Water service restored to most customers in Nā‘ālehu-Wai‘ōhinu area

Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply thanks its customers for their patience and understanding as it continues assessment and recovery efforts following the catastrophic rainfall and flooding caused by Hurricane Lala.

The storm significantly damaged water system infrastructure in the Nā‘ālehu-Wai‘ōhinu area.

Here’s an update about the department’s current system status and recovery priorities.

Nā‘ālehu-Wai‘ōhinu area

Water service has been restored to most customers in the area. However, significant damage to waterlines and other infrastructure left portions of the system without water.

Department of Water Supply is prioritizing efforts to restore service to the remaining affected customers in Wai‘ōhinu Homestead and portions of the South Point Road service areas, representing about 60 accounts at this time.

Mountain House Spring Restoration — top priority

Mountain House Spring is a critical water source for the affected area. Returning this source to service is a key component of the department’s overall recovery strategy.

A contractor was secured to expedite restoration of Mountain House Spring and associated infrastructure.

Preliminary assessment shows 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 infrastructure.
• Replacement and repair of damaged waterlines, including pipelines up to 12 inches in diameter.
• 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
• Significant pipeline and road damage between the two highest-elevation Wai‘ōhinu water tanks also will 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.

The department will coordinate this work with 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 damage, including washed-out roads, drainageways and waterlines, some repairs will require substantial construction and coordination. Additional information will be provided as the repair scope, scheduling and contractor availability are confirmed.

Temporary water supply

Department of Water Supply, while permanent repairs are underway, also is taking 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 customer use.
• Installation of temporary waterlines from the Wai‘ōhinu Homestead area to the Wai‘ōhinu Houselots tank, where feasible.

Water conservation

Customers in the affected water system are are asked to conserve water during this emergency recovery period.

Additional water use restrictions could be implemented, as necessary, to help maintain available water supplies and system stability while emergency repairs are underway.

Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply, again, appreciates the continued patience and cooperation of affected customers.

Additional updates will be provided as significant recovery milestones are reached.