Improvements to the ʻUpolu Well are scheduled to take place next month.

The scope of work will include installation of  a pump and piping for the existing well, construction of a new water storage tank, installation of watermains, construction of an access road and installation of perimeter fencing.

Agriculture users in the North Kohala area have not had a reliable and economical water source since the Kohala Ditch system was damaged in April 2021. Improvements will help provide agriculture water for the adjacent area in with the hope of preserving agriculture production in North Kohala.

In a press release Senator Lorraine R. Inouye said,  “Improvements to the ʻUpolu Well to meet agricultural production standards are critical in ensuring the North Kohala region has a viable agricultural water source. Due to the loss of the ditch water in 2021, many agricultural users had to switch their water source to domestic water from the county’s water system which is much more expensive and cost prohibitive for their continued operations. Creating a new, affordable agricultural water source is the spark of hope the North Kohala agriculture community needs to reinvigorate the Big Island’s agricultural industry.”

Grading work is anticipated to start in September 2024, pending approval of permits. Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. is the contractor on the $5,754,610 project, which is expected to last a year.

 

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