DLNR NEWS RELEASE: Commission on Water Resource Management issues Emergency Authorization for flood damage on Wailuku River
Posted on Oct 7, 2016 in Latest Department News
WAILUKU) – The Commission on Water Resource Management (Commission) has issued an Emergency Authorization to Wailuku Water Company, LLC (WWC) for the purpose of repairing and conducting stream maintenance activities (i.e., debris removal) to its ‘Īao Intake on Wailuku River pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 13-169-55.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, has also issued a Nationwide Permit Verification for the removal of boulders and debris from Wailuku River to provide access to and unblock the WWC intake structure.
The heavy rains and flooding in mid-September caused extensive damage to private homeowners, the County’s Kepaniwai Park, ‘Īao Valley State Park, and mauka watershed areas. The stream channel was also altered considerably and some immediate efforts will need to be completed to protect private residences and public infrastructure.
WWC’s diversion of water from Wailuku River is a permitted use and water from this diversion supplies up to 3.2 million gallons per day to the Maui Department of Water Supply, along with WWC customers, agricultural and domestic users, and kuleana users for growing kalo.
The Maui Department of Water Supply will also be conducting repair work on a 12-inch waterline that was lost in the flood. Water from a groundwater tunnel, adjacent to the WWC diversion, provides water directly to approximately 200 residents in ‘Īao Valley and an additional 1.5 million gallons per day to the County. The work will involve heavy machinery in and along the stream channel, and helicopter work to move large equipment and supplies.
The Governor’s Emergency Proclamation, issued on September 16, 2016, suspended numerous State Statutes to provide for quick and efficient relief of the conditions created by the recent storm events.
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Media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320