meters along South Point Road, as necessary, to help maintain adequate water service throughout that area.
Mountain House Spring restoration — top priority
Restoring Mountain House Spring to the water system remains the department’s 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 overall recovery strategy.
Work necessary to transport materials and equipment to the damaged sections of the Mountain House Spring waterline was assessed and options to expedite repairs are being evaluated, including potential use of helicopters to transport materials and equipment to the repair sites.
Work will include significant repairs to infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala. Repairs are expected to include, but not limited to:
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, with measures designed to improve their resilience in future heavy rainfall and flooding events.
Additional Wai‘ōhinu pipeline and road repairs
Significant pipeline and road damage in the Wai‘ōhinu area also continue to be addressed.
These repairs are an important part of restoring the integrity and reliability of the water system following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Lala.
Crews are working to coordinate and expedite these repairs alongside the Mountain House Spring restoration to maximize progress toward restoring reliable water service to all affected customers.
Some repairs will require substantial construction and coordination because of the extent of the damage, including washed-out roads, drainageways and waterlines. The department will provide additional information as recovery efforts progress.
Temporary water supply
Temporary measures continue to be provided to assist customers who remain without water service while permanent repairs are underway, including:
Deployment of potable water tankers to the Wai‘ōhinu Homestead area, Discovery Harbor Clubhouse and Island Mart parking lot in Nā‘ālehu for customer use.
Water quality
The precautionary boil water notice remains in effect. Customers should continue to follow the notice until the department officially announces it is lifted.
Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply will continue to provide updates as significant recovery milestones are reached.
