Hilo, Hawaii – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is considering a proposal to approve the construction of fifteen rainfall runoff drainage injection wells along Kilauea Avenue in Hilo. The proposed project, submitted by the County of Hawaii, aims to improve drainage and manage rainwater runoff from the roadway.
The DOH, through its Environmental Management Division and Safe Drinking Water Branch, issued a notice of proposed action under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), Chapter 340E, and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), Title 11, Chapter 23, Underground Injection Control. The application, designated UH-3146, requests approval to construct (ATC) the wells in an area classified as an underground source of drinking water.
The proposed drainage injection wells, each with a maximum diameter of approximately ten feet and a maximum depth of approximately twenty-five and a half feet, will dispose of rainwater runoff from paved surfaces and roadways. The County of Hawaii estimates the system could handle an intermittent and variable flow, potentially reaching up to 1,421,897 gallons per day at peak flow conditions.
The proposed drainage injection wells will have a maximum diameter of approximately ten (10) feet and a maximum depth of approximately twenty-five and a half feet (25.5) feet.
Source of Waste Fluids: Rainwater runoff water from the parking lot, pavement, roof, highways, yards, or fields
According to the public notice, the wells are proposed for the following Tax Map Key (TMK) locations: 3rd Division 2-2-039: Parcels # (019, 021, 023, 025, 027, 028, 033, 041, 042, 058, 132, 133, 150). The specific location is Latitude: 19° 42′ 14.38″ N Longitude: 155° 05′ 08.05″ W.
The DOH is inviting public comment on the proposal and will consider all input received by April 30, 2025. Residents can submit written comments or requests for a public hearing to:
State of Hawaii Department of Health Environmental Management Division Safe Drinking Water Branch Uluakupu Bldg. 4 2385 Waimano Home Road, Suite 110 Pearl City, Hawaii 96782-1400
Those wishing to comment or request a hearing are encouraged to submit their requests in writing, either in person or by mail, by the deadline. Requests for a public hearing must clearly state the issues to be raised.
If the Director of Health deems there is significant public interest, a public hearing will be held, with at least thirty days’ notice provided prior to the hearing date.
The DOH will make a final decision regarding the approval after considering all comments received. If approved, the County of Hawaii can proceed with construction and testing. A permit to operate the wells will be issued after all legal requirements are met.
Copies of the application and supporting data are available for public inspection at the DOH office in Pearl City, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Electronic copies can also be requested by emailing SDWB@doh.hawaii.gov.
For more information or special accommodations due to disability, contact Iris van der Zander, Ph. D., Supervisor of the Safe Drinking Water Branch UIC Program, at (808) 586-4258 at least seven calendar days before the comment deadline.
