Update: Water restriction for North Kona eased back to previous voluntary conservation

Update at 5:47 p.m. Nov. 6: Effective immediately, the 25% mandatory water restriction for areas in North Kona that went into effect earlier today is downgraded back to the 10% voluntary water conservation that has been in effect since September.

The mandatory water restriction was issued because of a prolonged power outage in the upper North Kona area.

While power was restored, the Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply continues to work to replenish water storage levels.

Customers are reminded to use water efficiently and wisely, and not waste water.

Original post at 2:47 p.m. Nov. 6: Hawai‘i County has implemented a mandatory 25% water restriction for residents in North Kona because of a power outage.

Affected areas include Mākālei, Kaloa, Kona Palisades, Keāhole, Palamanui, Kaloko, Kaloko mauka, Hualālai, Kealakehe, Keahuolū and Keōpū.

Power went out just before 10 a.m., impacting more than 3,000 Hawaiian Electric customers. According to the power company, power was fully restored as of 3:02 p.m.

Hawaiian Electric spokesperson Kristen Okinaka said it is unknown what caused the outage at this time and clarified this was not a Public Safety Power Shutoff. The outage is under investigation.

Okinaka said the restoration took longer than usual due to the company’s wildfire safety procedures. In areas identified as being at risk for wildfires, lines remained de-energized until a visual inspection was performed and the circuit was deemed safe to re-energize.

According to the Department of Water Supply, water restriction measures are needed due to the temporary loss of power in the upper North Kona area. As of the time of this notice, Hawaiian Electric does not have an estimated timeframe for restoration of power.

The 25% Water Restriction will preserve adequate water supplies and pressure to meet the community’s drinking, cooking and hygiene needs.

For water conservation tips, visit www.hawaiidws.org, call 808-961-8050 during normal business hours or email dws@hawaiidws.org.

Call 808-961-8790 to report after-hours emergencies.