KALAHEO — The county Department of Water and contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., held a blessing to commence the Kalaheo Water Systems Improvements Project late last month.
Kahu Jade Wai‘ale‘ale-Battad performed the blessing.
“This has been a long-awaited project for the Kalaheo water system, and I am grateful to our staff, contractor and consultants for their commitment and hard work thus far,” said Joe Tait, DOW manager and chief engineer.
“At the Department of Water, we are continuously focused on improving service reliability in areas of high demand for fire flow protection and in support of affordable housing.”
Funding for the $21.8 million Kalaheo Water Systems Improvements Project was provided by the state Legislature ($10.2 million), the state Department of Health Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Grant ($5.2 million) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan ($7.4 million).
“We would like to thank Senate President Ron Kouchi and the House of Representatives, and the Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch for their assistance with the funding and support of this crucial project,” said Tait.
“The grant and financing will allow us to leverage greater investments island wide so that our current customers and future generations alike will continue to enjoy safe, reliable water service.”
The Kalaheo Water System Improvements Project is the largest project in the DOW’s history, and is part of a comprehensive, long-range plan that identifies and addresses the need to upgrade aging infrastructure and conduct water system improvements island wide.
The project will be conducted in three phases along a portion of Pu‘uwai and Po‘ohiwi roads and a portion of Kikala Road. Work will include the replacement of two storage tanks, approximately 11,500 linear feet of water line, upgrades to water meter service connections, fire protection facilities and appurtenances and paving work. The project is estimated to be completed in 2025.
Engineering and construction management services are being provided by Bowers + Kubota Consulting, Inc.
DOW will communicate directly to customers in the service area about planned short-term service interruptions and traffic control implementation for the duration of the project.
Notices will be sent via Kaua‘i County Alerts and will be posted on the DOW’s Facebook page at facebook.com/KauaiDOW. Customers are encouraged to sign up to receive Kaua‘i County Alerts via Wireless Emergency Notification Service by phone, email or text at kauai.gov/KEMA or by calling 808-245-5455. Other forms of service announcements are issued via news release, by mail or door-to-door notices.
• Info: Department of Water, 808-245-5461
