WAILUA — The Kauai Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who may have been involved in vandalizing Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s water diversion site on the north fork of the Wailua River. On Oct. 18, a
WAILUA — The Kauai Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who may have been involved in vandalizing Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s water diversion site on the north fork of the Wailua River.
On Oct. 18, a KIUC contractor discovered severe damage to its infrastructure.
Police believe that sometime between Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, suspects used concrete cutting equipment to destroy part of a concrete diversion, interrupting water flow to a ditch that feeds two of KIUC’s hydro generators.
Concrete debris was allowed to fall into the stream and exposed rebar and metal cables were left behind, creating a safety hazard at a recreation site used by the public.
“This incident was a deliberate sabotage of Kauai’s electrical infrastructure,” said KIUC’s Chief Executive Officer David Bissell. “We are working with KPD, the FBI and the community to identify and arrest the perpetrators.”
KIUC holds a state permit which allows the co-op to divert water to generate renewable hydroelectric power for its customers. The water then flows back into the stream below the hydro generators. Downstream users include taro, flower, vegetable and fruit farmers, as well as cattle ranchers.
Since KIUC is a cooperative, members and ratepayers will bear the cost associated with damage, restoration and loss of energy production. Officials continue to assess the cost to repair the damage.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Police Dispatch at 241-1711, or Det. Damien McCallum, 241-1693. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call CrimeStoppers at 246-8300.
