Holualoa, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is proposing to grant approval for the construction of a new rainfall runoff drainage injection well on Mamalahoa Highway in Holualoa. This proposed action falls under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program, which regulates activities in areas designated as underground sources of drinking water.
The DOH’s Environmental Management Division received an application from the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works for the well, which is intended to dispose of rainfall runoff from the roadway, yards, and fields near Lokepa Place. The proposed drainage injection well would have a maximum diameter of approximately 5 feet and a maximum depth of approximately 32 feet.
Project Details:
- Applicant: County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works
- Address: 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720
- Application No.: UH-3143
- Facility: Mamalahoa Highway
- Location: Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaiʻi 96725 (Near TMK Nos.: (3) 7-5-014:030 and (3) 7-5-016:029)
- Coordinates: Latitude: 19° 37′ 43.2″ N, Longitude: 155° 56′ 55.0″ W
- Activity: Construction of drywells along Mamalahoa Highway for drainage improvements, including one proposed drainage injection well for rainfall runoff disposal.
- Source of Waste Fluids: Rainfall runoff water.
The DOH’s tentative determination is to grant the approval-to-construct (ATC), which could ultimately lead to a permit to operate the well. This decision is based on a review of the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 340E, and Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 11, Chapter 23 (Underground Injection Control).
Public Comment and Hearing Request Period: Persons wishing to comment on the proposed determination or to request a public hearing should submit their comments or requests in writing no later than August 11, 2025. Submissions can be made in person or by mail to:
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health Environmental Management Division Safe Drinking Water Branch Uluakupu Bldg. 4 2385 Waimano Home Road, Suite 110 Pearl City, Hawaiʻi 96782-1400
The telephone number for the branch is (808) 586-4258. Requests for a public hearing must state the nature of the issues to be raised and meet the requirements of HAR, Section 11-23-15. The Director of Health may hold a public hearing if a significant degree of public interest is found. If a hearing is held, public notice will be given at least 30 calendar days prior.
All comments and hearing requests received by the August 11 deadline will be considered in the final determination. An extension of the 30-day comment period may be granted if adequately justified.
Copies of the application and all submitted data are available for public inspection Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. at the DOH address in Pearl City. A charge will be assessed for copies. An electronic copy of the application is also available via email by contacting the Safe Drinking Water Branch at SDWB@doh.hawaii.gov. For special needs accommodations regarding inspection or commenting, contact Iris van der Zander, Ph.D., Supervisor of the UIC Program, at the above address or phone number at least seven calendar days before the comment deadline.