Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply provides Lala recovery update

Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply provided the following update Sept. 1 about progress of water service restoration efforts in areas of Kaʻū.

Nā‘ālehu – Wai‘ōhinu

(includes Discovery Harbor, Mark Twain Subdivision, Green Sands Subdivision and South Point Road areas)

• Crews continue assessment and recovery efforts to restore reliable water service to mauka Wai‘ōhinu and South Point Road. They have been able to further assess the extent of damage to critical water system infrastructure as access to hurricane-damaged areas becomes possible.
• Hurricane-related flooding caused significant breaks in transmission and distribution waterlines from Mountain House Tunnel and along Hāʻao Springs Road. These waterlines are critical to moving source water to storage tanks and customers throughout the system.
• Flooding also caused significant damage to access routes leading to portions of the affected water system. Restoring safe vehicle access is necessary before crews can transport equipment and materials needed to complete repairs. A repair time frame has not yet been determined because of the extend of damage and access challenges.
• Assessment of resources, equipment and assistance needed to complete repairs as safely and quickly as possible also continues, which will provide additional information as recovery plans and timelines are established.
• The system, meanwhile, is relying on Nā‘ālehu Well and Hāʻao Springs to provide available water supply.
• Customers could experience unannounced water service interruptions until the Mountain House Tunnel waterlines are repaired and additional source water can reach the system’s storage tanks.
• Customers from South Point Road to Nā‘ālehu are asked to use water for essential needs only and avoid unnecessary water use. Conserving available supply will help maintain service for as many customers as possible while recovery work continues.
• The precautionary boil water notice remains in effect until further notice for Nā‘ālehu, Wai‘ōhinu, Discovery Harbor, Mark Twain Subdivision, Green Sands Subdivision and South Point Road.
• Potable water is available from tankers across from Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware and at the Discovery Harbor Clubhouse. Take only what you need for essential uses.
• The department recognizes the significant impact these prolonged disruptions have on the community. Customers will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available.

Pāhala

• Punalu‘u residents can obtain water from spigots on the fire hydrant fronting Kaʻū Hospital. Take only what you need for essential uses.
• Ranchers can use the 2-inch connection on the fire hydrant fronting Kaʻū Hospital to fill water tankers.