David Y. Ige

(WAILUKU) –  During mid to late August, 2015 the Wailuku Water Company, LLC (WWC) will undertake repairs to the Waihee Ditch siphon where it crosses ʻĪao Stream.  According to the work plan, the stream needs to be nearly dry to repair the siphon and provide a safe working environment.

WWC will divert a portion of the flow of the ʻĪao Stream at the upper diversion. This work is expected to take three to four days and will be subject to the availability of supplies, work completion, and weather conditions.  During this time, the interim in-stream flow standard (IIFS) release of 10 million gallons per day (mgd) near the Hawaii Nature Center will be temporarily suspended.  After completion, water will be returned to the stream to meet the IIFS at Kepaniwai Park.

Due to safety concerns, access to the construction area will be limited.

WWC began releasing 10 mgd into ʻĪao Stream pursuant to the April 2014 Settlement Agreement in the Na Wai ‘Ehā Contested Case.  The Agreement involved Hui o Na Wai
‘Ehā, Maui Tomorrow Foundation, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company, Wailuku Water Company, the Maui County Department of Water Supply, and the State Commission on Water Resource Management.  The Agreement also included other streams in the area which will not be affected.

The Waihee Ditch provides water to both kuleana and private entities, including Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company.

This information will be posted on the Commission website (https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/cwrm).

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Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Office of the Chair
Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 130
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Tel    808-587-0407
Cell   808-295-8749
Fax   808-587-0390
[email protected]