The 2018 Kīlauea eruption caused about $40 million in damage to water infrastructure, including the loss of about 14.5 miles of waterlines in lower Puna. DWS will receive about $30 million, or 75% of the damage assessment, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on a reimbursement basis to support water infrastructure improvements.
“The Department of Water Supply is committed to investing these funds to serve Puna residents in a way that’s aligned with Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan and addresses housing and economic needs of the area,” said Keith Okamoto, DWS Manager-Chief Engineer. “We’ve identified about $55 million worth of projects for Puna, including restoration of the water line to Isaac Hale Beach Park, that could be supported by the FEMA funds, and we’d like to hear from the public to assist with finalizing these plans.”
To register for this Zoom meeting, visit https://bit.ly/punawaterprojects. Residents can also give feedback on County infrastructure investments for Kīlauea recovery at recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/revitalizepuna.
Proposed Projects & Improvements
- Waterline replacement to Isaac Hale Beach Park/Pohoiki
- Service for boat wash, spigots
- Kalapana waterline remediation
- Nānāwale waterline improvements
- Post Office Road waterline improvements
- Pāhoa Village waterline improvements
- Hawaiian Paradise Park waterline improvements
- Kea‘au well, reservoir improvements
- Kea‘au Well B-Phase 2 improvements
- Ola‘a No. 6 well generator purchase for emergency backup power and Ola‘a No. 3 well emergency transfer switch
- Ola‘a No. 3 Well B improvements for increased capacity and resilience
- Insertion valve tool and valves to increase system resilience
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment for Keonepoko Nui, Pāhoa, and Ola‘a wells.
